CLAREMONT, N.H. — Last November, after receiving a large anonymous donation of fabric, the Claremont Makerspace launched a volunteer quilting program to create quilts for families in need. Recently, they dropped off the first batch of nine quilts to Baby Steps.
“CMS Community Quilts was created to bring like-minded people together to use our sewing skills and help local families,” said Michelle Goldsmith, Community Quilts founder.
Events are run at least twice a month, and volunteers can join the event for any portion of time. Basic sewing skills are suggested but not required.
“Our volunteer group has grown since we started in November, coming together for a special mission and creating a real community of quilters,” said Carol Tyson, CMS member and community quilter.
To date, 66 people have participated in 10 quilting events.
“There is nothing more comforting than a quilt that was made with love,” said Tammie Davis, another CMS member and quilter, who also created special labels for the quilts.
Baby Steps was selected as the nonprofit organization that would receive the donated quilts in baby, toddler and twin sizes.
“Baby Steps does so much for Claremont and we are really impressed with the far-reaching help they provide to struggling families and individuals across the region,” said Tyson. Each quilt takes roughly 30 hours of work and CMS will continue to deliver quilts as they are completed.
Robin Whitteman, executive director of Baby Steps Family Assistance, will distribute the quilts to those most in need.
“The baby quilts will be used in our Baby Blessing Baskets, which is a baby shower in a basket for new moms,” said Whitteman. “The larger quilts may go to families in need, and to those moving into new housing or to hospice. When CMS first opened in 2018, members helped make wooden toys for Baby Steps, so renewing the collaboration was a natural fit.”
As part of starting the program, CMS requested sponsors to help with storing the fabric and for purchasing the additional materials used to finish the quilts. Mascoma Bank did not hesitate to offer support.
“The Community Quilts initiative unites people through shared skills, creativity and a strong sense of community — all values that align with our mission,” said Mariah Davis, a community impact officer at Mascoma Bank. “As a sponsor, we are proud to support a program that fosters both artistic expression and connection but also uplifts another local nonprofit agency who is providing essential services to those in need.”
The Home Depot and BJs Wholesale Club also donated storage containers and supplies to assist the group. CMS expects to continue this quilting program for many years until they run out of fabric. Anyone interested in joining a Community Quilts event can register online at claremontmakerspace.org/events. The next scheduled session is April 17 from noon to 7 p.m.
TwinState MakerSpaces, Inc. is the parent company of the Claremont MakerSpace, and it is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. For more information about the Claremont MakerSpace, the CMS Community Quilts Program or to schedule a tour, please visit claremontmakerspace.org. The Claremont MakerSpace is located at 46 Main Street in Claremont, New Hampshire.
