As a child, I slumbered under quilts made by my grandmother, and grew up loving them. I began making quilts myself when I was in my thirties, and although I admire many different types and styles of quilts, I continue to gravitate to the simple patterns that my grandmother favored. Those that I love the best feature traditional designs that come to life when made with wonderful, carefully chosen fabrics.

In the fall of 1999, when I was 49, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. During my treatment of chemotherapy and radiation, I continued making quilts, finding it a good use of both my head and my hands at such a time. I loved being able to still produce something that would give warmth and comfort to the people that I love, and I was grateful to have had such a fulfilling hobby at that time.
After successfully completing treatment for a cancer that was discovered early, I wondered if I should become involved in breast cancer awareness in some way. Was there a way to help women who need them to receive mammograms? (My cancer was discovered on a yearly mammogram when it was very small and I credit early detection for the terrific quality of my life today.) And might there be a way to combine this desire to do something useful with my love of quilts?

The result is this business, Quilt in a Bag ®, for which I design quilts incorporating the simple, traditional patterns that I love, and then assemble kits to make them. Assembled with the latest fabric collections from your favorite designers, Quilt in a Bag ® kits contain a very clear pattern with lots of diagrams, and all of the fabric, including binding, needed to complete the quilt tops shown on the following pages. Beautifully packaged in cellophane bags with bows and cards, suitable for gift giving, Quilt in a Bag ® kits are unique in the quilting world for several reasons. In addition to the packaging, each kit is dedicated (with a description inside the attached card) to someone who has had breast cancer and the fabrics in the kit relate to that special person. In addition, the dedication is reflected in the name of the kit. Meredith’s Cottage Rose Garden, Samm’s Everyday Angels, and Darlene’s Old Glory are but a few examples. And finally, for each personal-sized kit that is sold, Quilt in a Bag makes a $10 donation to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to support the very important research, education, screening, and treatment programs that they fund.

Without exception, all of the patterns you will see are rotary cut and template free. Simple to cut and simple to piece, but beautiful because of the outstanding fabrics, Quilt in a Bag ® kits will have you completing wonderful quilts in no time at all. No shopping, no coordinating fabrics, and no running back to the quilt shop for more fabric because you miscalculated. Whether you need a quilt for a baby gift, something masculine for your husband or teenage son, a pretty quilt for your mom, or something flannel to snuggle up with yourself, Quilt in a Bag ® kits have something for everyone.

I hope that one of these quilts will bring warmth and comfort to you or to someone that you love.