DES MOINES — The Iowa State Fair Fabric and Threads Department is seeking fabric donations and volunteers for the seventh annual Iowa State Fair Sew-In. The free program offers fairgoers a chance to try their hand at simple sewing and quilting while providing warm blankets to local children in need.
In 2015, the Sew-In program is in need of the following:
- Donations of five-inch wide strips (cut with the fabric)
- Donations of 2 yards of fabric in all-cotton juvenile prints and patterns for quilt fronts and backings
- Donations of cash will be accepted to help cover the costs of quilt batting and materials
- Volunteer sewing assistants to help fairgoers make the simple strip quilts.
All donations can be dropped off at the Competitive Events Department in the Administration Building on the Fairgrounds or mailed to the Iowa State Fair Competitive Events Department: P.O. Box 57130, Des Moines, IA 50317-0003. All donations should be labeled for the Sew-In Project.
Volunteers are asked to commit to four hour shifts. A site supervisor will be on-hand to supply materials and help with machines. All sewing assistants will receive one parking pass and an admission ticket to the fair.
Volunteers at 2014 State Fair Sew-In completed 350 quilts as a part of the Des Moines Area Quilt Guild education committee. This year’s quilts will be donated to children at the Angel Tree Camps, Children’s Behavioral Health Unit at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Youth and Emergency Shelter Services, and other agencies that serve children. Since the Sew-In began in 2009, volunteers have created 1,644 quilts for children at the Angel Tree Camps, University of Iowa, Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Blank Pediatric Oncology Clinic, Youth Emergency Shelter, Beloit Children’s Services and Lutheran Social Services of Iowa.
The Sew-In will be open daily during the Fair from 9 am to 9 pm in the south hallway of the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building. Fairgoers are invited to stop in and try their hand at quilting basics (no experience necessary). Each participant will receive a commemorative pin for their efforts.
Persons who are interested in donating, volunteering or receiving more information about the Sew-In, can contact Dorothy Faidley by phone at 515-994-2039 or by email at dorothyfaidley@gmail.com
