🧵🌸 LET'S TALK ABOUT QUILTING FOR A CAUSE with Jennifer Mahnke - Karen's Quilt Circle

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

This is a special interview. I want to add all sorts of adjective.but I really would like it to speak for itself. So grab your sewing and a cup of tea while you listen to Jennifer's story.

[@cleementine]

"Heartwarming," would be one.

[@noelquentin57]

Admirable, strong, caring lady.

[@helenmanning8066]

I really appreciate that she wants each person to have a new, beautiful quilt made especially for them. No throwaways for them, these are not throwaway people. They need the beauty of healing and feeling special as individuals.

[@leslieinadress]

I completely understand that sentiment but to take it further. Women are often exploited in the fabric making process so I feel like using the fabric that already exists in the world rather than further contributing by purchasing by buying new adds another layer. No judgement toward her at all, just something to think about. One can still plan a beautiful quilt with donated items. On the other hand I teach sewing women at a recovery house. We have a lot of donations of things that we simply cannot use. Having stipulations around what is appropriate to be donated is absolutely appropriate. Just my thoughts on the subject.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

@@leslieinadress And what someone doesn't like another will love, between pattern, color palette, etc. For example I like bright colors, others like muted.

[@billayers2190]

I started quilting about 2 years ago. My oncotherapist suggested that I learn a new hobby. I use it to help my cognitive skills. I have had 2 rounds of brain cancer.

[@addelinebell6158]

Wish you well and may God bless you.

[@juliemccall8366]

Giving the gift of a quilt is giving more than just a blanket. A quilt is not only a useful gift, but also a continual reminder that someone cared enough to hand make an item that gives the recipient warmth and comfort.

[@jackiemobley8529]

Wow, such a beautiful lady, inside and out. Great interview, Karen. Thank you so much, Jennifer, for your kindness and generosity. Be blessed.

[@mamajoe1226]

This interview really moved me. I can relate, unfortunately. I am a beginner and I find that quilting is healing my broken soul.

[@aprilbaxter2578]

This young woman has a wonderfully giving heart! She has the love and support of all who are reading about her. This was an excellent topic, and an excellent interview.

[@KellieinItalynow]

Bravo! Beautiful interview. I am so glad to know of this lovely ministry for hurting women who need to be hugged, loved, and prayed for. I'm grateful for the opportunity to hear Jennnifer's precious heart! More like this please! Let's lift each other up as we quilt and create at home.

[@karenhartzell7827]

Thank you Karen, for allowing Jennifer to share her story. She truly motivates us to share our talents with others.

[@helenmorgan4003]

I started a craft group over 10 years ago for one lady who said she wished there was somewhere she could just come together with other women. Our group is called Refresh & Bloom we mostly quild, stitch and knit but over the years one lady has made over 300 knee quilts for a hospic so that they can go over the patience when in wheel chairs, I have totally lost count of how many quilts our group has donated to women's shelter, kids in care, we have just donated a quilt to every lower class kid in our local special school as well as disaster relief. I bought out the left over fabrics from two shops that closed, so a lot of the fabric comes from my bludging stash as well as donations, and we have also made a lot of hero quilts iver the years. We live in a rural area of South Australia so have made a great effort for charities, we meet from 10-3 every Wed. We have a great mix of ages and life walks, every one contributes in so many ways. I would encourage all quilters to look for a group where the focus is on giving not just quilts but mutual support, skill sharing and encouragement.💞

[@barbararowe771]

What a gentle-souled lovely woman with vital things to say, both through her own testimony and through her quilts. Very important, inspirational interview, Karen. Thank you.

[@kathyvazquez3601]

Giving hope to someone who desperately needs it is a TREMENDOUS gift and ANYONE who dedicates themselves to this purpose is to be commended. The fact that Jennifer gives of herself in this way is inspiring and I pray God continues to bless her and her efforts.

[@bethotoole6569]

Karen, Such a wonderful interview.. very special lady. Thanks again for this amazing series.

[@marybennett2686]

Truly inspiring! Thank you Pat and Jennifer!

[@susiescalia2469]

Jennifer's sweet spirit shows in her unselfish and giving intentions. I pray that every quilt offers the recipient a reminder of the peace and love that are still out there for them. Thank you for doing this interview.

[@beverleyhasler1521]

What a beautiful Christian lady who has brought herself from an horrific time in her life to a place where she can make a difference in many shattered women’s lives showing love and understanding. To surround these women with beautiful new quilts is a blessing to them. Wonderful interview and one I feel I will watch again.

[@maryharlow2123]

Thank you . I appreciate the work that Jennifer is doing. Healing for her & healing for the recipients of her beautiful quilts. One of the main reasons I joined a quilt guild is their connection to community projects. It is extremely rewarding.

[@cs2178]

A wonderful interview that has given me more insight into the role that donated quilts take in the lives of the recipients, as well as those of the makers. Thank you!

[@terrytt2932]

What a kind, gentle, beautiful soul Jennifer is... wonderful interview. Thank you!

[@carolturnerrd]

A difficult topic that was turned into a blessing by this quilter. Thank you for the push outside of the comfort of our bubble

[@joyceshutts3461]

My friend and I got a group together a year ago and made 974 quilts for the flood victims of Nebraska. It was humbling experience. We just finished quilting for critically ill children. it is a humbling and gratifying experience to do for others.

[@michellecornum5856]

This is good work. Very important work.

[@karonray2990]

I have always believed that we are here to give. When I give a quilt and I don't know the person who will receive it, a part of me is still heart warmed in a way that is hard to explain. The quilts that are going to shelters I call "Quilt Hugs".

[@karimadawood3366]

Thanks Karen excellent interview. Yes I would love to donate quilts in the future. Very inspirational& generous lady.🇨🇦

[@deborahprairiestitcher]

Amazing person....she has such a beautiful presence. Thanks for the interview

[@gaillouviere8471]

Thank you for this great interview. She is a beautiful person doing such beautiful work!

[@akapody]

Jennifer is a special person. She has a great direction in her life. I just started quilting a year ago. Being stuck at home I wanted something new to do. I'm constantly being inspired by all of you. Thanks for sharing with us. 😊

[@nancyguss6739]

What a great interview. Thank you Jennifer.

[@maureenhaggard6897]

I am really enjoying this series. All of your videos have been interesting, informative and quite enjoyable. Thanks Karen.

[@cindyleis1195]

My favorite circle interview so far! Because it was such a heart-talk not just information. Here in the states we do them for Quilts of Valor, Senior Living Centers, Pregnancy Centers, Cancer patients and housing units, etc. So many hurting people is a TRUTH! Thank you for bringing this to mind again with your talk.

[@mariabrenneman8881]

Outstanding interview, Karen. It is very true, quilting for others brings a sense of purpose to the quilter and provides a sense of community and love for the receiver. I have been associated with Project Linus making quilts and fleece blankets for children, so rewarding. This interview has energized me.

[@sowinglight1960]

I'm a member of the local Project Linus too. I love being able to support my community. I sure miss the in person meetings though during these times of social distancing. I am always so inspired by the other members. So often I've seen their quilts and said to myself, "I would have never thought to use that fabric in that way, but it looks great!" lol. Loved this interview

[@mariabrenneman8881]

@@sowinglight1960 That's wonderful. I am in Albuquerque, NM, and learned about PL in Reston, VA when I was living there. I look forward to meeting members locally once meetings start again.

[@sowinglight1960]

@@mariabrenneman8881 Cool. I'm in Williams, Az, but the nearest PL group is in Prescott. I learned about PL while in California, but didn't join until I retired and moved here. I visited a quilt shop in Santa Fe- it's fun. Would like to visit Virginia someday.

[@mariabrenneman8881]

@@lauraoneal5146 Hi Laura, Sorry for responding just now, but I just saw your post. Glad you located a PL chapter near you; it is a great organization that supports children in need. When I lived in Reston, VA, we used to get together to make no-sew fleece blankets, but I quilted blankets on my own to donate to PL. Here in New Mexico, we get together every month and bring our donated quilts and do a show-and-tell. We also get together to make isolette blankets for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UNM hospital. I didn't know that quilting was such a big thing here in NM, but I am so pleased with it. I have been quilting for several years, but I am still learning and my quilts are not perfect, but I do my best. There are so many youtube videos that you can watch that will help you a lot. Good luck with your quilting.

[@melissariner7210]

Thank you Karen for bringing Jennifer to us.

[@marcellarodriguez7955]

Thank you for sharing that personal interview. I think everyone needs some type of therapy and connection regardless of where we are in life and it’s important that we recognize how important we are to each other and how we could impact another human being. Sometimes people are so busy just being busy that don’t realize the importance of human connection.🙏🏼❤️💐

[@Coastalanne54]

i love this interview and feel quilts for people in need is wonderful! our guild in Central Alberta make charity quilts for all sorts of people in need . Donating a little time is so rewarding and there are so many wonderful charities or causes that a little love of a quilt, placemat , mug rug are all appreciated. Giving is so beneficial!

[@michelewilliams3926]

Such a sweet thoughtful lady and an inspiration to give to others that need a quilt hug. That's truly the best part of making for others is to give them something made with love. We sew that in when we're making it. Thanks Karen, this interview was a blessing to watch.

[@judithaaron6985]

What a warm, sweet spirit in Jennifer! She’s a person one would love to sit and visit over coffee/tea. Karen, where do you find all these interesting people?

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

One of Jennifer's quilting friends sent me her contact info

[@marykaske243]

A very inspiring interview. I would have like to see one of her quilts. She probably gave them all away.

[@reneesmith2665]

I too am a survivor of abuse and found creating helped me heal and continues to help me heal. Crafting is gift from God and when you create for others it is so healing.

[@maureenkomperda3421]

Karen, Jennifer really is passionate about her charity causes. Quilts are a great soother and stabilizer for the women and children of this world. These are quilts of hope and love. A very moving interview. Great job.

[@franpatzcraig6713]

Thank you so much for doing this interview. I have known Jennifer for several years and, yes, she is just as sweet and thoughtful as she comes across in the interview. I am one of those she has helped to get started in quilting.

[@carmenbailey1560]

Wow, this video really pulls at ones heart strings. I have a hard time thinking why someone would take a youth for sex trafficking, or be abusive to another human being young or old, so very sad. I can’t imagine what their life would be like. This video is definitely going to impact a lot of people, hopefully in a way maybe we can all do something positive to help someone in need. Thanks for sharing Karen 👍❤️😊

[@sarasmith1284]

This is my favorite Karen't Quilt Circle so far. I can also relate. I am a beginner quilter, but I am motivated to help. Thank you so much for doing this interview. Would love to see more interviews of other quilters and the ways and organizations that they sew for.

[@margueriterichard5045]

As a quilter who makes donation quilts, thanks for this affirming video! I make quilts for the chemotherapy unit at Whitehorse General Hospital as well as for the local mental health office. It’s the most satisfying thing I do.

[@ravensmokedancer8242]

This one made me cry. I love quilt people....

[@carolynhenderson8413]

I truly enjoyed this portion..this too is something that I have wanted to do ..I want to give someone back a ray of hope.. I just a small person that is at the age .. I need help to learn how to get it organize..

[@carolynhenderson8413]

Yes this is an emotional...this section really has said what we all need to do...this is help others...

[@christinesellar3866]

Thanks Karen for this interview. I am lucky to belong to a group that makes quilts to give to people, old and young, who need them. We call them fabric hugs . Cheers from Melbourne.

[@trishkaking]

Thank you Karen. Quilters are amazingly generous people, I never cease to be amazed. We all have our own 'thing' that drives us & until I watched this I didn't make my own personal connection about why my quilts go to aged care nursing homes ( my beautiful Nan who rescued & raised my sister & I). Much love & many thanks for your videos.

[@bctracy8296]

Beautiful interview. It made me remember all of the quilts that I've donated to various places. As well, I understand the math thinking. It allows me to measure my progress as I work.

[@charleneclement2902]

Thank you for sharing. 💙

[@harwoodc98]

I love hearing about people who sew to help other people. I sew for Sew Powerful purse (sewpowerful.org) - the purses are sent to Zambia where seamstresses there make personal hygiene products. The purses are package with those, panties, and soap (which is also made in Zambia) and given to girls during health classes to help the girls stay in school. I feel if they stay in school they will be less likely to be victims of human trafficking.

[@lisastewart2861]

I find it amazing that one purse can change a girl's life. It is an awesome organization.

[@angelamaddux2917]

Your best interview to this point in my opinion because of her sweet and gentle passion for the women that she quilts for. I love the comparison of broken pieces coming together. Powerful ending with the call to action!

[@evamehrotra1064]

Absolutely inspirational guest! Her passion just radiates. A truly awesome guest. I’m off to work on some quilts for my cancer center. (My soft spot!)

[@susanmartinez1485]

Karen, the timing of this is interview is perfect. I have decided to sew some charity quilts thinking that I would show love and caring. Jennifer’s kindness, warmth and sincerity certainly came through the interview. I wish her many of God’s blessings. And thank you to you Karen, for finding her and introducing her to all of us. God bless.

[@carolyncampbell6149]

What an inspiring interview. This young woman’s love and generosity just shines. I love that she wants everyone to have a new quilt. Thankyou for this Karen. My machine needs new feed dogs and I can’t get it fixed during the lockdown but I can’t wait to get started again and I now know who I’ll be making my next quilt for.

[@boojangles]

Thank you for shedding light on this topic! It's one that's near to my heart. As always, adore your content.

[@gwynwellliver4489]

My friend's mother passed away this winter. We started making quilts for the hospice where her mother passed away. It has been a great way to use up scraps, strips, and fqs to make colorful, tasteful patchwork. I make tops and my friend puts them together. I even have a local place to get high quality cotton for half the price. 1 yard at $7/yard for a quilt back.

[@garnettasmith1717]

I searched the local Goodwill for cotton skirts made of quality fabrics to deconstruct to use for quilting. You can find unique patterns not found at fabric stores!

[@quilt4fun]

Wonderful podcast! We have all been given so much and what a joy to give back❤️ I started a group to make quilts for children with terminal illnesses at our local children’s hospital and this has made me want to expand to our local women’s crisis center. Thank you for this podcast!,❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@nitababcock3977]

Unfortunately it is a problem in today society. Love the interview. I just have so many thoughts but I can't put into words!

[@cassieoz1702]

It's likely ALWAY been a problem, not an issue of 'today's society'

[@chriscabana1897]

Excellent interview. Thank You for bringing it to us 💖 💖💖

[@katesterling8915]

So interesting. Such a loving, generous and strong woman. Great thought provoking interview ♡

[@MelindaInStitches24]

Wonderful interview. Thank you

[@maxiedoodle]

What a beautiful soul❤️

[@deborahcolman3035]

Jennifer is such a beautiful person 💝. And as you say Karen, she’s very generous as you are yourself. Thank you for this important and impactful talk 💝

[@czeidman8908]

What a wonderful person. I hope that she is able to achieve all her dreams.

[@HarrietHensley]

Thank you for doing this interview. My mojo has been missing and now I know why..... I use to donate quilts and then for some reason I lost thqt and that is what I need to do again.

[@luannebrien9971]

INSPIRED! What a beautiful soul. She is truly changing lives. Just as you are too Karen, sharing the ideas that can grow. Sewing with Love in every stitch.

[@flutterbear2174]

Thank you for sharing your story. God bless

[@elizabethsawyer5906]

What a beautiful person Jennifer is💕

[@aliceveenema]

I so appreciate this lovely interview. Thank you.

[@janolson4579]

I started making quilts after my mom passed away going on 6 years ago. I've given around a dozen of them to womens and homeless shelters. I think my mom would be proud of me. Wish I would have quilted with her.

[@friedapetrey8025]

When I was a new quilter, my first 9 quilts went to a shelter for battered women. Some of the quilts were for children who came with ther moms. Now, thru my church, I make lap quilts for nursing home patients. After covid is over, I plan to visit the home and patients. Many do not have family or visitors. Thank you for a great interview.

[@pattycarifio9475]

This is such a wonderful interview and she is such a blessing

[@nildamager1649]

Jennifer is a wonder human. Made me think about the quilts I can give and donate to someone in need💕

[@createthememories5381]

Great interview, and a great topic. Thank you Karen & Jennifer ❤️

[@carol1derful]

Thank you, Jennifer & Karen, for inspiring me to reach out beyond my own loved ones to those who really need an extra measure of love! I live in Connecticut and will check out the volunteer training 💖

[@amydull4386]

Very moving, thank you

[@lanellehatcher561]

Powerful interview. Thank you for sharing. I do charity quilts for Quilts for Kids. The quilts are a little smaller and I can fmq them on my sit down machine. It's very rewarding. Thank you again for sharing.

[@elieensmith6185]

Thank you. That was interesting. Listening to the interview it was nice to there are other people like me. I've been in a group that make quilts for cancer patients in the hospital. Eileen.

[@annataylor7226]

Wonderful, moving interview. One of my goals for when I retired was to make useful and beautiful items to donate. I started a list of various needed items that included baby blankets, chemo blankets and hats, knitted knockers, etc. I retired just over a year ago in November. I haven't yet started on my list as the pandemic started soon after. Instead, I sewed and donated three-layer masks to multiple organizations and individuals. I am looking forward to starting on my earlier list. ❤

[@jeannepickrel8354]

This was a wonderful interview. Touched my heart in such a tremendous way. Karen you have a real talent with interviewing.

[@pmajeres6441]

Wonderful, inspiring interview! Thank you!! I so very much want to do this for children who are fighting cancer and also for women who are survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Both of these are very personal to me but I don't know how to begin. I reached out to a children's charitable organization but shockingly got NO response. I will continue trying!!

[@quiltdiva553]

P. Majeres. Quilt Beyond Borders will be very happy to receive your quilts for children. Awesome organization. I piece and quilt for them since 2012.

[@pmajeres6441]

@@quiltdiva553 thank you! Do I google it to reach them to find out more?

[@quiltdiva553]

@@pmajeres6441 Yes, quiltsbeyondborders.com

[@cassieoz1702]

When I started qjilting, I used to make quilts for wrapping stillborn babies at the local hospital, and most were buried/cremated wrapped in them. We added a small, pot-holder sized finished block in the same fabrics that the parents kept as a memento.

[@jshipard54]

What a delightful young lady. ❤️

[@brendafrye5875]

Beautiful interview. Thank you 😊 💓

[@susancook5302]

I just went to Jennifer's web site. I sent her an email asking how to contact her. I can no longer make large quilts myself, so I want to make a contribution to her effort. She is doing such a wonderful thing. I have been blessed with a life that didn't i8nclude physical abuse. So I want to help those who have. God bless all of you.

[@mssixty3426]

Wow - so uplifting! Thank you.

[@lindacoram5139]

Loved the interview. I have, during my quilting life, found that quilters are very generous and usually find a charity that they love. The little group that I am in now is making small quilts for a women's shelter. My local shop donated a ton of fabric to us so that is what we are using.

[@Fallbaskets]

Thank you for doing this, awareness of this topic is not pretty, but it brings attention to stop this crime against children.

[@juliemorrison4348]

Thank you Karen for another great interview with an inspiring woman. Jennifer's strength in being able to discuss her abuse and rise above it was moving. I have donated quilts in the past and it was such a rewarding experience to see them on beds in a newly opened Ronald McDonald house in country NSW Australia. 🇦🇺

[@maryking9815]

So inspiring.

[@deenamoody8162]

Karen, another great interview. Thank you.

[@susangibbons312]

Really, there are so many people in need, it's just a matter of finding a conduit to help them. It sounds like Jennifer made her own conduit, which is wonderful. Most guilds have charity associations, and mine makes quilts for a local institution that temporarily houses foster children. Many of those kids have little or nothing of their own, and I make a habit of making at least one quilt per year to contribute to them. We also do Quilts of Valor for veterans, and we can contribute either completed quilts, quilt tops, or 12" red/white/blue blocks to that charity.

[@lindahamon6183]

A wonderful interview. I know all about the feeling good aspect of donating quilts. I work with a group of fantastic women (from super experienced to newbie) making lap quilts for our local hospital's palliative care and cancer patients. We have 2 ladies who do most of the cutting and preparing kits. We are fortunate to receive financial donations from service clubs and local churches. We met monthly in a church hall (until Covid hit) to work on our quilts and now continue to sew/quilt at home. It isn't nearly as much fun.

[@pamelawebb8131]

This made me teary-eyed...this is so wonderful!! Something along the same lines I want to do in my future (maybe when retirement comes??)

[@vickitrevino9738]

Thank you for such an inspiring interview. Found a kindred spirit that thinks in rainbow 🌈 order!

[@suzannelanteigne1747]

Thank you for sharing this

[@grammy0f868]

There is a group of people here in Central FL, who make kits for children who have been taken from their home for various reason. They can not take anything with them. These quilt kits are call "Their very Own Kilts. these kits are passed out to quilting clubs.

[@sandramyer7081]

what a GREAT idea! kits fun to do annd learn!

[@patriciahomer5342]

What a beautiful special person she is.

[@kdramsey965]

Absolutely wonderful interview; truly inspiring

[@laurieheine3044]

This was truly special!! ❤️❤️🙏🥰 So inspiring and it just made my heart explode with ideas to help various charities in need of such an amazing gift 💝 The love, warmth and security that must flood through people getting wrapped in these quilts.. 🥰🥰❤️❤️Absolutely beautiful! Thank you Karen for this! This will truly change people’s lives!! 🙏🙏🥰🥰❤️

[@sharonpeck88]

I first began making lap quilts for family but later had enough scraps to make baby quilts so I have been sending them to a home for women where pregnant girls in crisis go to have their baby and are surrounded by caring folks who help them integrate back into society later. I have made quilts in pastels, primary colors and one in red/white/blue. They have all been unique one of a kind and I usually put some thought into making some type of unique pattern based on the scraps I have. Sometimes I've had to purchase some white on white background fabric or a fat square to round things out but that is part of the fun as I use other things up.

[@jamieherman7670]

So inspiring!