Unexpected Pleasures

In February Cara of Cara Quilts held a Charity Challenge to encourage quilters to donate to shelters for abused women/children or the homeless.  I never got a chance to blog about it, but I put together 3 canvas tote bags filled with basic toiletries and brought it to the closest Women's shelter. The items were things we take for granted, but need in our daily lives.  Each of the bags held:  a toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, a bath scrubby, body lotion, body wash, a bar of soap, lip balm, and deodorant.   My husband and I also brought a large shopping bag with extra toiletries, canned goods and old cell phones which the center converts to be used for calls to 911.   It wasn't a big deal for us since we try to buy extra items when they are on sale to donate through our church.

Over 200 people responded to Cara's Challenge.  She held a drawing and her sponsors provided lovely prizes.  I was lucky enough to receive a $50 gift certificate provided by 1 Choice 4 Quilting.  I was thrilled to visit Shawna's  lovely online shop and chose a French General Maison de Garance jelly roll and 4 Fig Tree Strawberry Fields charm packs. When the package arrived 3 days later there was a pretty Thank You card and a package of Schmetz quilting needles inside.  I immediately opened one of the Strawberry Fields packs.  It's a beautiful collection.

Sarah over at Confessions of A Fabric Addict gave away 2 Moda Jelly Rolls as part of the Hands to Help Charity Challenge and I was lucky enough to win the Origins by Basic Grey jelly roll donated by Judi of Green Fairy Quilts.  Thank you to these generous bloggers for encouraging others to support people in need.  I can't wait to use these very special fabrics.