Operation: Re-Guild Joplin

I've been out of the office for the last few days attending some continuing education courses.  I met up with my friend, Kathy Runyan, from The Quilt Shoppe in Stewartsville, Missouri.  On her way to Texas for class, Kathy passed through Joplin, Missouri which was hit by an F-5 tornado on May 22.  The devastation she encountered made her pull over and weep!

All photos courtesy of Kat Runyan

The last photo is the church where the Joplin Quilter's Guild used to meet.  Take a deep breath.  What if that was your guild's home?

Many great and necessary relief efforts have begun for the people of Joplin.  But during our class, we wondered, "What about the quilters?".  What would we do if we lost everything that had to do with the craft that gives us joy, peace, and a sense of comfort?  Where would we begin?

We began brainstorming ideas.  Operation: Re-Guild Joplin was born. 

The Quilt Asylum is proud to be partnering with The Quilt Shoppe and Stitchin' Heaven in Quitman, TX to collect supplies from quilters like you and me for quilters in Joplin.  We are contacting our vendors for large quantities of things like rotary cutters, rulers, and mats.  But that's just a start.  We are asking you to help us gather fabrics, notions, patterns, books and any other items you think a quilter would need to make a new start.  We will be collecting items until July 31, when we plan to ship or deliver them to The Quilt Shoppe in Stewartsville for a trailer delivery to Joplin.

If you'd like to mail something directly to The Quilt Shoppe in Missouri, here's their address:

Operation Re-Guild Joplin

c/o The Quilt  Shoppe

188 Hill St.

Stewartsville, MO  64490

This is a perfect opportunity to go through your sewing room and gather up items you no longer want or have duplicates of. We appreciate any and all assistance you are willing to provide!