Casa’s Quilters Group Gives Back
Casa de las Campanas, the only Type A not-for-profit Life Plan Community in San Diego County is fortunate to have among its residents a very vibrant and loving quilting group whose motto is: “Friendship and Helping Others Thru Sewing.”
During the recent pandemic, the quilting group members worked together to design and fabricate unique and colorful face masks for residents to use to help minimize the spread of the virus. The wide variety of masks in assorted designs and colors helped to maintain a friendly atmosphere among the residents during that very trying time.
After making a couple of thousand face masks, the group found itself with piles of scrap material left over. Not wanting to waste the fabric, they hit upon a new way to support their resident friends and neighbors by making quilts for each resident who reached the century mark; that is those residents who were celebrating their 100th birthday.
Casa already has a festive party each month for those celebrating a birthday but presenting a “Reflection of a Century Quilt” to residents reaching their 100th year helps to make the monthly party even more special for all who attend.
The Casa Quilters make sure that the design of each quilt incorporates aspects of the life of the resident who is the recipient of their present. For example, the quilt for 100-year-old Fred M depicts military aircraft as a tribute to his lengthy career in the US Air Force.
The design of the quilt made for resident Jane P has squares containing her favorite red cardinal.
Resident Packy N loves his quilt that highlights his life in The Windy City – Chicago where he was born, raised and spent a portion of his working life.
The Casa Quilters also make and present to each recipient a decorative matching tote bag to store their quilt in.
In addition to making quilts, the group enjoys helping residents who need repairs or minor alterations to their clothing. They also support local San Diego area charities. Each year, they support animals in need by making and donating tote bags to the local Humane Society and the Helen Woodward Animal Center. They make placemats and tote bags for Meals on Wheels, an organization that provides meals to seniors. Additionally, they make small quilts and bibs for Gently Hugged, an organization that supports mothers and babies in need.
The Casa Quilters meet every Monday morning in the Casa Craft Studio, after which they head to the Casa Bistro for lunch and lively discussions.
It is easy to see why their motto is: “Friendship and Helping Others Thru Sewing.”
