outreach
Tag Archives: outreach
This December, we continue our quarterly community outreach projects with Peaceful Pillows for Hospice. Peaceful Pillows are small pillows designed to give comfort to those in their final days. We will be making pillows in two sizes. The larger pillows are used by loved ones and Hospice staff to ease the stress on the body caused by lying down for long periods of time. The small pillows can ease agitation and give grasping hands something to hold onto. So, take a break from the hustle and bustle of December and stop by for an hour, the afternoon, or the evening on Monday, December 12th, to make a pillow or three. We will be at Silk Road Textiles from noon until 8:30 to sew. All ages and skill levels are welcome. We’re making it simple. No need to worry about what to bring. All materials are provided, but you are welcome to bring fabric pieces or stuffing if you like. Fabric will be cut into 6″ x 4″ for small pillows and approximately 11″ x 9″ or 22 x 9″ for the larger pillow.
In March of 2016, Silk Road Textiles agreed to host a Knitted Knockers Donation project here in Cincinnati. The project’s goal is to supply the Good Samaritan Hospital Breast Center and the UC Barrett Center with “Knitted Knockers.” Knitted Knockers are hand knitted or crocheted breast prosthetics given to any patients who have had mastectomy surgery. These knockers are free to any patient who wants one. Our project supports local needs. So far 104 knockers have been donated at Silk Road Textiles for our Cincinnati collection. Ruth Barry, Co-Chair and Volunteer Extraordinaire, dropped off the start-up Knocker Kits to both Breast Centers in October to huge “thank yous” and lots of enthusiasm. Now that the centers have the initial supply of knockers, we are responsible to keep each location stocked with a minimum of 4 knockers of each size, A-E cup. We have invited knitters and crocheters from all over the city to help us meet the need for new knockers on a regular basis. We ask that you continue to knit or crochet knockers as you see fit. Remember, when you drop off a pair of knockers we give you 10% off your next knocker yarn purchase. We have also received donations of several bags of poly-fil stuffing for this project from some of our fiber sisters that sew or quilt but do not knit/crochet. For those of you knitting or crocheting knockers for distribution, don’t forget to leave the back open about the size of a quarter and leave a 6 inch tail. This allows the recipient to adjust the stuffing as needed. Check out our Knitted Knockers page for more details. THANK YOU again for making a real difference to women everywhere!
The sensory quilts (or fidget quilts), made at Silk Road Textiles on the Longest Day (June 20, 2016) to donate to people struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, were donated to the Alois Alzheimer Center in Greenhills. We received this note of thanks from the center that we want to share with all who donated time, fabric, or dollars to the cause: On behalf of The Alois Alzheimer Center, we thank you for the donation of the sensory quilts. The residents love them. When walking through the halls, I see many of the residents with their quilt in hand. This was very thoughtful of you to take time from your busy schedule to make the quilts for Alois. We are very thankful for your kindness. It is heartwarming to know that the quilts are being used and loved! We continue quarterly community outreach projects at Silk Road Textiles. On Monday, September 19, we invited all to join us in the Million Pillowcase Challenge Sew-a-thon any time between noon and 9PM. Check back for information on future projects, including another chance to make sensory quilts in June 2017!
Creative Opportunities for All! 1 Million Pillowcases, Show Us Your Roots, Make a Shirt That Fits! Monday. September 19, 2016 Sew-a-thon Noon – 9PM Pre-register to be entered into the special door prize drawing. Silk Road Textiles is proud to be part of the One Million Pillowcase Challenge. Join us on Monday, September 19 , anytime from 12- 9PM, to sew pillowcases for the Million Pillowcase Challenge Sew-a-thon. Trisha Herbers is spearheading this event. The back door will open at noon! We will be in the shop until 9 PM so you can stop by after work or school. Pillowcases will be donated locally. Registration fee of $6 includes one pillowcase kit. Additional kits will be available for purchase during the sew-a-thon for $5 each or you may bring your own fabric. (Fabric requirements for one pillowcase are: 3/4 yard of one fabric and 1/4 yard of a coordinating fabric.) We will have simple patterns for you to use and a helping hand should you need one. There are Thank You Gifts for the first 20 people who join the sew-a-thon on Monday. Bring your machine or use one of ours! Help us and others reach the One Million Pillowcases Goal! A little background info: Seven years ago, American Patchwork and Quilting challenged quilters and sewers to make pillowcases to raise the spirits of those in need. Not unexpectedly,we have risen to the challenge! To date, 689,998 pillowcases have been made and donated! Cost $6 (includes one pillowcase kit, pattern and help if needed) Skill Level: Beginner – appropriate for adults, teens, and kids (ages 8+) Register before Monday, 9/19/2016, to be entered in a prize drawing! Stop in or call 513.541.3700 to register now! Didn’t get a chance to register? Stop in anyway! Everyone welcome! Deadline fast approaching! The Irene Sutton Fiber Arts Exhibition “Show Us Your Roots” Submissions Accepted until September 25 Exhibition is October 1-30, 2016 There’s still time! Please enter your amazing 5×7″ fiber art piece. All fiber mediums and 3 dimensional work are welcome. Drop off your art no later than 5:00 PM on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016 to be included in the exhibition. Questions? Call us at 513-541-3700. Submission Form & Details here. Visit the exhibit in October & vote for your favorite piece! Row by Row – Time to Sew! .The Row by Row Experience at Silk Road Textiles is now in the Hibernation Phase…which means it’s time to sew, sew, sew to create your Home Sweet Home 2016 Quilt! Although we have had a winner, we still love seeing what you create. This quilt, “Living Landmarks,” crafted by Carmil O’Connor, combines blocks from our 2015 and 2016 Row by Row patterns, “The Crown Jewels of Cincinnati” and “Home in the Queen City.” Both patterns can be ordered now for delivery after November 1st. Call us at 513.541.3700 to place your order today! Big, Cozy, Warm & Wonderful! Check out the latest and ‘biggest” knitting and crocheting trend. Big Yarn, Big Needles, Big Hooks. Make something for everyone on your holiday gift list. We have the tools and the yarns at Silk Road Textiles. Crochet this simple mobius cowl in about an hour. Pattern free in the shop with big yarn purchase. Give BIG a try in 2016! Cashmerette Patterns* coming to Silk Road Textiles!Finally, the answer to your prayers: a fitted button-down shirt that doesn’t gape over curves or hang from your chest like a tent! The Harrison Shirt is designed with double princess seams for a uniquely curve-friendly fit that includes all the features of a classic shirt: a two-piece collar, yoke, and placket, separate button bands, and buttoned cuffs. Select a fabric to create a professional look or to make a casual fall fashion statement. We have a bounty of perfect fabrics for the Harrison Shirt in stock right now; crisp cotton shirting in a beautiful orange and white stripe or pretty florals, sheer and feminine window pane silk in cherry or deep indigo/violet, and soft chambray or pin-whale corduroy. Make up a couple to cover all your fall looks. Interested in a shirt making class? Please let us know. This new release, along with a few other patterns are on their way and will arrive in the next couple of days. *Cashmerette Patterns are modern designs crafted to fit women with curves, in sizes 12-28, and cup sizes C – H. Learn more about founder, Jenny Rushmore, here. “I Couldn’t Put Down My Phone. So I Picked Up Knitting.: Check out this article by Katrina Gulliver from Slate…why we need to keep knitting, crocheting, sewing, felting, and being creative! Cestari Sheep & Wool Company Did you enjoy meeting Francis? Did you fall in love with the wonderful 100% American yarn he brought along? Silk Road Textiles now stocks several Cestari yarn varieties in a wide range of colors, including Monticello, (cotton and linen), Mount Vernon (merino) and Montpelier (cotton, silk and wool). Pick up what you missed or add to the collection you started during his visit. See the Medallion Medley class sample, made with 4 shades of Mount Vernon. Stitching Social! Join the fun! Make new friends! Pick up your favorite fiber supplies at Silk Road Textiles and knit, stitch, & work on your current projects. “Show & Tell” abounds. Share your creative process, your newest tip, latest pattern or favorite designer. Show off a new technique to praise and accolades. Please leave your problems, personal dilemmas, and politics at the door. Relax from the cares of the world and immerse yourself in shared creative & positive energy. All stitchers welcome! Open Stitch Every Thursday, 6-8:00PM Sip & Stitch The last Tuesday of the month, Sept. 27, 6-8:30PM. Bring your favorite sipping beverage and a bit of food to share if desired. Inspire Your Creative Spirit! Quilt Show September 25 – October 2, 2016 11AM – 4PM Farbach-Warner Nature Preserve 3455 Poole Road. Cincinnati, OH 45251 River City Quilt Guild. Members interpret various works of Charley Harper with nearly 50 fabric renderings. 35 Holiday Calendar Quilts are new for 2016. Admission to exhibit is free. Park pass or fee for parking. Fun for the entire family. 11th Annual Milford Art Affaire September 24, 2016. 11AM – 4 PM Main Street, MIlford Ohio This is a fun show in a fun setting. Lots of good finds, several from some of our Silk Road Textiles artists. Come out to enjoy the show. Ohio One Stop Shop Hop Friday, October 14, 9AM – 5PM Saturday, October 15, 9AM – 3PM Wright State University Nutter Center Silk Road Textiles is excited to participate for the first time in this well loved event. We look forward to seeing all of our Dayton area friends, our regular Travelers, and meeting new quilters and fabric fans. Do you have a Silk Road Traveler Bag? Carry it to the show and we will honor your TRAVELER’S DISCOUNT on fabric and yarn purchase at the show! $5 Admission includes: Coupon passport book wiht info and coupons for every shop/ Hourly Door Prizes Finihsed Quilt Sale Scissor and Shear Sharpening $50 Gift Certifications, one for each participating shop will be drawn at the conclusion of the show. Make it easy and bring along some adress labels for the gradn prize drawing entries! We will be in Booth 24 with selected show specials and a Big SRT welcome just for YOU! Silk Road TextilesTravelers receive a Note of Thanks The sensory quilts (or fidget quilts), made at Silk Road Textiles on the Longest Day (June 20, 2016) to donate to people struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, were donated to the Alois Alzheimer Center in Greenhills. We received this note of thanks from the center that we want to share with all who donated time, fabric, or dollars to the cause: “On behalf of The Alois Alzheimer Center, we thank you for the donation of the sensory quilts. The residents love them. When walking through the halls, I see many of the residents with their quilt in hand. This was very thoughtful of you to take time from your busy schedule to make the quilts for Alois. We are very thankful for your kindness.” It is heartwarming to know that the quilts are being used and loved! Hey, What’s happening here? Out with the old…In with the new! We are open our regular hours and days during our Fall Face Lift! After many months of anticipation we are finally getting the new windows and awnings! We hope the job is finished in the next few weeks. During construction the front door may be locked. The back door is always open! Sorry for any inconvenience. Can’t wait to show off our new look!. Facebook Fans! Stay connected with us by “liking”, sharing, and commenting on our posts. This will help increase our presence on your timeline, enabling you to get our most recent news as it is posted. Participation is key to increasing the amount of information you receive. So go ahead, right now, click on the facebook share button below to to share a link to this newsletter on your timeline, or forward it to a friend. Thank you for subscribing and for your support! Share Tweet Forward to Friend Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Visit our Website Email Copyright © 2016 Silk Road Textiles, All rights reserved. Call Us: 513-541-3700 Visit Often: Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10AM – 6PM Wednesday: 10AM – 6PM Thursday: 10AM – 8PM Friday: 10AM – 5PM Saturday: 10AM – 5PM Sunday: 12PM – 5PM
Franciska Issaka, the face of Woman Art Ghana in Cincinnati, grew up in Northern Ghana with her parents and sisters. Girls and women still struggle to be valued in the Ghanaian culture, and Franciska has spent much of her adult life working to change the status quo. Along with two of her sisters, Franciska founded the Center for Sustainable Development Initiatives (CENSUDI) in 1994 to work towards “gender equality. The organization works to give women and girls access to resources and education. They also work to eliminate traditional practices that are harmful to women.” (Quote from the CENSUDI website, where you can learn more about the organization.) Franciska’s sister lives in Ghana and sends baskets and beads to Franciska in Cincinnati so they can be sold and the money returned to the artisans, who are women living in rural villages in North Eastern Ghana. The earnings from the sale of these hand crafted items allow the women to stay out of poverty and keep their children in school. You can find both Woman Art Ghana baskets and bracelets made from the beads at Silk Road Textiles. The baskets are woven from wild, native grasses that grow in river valleys and uncultivated areas. Both dyed and undyed grasses are combined to create vivid patterns on exquisite baskets of many sizes. Each basket is unique, and our inventory is ever-changing. The baskets make wonderful gifts. Add a bottle of wine from Marty’s Hops and Vines next door for a quick, unique wedding or birthday present. The possibilities are endless! Ghanaian women craft the beads for the bracelets from recycled glass bottles and broken glassware. After the beads are formed, fired, and smoothed, some are hand painted to add striking texture and color. The beads are sent to Franciska in Cincinnati where she creates beautiful bracelets, which serves as healing therapy as she recovers from a ruptured brain aneurysm. Proceeds from all Woman Art Ghana products are returned to the women artisans in Ghana and used to purchase school supplies and uniforms for Ghanaian school girls.
Silk Road Textiles is proud to be part of the Million Pillowcase Challenge. Seven years ago, American Patchwork and Quilting issued a challenge to quilters and sewers to make pillowcases to raise the spirits of those in need. Not unexpectedly, sewers and quilters have risen to the challenge. To date, the official counter indicates that 689,998 pillowcases have been made and donated! Individuals and groups donate the pillowcases they make locally to hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, and anyplace else where someone can use a smile. Join us on Monday, September 19, anytime from 12-9PM, to sew pillowcases for the Million Pillowcase Challenge Sew-a-thon. All pillowcases will be donated locally to hospitals, shelters, or other places where people are in need of a smile. All who register before the day of the event will be entered in a prize drawing, so stop by or call the shop to register now! Registration fee of $6 includes one pillowcase kit. Additional kits will be available for purchase during the sew-a-thon. We will have a couple of simple patterns available for you to use and door prizes throughout the day. Bring your machine or use one of ours and join us in making smiles!
Recent Posts
Peaceful Pillows for Hospice
This December, we continue our quarterly community...
Create a Wish List at SRT
Now is the perfect time to start or update your wish...
Knitted Knockers Update
In March of 2016, Silk Road Textiles agreed to host...