Birmingham, England

In June 2009, Rotary International held their 100th International Convention in Birmingham, England.  Our Rotarian Fellowship of Quilters and Fiber Artists participated by having a fellowship booth in the House of Friendship.

Approximately 20 of our members representing a variety of countries brought or sent items for display in our booth.  The majority of the items were donated to raise funds for the Polio Plus Challenge.  Most of the items were exchanged for donations and we raised approximately $1500.00 U.S. There are still items which will be auctioned in the local Rotary District to add to the donation.

Many thanks to booth chairman, Cheryl Minshew and to our Birmingham member Lyn Trowsdale for all the work they did to set up the booth and see that everything ran smoothly.  Also, many, many thank you’s to all the members who worked 2 hours or more to staff our booth and those who donated all of the beautiful handwork to our fundraiser.  Congratulations on a job well done!

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Crocheted Rotary Wheel Pattern:

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2008 Rotary International Convention

Los Angeles, California, USA

The Rotarian Fellowship of Quilters and Fiber Artists had a fellowship booth in the House of Friendship to display their projects and let convention goers from around the world learn more about what we do.  This year the Rotary International staff made an exception and allowed our fellowship to hold a silent auction for several (two quilts and 3 afghans) which were made collectively by the majority of our members. 

The auction netted $3,000.00 US which was donated to the PolioPlus Challenge Campaign.  Twenty new members signed up for the fellowship and hundreds of pieces of literature were disseminated.  Children attending the convention were invited to come by the booth and make a painted handprint on a plain white fabric square which will be used to make children’s quilts for our next project.

The photos in this gallery were taken on June 14, 2008, the opening day of the House of Friendship.

Celebrate Rotary

The quilt was very popular with convention visitors and many wanted to take picture of it.  We also took the opportunity to tell about the Wrap-a-Smile quilts that are sent out with Rotaplast volunteers who do surgeries in 3rd world countries.  Honorary member PRIP Cliff Dochterman’s quilt was a big hit.  Good thing we had a photo of him holding up his quilt, or no one would have believed it.  As Ailsa said, “He’s not just a pretty face!”  Phyllis Giersch also displayed a beautiful antique quilt top estimated to have been made in the early 1920’s. 

Rotary Bear was donated to us from his maker Diana Bailey, but since we were unable to have a raffle or sale, he’s back in California for a little while.

Many thanks to the following members and volunteers who helped out by taking shifts in the booth:  Diana Barden, Phyllis & Gary Giersch, Marty & Dick Wyatt, Ailsa McKenzie, Donna Scarbrough, Betsy Hobbs, Sharon Bliss, Anne & Gary Parsons, Linda Campbell, Terri Clark, Pam White, Cathy Mascitelli, Diane Gallagher, Annette Emmett and Carmela Raack.

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Fellowship “CELEBRATION” Quilt

RFQFA’s first project is a “Celebration” quilt in honor of Rotary International’s 100th Birthday.  The quilt will be on display at the 2005 International Convention in Chicago and will be used to raise money for the Rotary Foundation. 

Members submitted 9 inch quilt blocks depicting their creative rendition of “Celebration”.  The blocks will be pieced together along the quilt border with sashing.  This quilt will be in a Medallion design.  In the center will be an illustration of the Chicago skyline by Phyllis Giersch.  Keep watching for progress updates.

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