siblings together

Have you ever been told a story about a group of people doing good for others and were so moved that you were inspired to get out there and make a difference too? For Lynne Goldsworthy, this was the case when she learned about Siblings Together, a UK based charity that promotes positive contact between brothers and sisters separated in foster care, kinship care, residential care, or adoption. When Spoonflower learns about organizations or groups of people who are donating their sewing and crafting skills for a greater cause, we always want to know more! So we sat down with Lynne to find out her story and how Spoonflower could contribute.

Siblings Together is a UK-based charity that promotes positive contact between siblings who are otherwise separated by the foster care system. They organize summer camps and monthly activities throughout the year to allow siblings to catch up and enjoy some quality time together–there's even time for scrapbooking so the kids can remember their experiences.

Siblings Together activities allow brothers and sisters to catch up and have fun!

The work that this organization puts into creating these meaningful experiences and helping children develop and nurture these bonds with their families is nothing short of amazing. When Lynne Goldsworthy of the blog Lily's Quilts learned about Siblings Together, she realized that a homemade quilt, warm and stitched with love, could act as a constant reminder of time spent with loved ones for these campers. Kicking off an effort to collect quilts for each and every camper, Lynne created a Flickr group and put a call out on her blog for donations. Two years into this effort, the response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic.

A camper receives her very own quilt after Siblings Together summer camp.

Quilters from all over the world have sent beautifully made blankets to support this rolling effort, and this year's drive is in full swing. If you're interested in contributing, please head over to Lily's Quilts to find out how you can help send some love to Siblings Together. You can also visit the Flickr group to see the beautiful quilt donations as they're finsihed.

Each quilt is finished with love and a label to make the gifts extra special.

The generosity of the makers in the Spoonflower community to create handmade expressions of love and support for those in need has warmed our hearts time and again. We are inspired by the work of Siblings Together and the Siblings Together Quilt Group, and we are so thankful that they have allowed us to be a part of this amazing effort by printing up custom labels for each lovingly stitched quilt.

*If you'd like to learn how to design your own custom quilt label, check out this tutorial by Spoonflower team member Caitlin of the Salty Oat blog.

+Becca