Quilters
We are pleased to introduce you to the quilters. These incredibly resilient women have suffered from fistulas in addition to experiencing extremely difficult and impoverished lives. While all have received treatment, not every woman’s fistula has been completely healed. Still, each woman has embraced the opportunity to learn to make our quilted products and create a better life for themselves and their families.
This has required a lot of effort on their part, as none had ever picked up a hand sewing needle before joining Kenya QFE, except to maybe mend. This included our two seamstresses who could make a treadle sewing machine sing, but were more comfortable using their hands to garden. This photo of their first class learning basic embroidery stitches is a testimony to how hard they worked.
Thanks to their perseverance and the instruction of the Kenya QFE Program Director, Norah Otondo, the women are now capable of making all of our quilted products. These products, including story quilts, tote bags, and table mat sets are sold in the USA and are an important source of revenue for Kenya QFE.
Each woman has developed her own unique style of creating story quilts, using embroidery stitches and sometimes applique, to tell her story. They are made in various sizes. Larger quilts are often finished by experienced quilters in the US who add borders, backs, and bindings before selling.
Smaller quilts are either finished in the USA before selling or left unfinished. The latter are very popular with quilters who enjoy finishing themselves.
Our two seamstresses, Carol and Rose, work their magic on our treadle sewing machines to stitch together tote bags and table mat sets.
Every tote bag’s outside pocket has a unique small story quilt attached, which is a good first project as women learn to embroider. These bags have sold out!
We have sold these products in person at a variety of venues such as churches, bazaars, and quilt guilds. Watch our News Page for information about future events where you can purchase these wonderful products. If you have ideas for sales locations, please contact sharon@quiltsforempowerment.org
Now, meet our current quilters who make these beautiful products (and learn how they are using their KQFE income to become financially self-sufficient):
