Ghana

My friend, Lea, stopped by today. Lea spent a couple years in Ghana a few years ago serving the people there. She continues to love and serve these amazing people. She opens her home to them when they come to visit or for their work. Her grandson just finished his eagle project for Boy Scouts he collected glasses for people in Ghana. Just before Lea returned she asked the dressmaker if she could have some of her scraps. She gave her a bag of lovely fabric. She only used her scraps to make erasers that she would sell for pennies to schools there. Lea asked me if I would help her make a quilt. I was thrilled to work with this awesome fabric. I helped Lea make this quilt. I quilted African symbols in the solid rows for her. It was neat to learn the meaning of the different symbols. When Lea told me about what the dress maker did with her scraps and how poor she was I wanted to help. I collected money from my quilt guild. They were very generous. We were able to purchase a sewing machine and cutting tools. I drew up some simple patterns and instructions for pillows and runners. (It is a little warm in Ghana to need or want quilts.) I thought this way she and other women could use the machine to make these and sell them to tourists, to improve their situation. I was so thankful to Lea for this opportunity. It was very fulfilling. Well, Lea has gotten some more gorgeous African fabric. One of the men she knew in Ghana brought it to her recently. Here it is below. Don’t you just love how vibrant it is.

It contains so many wonderful possibilities.

I showed Lea the rail fence runners and quilt I have been working on. I also showed her on EQ what it might look like with her beautiful fabric. So with a little instruction I sent her on her way. I look forward to seeing what she does this time.