Interview: Cindy Phelan

I thought it'd be fun to interview a few of the people who participate in the humanitarian events about what they do! Then you can learn more about the projects, the people, and the miracles.

This month I interviewed Cindy Phelan, a wonderful woman who has been piecing quilts for 20 years. She took an informal quilting class from a few friends, and after being released as Relief Society President, she signed up for a class at a quilting store to fill some of her free time. She took another class at another store, joined a "block a month" club being held at 3 different stores, learning more, and followed patterns in magazines and quilt books. As she had questions, she would ask those in the stores and they were willing to help.

 Cindy started using her skills with us 5 years ago when Sew Much Love was started here in Auburn. She makes traditional quilts called "Sampler" quilts with different pattered blocks to make the design simple, yet interesting. One of her favorite parts is the creativity of looking at the fabric she has to work with and figuring out a way to make something hopefully special. Cindy wrote: "I saw a special  about Pioneer quilt makers on PBS.  They read from the diary of a woman who was homesteading in Kansas or Nebraska.  I'll never forget what she said. 'I make quilts as fast as I can to keep my family warm and as beautiful as I can to keep my heart from breaking.'  That's what I hope our quilts do for the people who receive them.  I hope they keep them warm, but I hope too that they can feel the love and encouragement that we put into them and glean some comfort from that."

Her quilts are usually sent to Harborview for Pediatric Trauma patients. Some of her quilts also go to the homeless and battered women shelters, and some quilts are kept on hand for when there's a need in the church or in the community. Cindy said that one year, they sent a bunch of quilts over to Japan to an orphanage of kids who'd lost their families in a big earthquake and tsunami. Plus there are the quilts made for LifeCenter Northwest, which you can read about in past posts on the blog. 

When I asked what her favorite part was about Sew Much Love, she joked that the potlucks were the best part, but did say that she loves the friendships she's made. Her real answer: She got to go to LifeCenter Northwest to tour their facility and see firsthand how the donors quilts are being used. She said it was an amazing experience.

Cindy's favorite scripture about service is Moroni 7:13- "But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually, wherefore, everything which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God." Cindy certainly exemplifies those qualities as she spends so much time making these quilts!

Come get to know Cindy and more friends by coming to our Tuesday meetings 10-12 at the Stake Center. Thanks for the interview, Cindy!