NWAMQG: Charity

Pink Gems: Breast Cancer Quilts Project

Each year, we create heartfelt quilts from member made blocks to honor and support those affected by breast cancer. These quilts are awarded every October.

Click the image below or click here to download the full pattern pdf instructions.

Ongoing Charity Projects

1. Pillowcases for underprivileged children

Every year, the Bland Chapel Methodist Church, in collaboration with the Rocky Branch Baptist Church, work to deliver a new pillow, new pillowcase, a couple of toys, and non perishable food items to local children in need. In the past, they have had trouble with purchased pillowcase wearing out quickly. So the members of NWAMQG have teamed up to provide sturdy, high quality pillowcases for this amazing local cause. Our goal each year continues to grow as the needs of our community continue to change. For 2024, we would like to collect 90 pillowcases. Please use fabrics that are appropriate for a child - think bright colors, fun characters, and happy prints. All pillowcases should be turned in by the November meeting (or sooner) so that they can be filled and given to their bright-eyed recipients before the holidays.

Member made pillowcase filled and ready to go!

The pattern can be found here:

Pillowcase Pattern by Toni Fenton

A video tutorial can be found here: Pillowcase Tutorial by Crafty Gemini

Any questions can be directed to Charity Programs co-chairs: Toni Fenton or Kathy Collins

2. Sew Powerful Purses for young girls in Africa

The Sew Powerful Purse Project is a global non profit charity that provides young girls in Zambia menstrual hygiene products and purses to carry them in so that they may continue their education throughout the year, uninterrupted by mother nature and lack of access to basic necessities. The NWAMQG members are participating for the 3rd year by making purses for this amazing charitable cause. Please click the link to learn more about the Sew Powerful Purse Project.

If you would like to participate, you can find the basic pattern here: Beginner Purse Pattern

3. Flannel hearts for parents/babies in local Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs)

Sometimes called Bonding Hearts, Scent Hearts, or Inspiration Hearts, the members of the NWAMQG make and collect flannel hearts to donate to local area NICU Units. These little hearts are worn by the parents inside a shirt or bra to collect the parent's scent. The hearts are then placed with the baby in the NICU so that the infant can continue to bond with their parents even if the parents are unable to be present.

Pattern resource: Inspiration Hearts - North Carolina

4. Roman's Wrap Swaddles for Families Experiencing Stillbirth

In partnership with the The Roman Woodward Foundation our guild began sewing and donating Roman’s Wraps, a soft and comforting blanket with a unique inner lining that includes a pocket to hold a flexible ice pack – allowing a stillborn baby to be held comfortably and yet be preserved longer. These wraps afford grieving families the invaluable gift of time, offering solace during the darkest of times. Guild member, Melissa Smith and her husband Jeff, suffered the devastating loss of their cherished daughter, Chloe Elizabeth, on January 10, 2025 at 37 weeks gestation. When Melissa discovered the Roman Woodward Foundation, she knew that there was no better gift than having extra time with Chloe that a Roman's Wrap would provide. At our first charity sewing event, more than 20 members made 38 Roman's Wraps to donate to hospitals throughout Northwest Arkansas. Special thanks to Cuttin’ Up Quilt Studio in Prairie Grove, AR for generously donating the Shannon cuddle, quilting cotton fabric and batting needed to construct the Roman's Wraps.

Any questions can be directed to Melissa Smith (melissadaleysmith@gmail.com).

QuiltCon Community Outreach Challenge Quilts

Every year the International Modern Quilt Guild issues a Community Outreach Challenge. The challenge is for a group or guild to create a quilt with a given theme and/or color palette. The quilt is then either donated or the proceeds from the sale of the quilt are donated to a local charitable cause. The NWAMQG members have participated in this challenge over the last several years. Below you can see the amazing charity quilts designed and made by our talented members.