Quilting: A Source of Independence

Final Report -- February 28, 2009

 

The Community Technology Minigrant has made a difference in the ability of Preston County Literacy Volunteers to provide services for the adult learners that we serve in that PCLV now has the capacity to take the local quilting effort to the next level.  The design of the quilt group is to build reading and math skills through the art of quilting as well as gain self-esteem and employability skills.  With that in mind and the current economy, many females are at home caring for small children or elder adult family members.  This quilting operation is the chance to get a break from the house as well as make presents for family members and market their homemade products.  Our level of success has been less than expected in that our Vista member completed her term. The next Vista was to continue this project; however, the position is still open to date.  Efforts are being made to fill this position as soon as possible.

Weather and manpower or perhaps in this case woman power have been the largest obstacles in limiting the success of this project.  Preston County has adverse weather conditions.  Many of the core quilters will not travel in inclement weather.  The lack of a Vista Leader has also made motivation difficult to get tasks completed as PCLV has about 10 hours of dedicated staff service and the rest is addressed by over worked volunteers.

There is great interest in the machine and long arm quilter.  Clorinda Ammons, a professional operator of a long arm machine from the Sew Inn in Morgantown, has visited the machine and given advice on how to best operate the machine.  She is setting up training with quilt group instructors Bev Tasker and Debbie Cress. We never dreamed that we would not be able to fill the Vista member position, which partially caused the stall in the project.  The previous Vista has stepped in and helped with the completion of the grant reporting.

The biggest lesson we have learned from this project is that PCLV needs to strongly look at their capacity to complete projects in a timely fashion.  With few volunteers, the weather and the distance of the county it is often hard to get things rolling when the talent is spread across many miles of road.

 

PCLV addresses the needs of the 8,000 adults in Preston County that did not learn to read or did not graduate high school -- a staggering 36% of the adult population.  Being a rural county, there are often limitations to employment, transportation, and possibility.  Through a Vista member, PCLV began to look at various forms of group instruction and team building.  From that review, a beginning quilt group was begun.  The goal at that time was to have a series of classes teaching reading and math skills in a non-traditional fashion.  This would increase the skill set on several fronts such as time management; have the supplies and materials to work on a project; being able to communicate with a supervisor and team on how to complete a project; the increase in self-esteem from participation; finally completing something in life that was tangible. Often low level readers are not able to complete tasks.  Some women in Preston County face domestic abuse situations where they are not allowed to go to one-on-one tutoring as an increased educational level will change the dynamics of the household. But attending a group event is not viewed as a threat to the abuser.

 

When the first thoughts were undertaken to start the quilt group a blurb was put out to the local media seeking sewing machines and material.  PCLV received 3 truckloads of material and 7 sewing machines, which were then given to those who did not have a machine and so it began. 

 

In 2005 a long arm quilter was obtained for the quilt group through another grant. Now, thanks to the funding received from the Community Technology Minigrant, the group was finally able to purchase a much needed specialized sewing machine made especially for the long arm quilter, thus enabling PCLV to take the local quilting effort to the next level.

 

Additionally, the Quilt Group sets up elaborate displays each year at the Preston County Buckwheat Festival promoting adult literacy; has attended training outside WV on the use of the long arm quilter; orchestrated a trip to the largest quilt show in the world to Paducah Kentucky.  This year a 2nd beginning quilt group has started at the Methodist Church in Kingwood under the leadership of Vicki Graham and Janet Collins.

 

For more information on Preston County Literacy Volunteers, a member of the United Way Family, call 304.296.3400 or e-mail pclv@comcast.net.

 

 

Project Budget Expenses

Actual Expenses               Difference            

1 Sewing Machine for long arm quilter          $2,499.00

$2,499.00                                 -0-

2 Bobbin winder                                              $99.00

$99.00                                      -0-

3 Stitch length regulator                                 $600.00            

$600.00                                    -0-

5 Shipping                                                      $145.00

$154.00                                   $9.00

6 Training/mileage                                         $500.00

 

7 Promotional Supplies/Web Site Upgrade     $1,000.00

 

Additional supplies needed for project                -0-

$155.30                                    $155.30

TOTAL                                                          $4,843.00

$3,507.30                           $1,335.70