An increasing number of public libraries (and even some school and university libraries) are creating dedicated spaces with equipment to help people make things. The spaces are typically called “MakerSpaces” as a generic term – your library may have a fun themed name for it though. You’ll find all kinds of gadgets in the MakerSpace, including (you guessed it!) sewing machines! They’re literally there for community members to use, so check with your local library to get the details.
Crafty Librarians
One of the best parts of being a Librarian in a public library, is that if you’re even the least bit artistic or crafty, you can come up with Some really fun craft-related programming for the public. As part of that, you “have to” test the instructions, come up with step-outs and prototypes, then tweak and re-test the instructions… eventually you get to a point where you’ve figured it out and have a good plan of action for the different things that can (and will!) go wrong. If you’re an Average Quilter like me, at least some of your programs are quilt-related.
I Found a Quilted Heart
I’m becoming increasingly aware of just how much leftover fabric I have at the end of every quilt project. It adds up super quick, and often the thought of cutting it down into the sizes I save is completely overwhelming. Since these scraps are something I probably won’t end up using, but are definitely too good for the trash heap, and I’m not a guild member (a story for another time), I thought I might bring them to work with me to see if I could fashion them into a quilt-related program for the public.
A little bit of research and I found a really great website: I Found a Quilted Heart. They have an idea that’s similar to thepainted rocks that folks were leaving in public areas for others to keep or re-hide. Basically, you quilt a heart, attach a little note, and “sow” the heart in a public area for others to find and keep. Super cute idea, right? And PERFECT for my scrap fabric and scrap batting.
Testing, testing
I had NO IDEA just how much my coworkers were itching to play with my fabrics! When I asked if they’d test out this idea for me, they had the biggest smiles when they said yes. And to hear them exclaiming over the fabrics – and how hard it was to narrow the choices down – made me smile too.
Once I solidify the directions, and tips and tricks, I’ll make another post with that information. For now, please enjoy the creative works of half of my staff. The other half of the staff will make theirs next week.
Aren’t they great?!
I have a feeling that pretty much everyone is taking theirs home instead of attaching the note and sowing the heart. Maybe they’ll sow the next ones they make – they were asking to make more!
