A Special Gift & A Special Cause

The month of March is National Quilt Month and this year celebrates the 22nd anniversary of National Quilting Day, which is the third Saturday of March and this year it fell on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2012.  I belong to an online quilting group where we have various block swaps and secret sister swaps.  To celebrate National Quilt Month, we decided to do a secret sister swap by making one gift and adding other store bought quilting-related items.  This past Saturday, I received my gift and love it!

I received a cute wall hanging, some neat little note cards (pictured on the left), a set of charm squares (in the middle), and 2 fat quarters in neutrals!  I am so pleased.  I hung the wall hanging in my sewing studio and have already used the note cards.  Of course, I know I will find a place to use all of the fabric, too.

I did kind of a kitchen themed gift for my secret sister and here is one of the potholders I made:

I found this pattern at my local quilt shop and the fabric is called My Farmhouse Kitchen.  I had a lot of fun making this.

Now on to a special cause . . . one of my cyber quilting friends has asked me to pass the word around about Sunset Ridge Equestrian Center.  http://www.sunsetridgeequestriancenter.com/

Sunset Ridge Equestrian Center is a place that has opened its doors to help children with special needs.  My friend's daughter is a teacher at Granite Falls Elementary in Granite Falls, NC.  Each year teachers take students horseback riding at Sunset Ridge.  Horseback riding is a great way for these children to get a sense of independence along with better balance and coordination.  They also learn responsibility through grooming the horses.  All in all it is a great day for them!  The barn fees are usually paid by donations and also by the Autism Fund.  Sunset Ridge Equestrian is attempting to win a 25k grant that will benefit many students with disabilities in several counties. Diane DiReinzes, owner, wants to build an indoor riding facility so lessons can be given year round.

I am hoping that you will take a few minutes of your day to help make this dream come true.  All you have to do is visit the web site sponsoring the grant, Love a Local Business, and vote for Sunset Ridge Equestrian Center.  To vote, just click HERE

Business Name:  Sunset Ridge Equestrian Center
Address:  Taylorsville, NC

After you find Sunset Ridge, just cast your vote.  Each and every vote matters so much, so I really hope you will take the time to help a business who supports helping children with special needs.

Thank you for sharing a part of your day with me.  I hope that you have enjoyed National Quilt Month by sharing and making beautiful things.

Until next time . . .

Debbie