This is a delightful and inspirational Fellowship in which men and women throughout the world produce beautiful and highly useful products.
In 2003, an Honorary Rotarian, Phyllis Giersch in California, highly recognised for her work in quilting, conceived the idea for the Fellowship. Phyllis has conducted quilting classes in the United States, and in Australia Rotarians have been fortunate to also receive her knowledge of quilting at classes in this country.
The Rotarian Fellowship of Quilters and Fibre Artists was chartered by New Zealand, Australia and the United States. The goal of this Fellowship is to share ideas, techniques, articles, service projects and stories of interest regarding the fibre arts. The members enjoy each other’s friendship and the Fellowship is represented by Rotarians from 12 different countries. Consequently, this makes for great diversity in artistic talent, inspiration and design. Apart from quilting, members also knit, crochet, weave and work in a range of other related handcrafts.
As well as the pleasure gained by members from creating a beautiful piece of art, many of their products are given to people who can benefit from them. Tactile quilts are made especially for the vision impaired, warm quilts are given to children in need, and quilts or fabric toys are distributed to children who have experienced war, famine or other disasters. Other items are donated to raise money at charity auctions.
Once a year the Fellowship has a collective project and members donate a block for an item that goes on display at the Rotary International Convention. These items are exchanged for donations contributing to the End Polio challenge with considerable funds raised over the years.
The Rotarian Fellowship of Quilters and Fibre Artists not only offers friendship to its members worldwide, but it also provides them with an artistic and creative outlet they can share. The other great benefit of this Fellowship is the fundraising through the donation of their art works and the valuable items they provide to benefit people in need.