For several months Riley Blake Designs has worked closely with the charity Wrap Ukraine With Quilts to send fabric, supplies, and quilts to Ukrainian refugees.
This month, along with a group of sewist from throughout the United States, our very own Riley was able to travel to Poland to do service work for the refugees coming from Ukraine.
The trip had two main purposes: to give quilts to each refugee and to set up a sewing center! The sewing center’s main purpose is to teach sewing skills that will enable people to make their own goods to hopefully sell and earn their own income. With the help of the charity, an Etsy shop is being created so that the refugees have a platform to sell on.
The refugees were very grateful to receive the quilts and even more touched when they understood the stories behind the quilts. Most refugees have never heard of the word ‘quilt’ and there is no word to translate it into Ukrainian. But it was explained to them that each quilt was handmade by quilters from the United States who wanted to show their love and support for them through these handmade gifts.
Once the Sewing Center was set up, groups of Ukrainian women came to learn from the volunteer sewists. There were several different projects being taught at the center-baby blankets, quilts, zipper bags, etc. The center will continue to be open so more classes can be taught and these women can make their own items to be sold.
BYU TV heard about the work that we are doing for Ukraine and wanted to share the story. Kirby, the host from Making Good, and his camera crew came along on this trip to document the work being done. The episode will premiere in early April on BYU TV for any interested and learning more about this experience.
We are grateful to be involved with such an incredible organization and support our fellow quilters around the world! Interested in learning more?