Fabric and quilters wanted at State Fair's "Sew-In"

The Iowa State Fair Fabric and Threads Department is looking for fabric donations and volunteers for the first ever State Fair Sew-In, which will offer fairgoers a chance to try simple sewing and quilting. The 2009 Iowa State Fair is August 13-23.

The Fair is searching for sewing assistants to help fairgoers make simple strip quilts. Volunteers are asked to commit to four-hour shifts (noon-4 or 1-5 p.m.) A site supervisor will supply materials and help with machines. Volunteers will each receive one parking and admission ticket.

Donations of two-yard cuts of fabric in juvenile prints and patterns are needed for quilt backings. Cash donations are also being accepted to purchase fabric and other supplies. Donations can be mailed to the Iowa State Fair Competitive Events Depart-ment; P.O. Box 57130; Des Moines, IA 50317-0003. All donations should be labeled for the Sew-In project.

The Sew-In will be open daily from noon - 5 p.m. in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building. Fairgoers may stop in and try their hand at quilting basics (no experience necessary). Each participant will receive a commemorative pin. Completed quilts will be donated either to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital or Angel Tree Camps which offer summer programming for children with a parent in the Iowa prison system.

If interested in donating, volunteering or receiving more information about the Sew-In, contact Sharon Meisenheimer by phone at 515/986-1145 or by email at rmeis@aol.com.