Many of us have vivid memories of April 15, 2013 – where we were or what we were doing when we heard the news of the Boston Marathon bombings. Many of us have contributed to funds, read about the victims, and wondered what more can we do. As quilters, we can help those who were hurt so tragically that day by making quilts.
Working together we can make the number of quilts – 274 (at least) necessary to comfort and cover the wounded. With the gift of a quilt, we can give each of the injured warmth as well as consolation when their wounds and memories seem overwhelming.
We are contacting all quilt stores in Massachusetts to ask for help in making and contributing quilts for Boston Strong. If you are outside of Massachusetts, we welcome your donations, as well. Our goal is to distribute handmade quilts to the injured by October 15–exactly six months after the attacks. We are working with multiple organizations to determine the best way to distribute our quilts to those who were wounded at the Boston Marathon.
We are asking for quilts to be completed by September 15. This will allow us time to pick them up at quilt stores statewide, sort them, match each quilt to its recipient, and deliver them to the victims and their families. You may also send quilts to the following address:
Quilts for Boston Strong
c/o Libby Wilson
202 Perkins Row
Topsfield, MA 01983
You are welcome to email Libby directly at eawilson@nii.net
Quilts can be either lap size or twin size, any color and any design.
Thank you in advance for your support!
I moved to Topsfield, MA in 1977. At that time, cardboard and sandpaper were used for piecing blocks and long arm quilting machines were found in old factories. I moved to applique and counted cross stitching as both were easy to transport and pick up anywhere.
I worked full time which crowded out my sewing and quilting, but when I started to commute into Boston, I wanted to use my time on the train for sewing and I turned to quilting. Looking at quilting in 2005 was a completely different story. It took me aback to look at rotary cutters, long rulers, and what on earth was a fat quarter!
I joined a BOM program at Emma’s Quilt Cupboard and learned quickly how to use the new tools. Then I joined Sandi at The Quilted Acorn and learned paper piecing and finished 121 blocks for the Civil War Diary Quilt. Since then I have met many quilters and learned from them all – fine tuning the skills with each and every quilt. Now, my house is full of fabric and I work on several projects at the same time – a familiar dilemma to many.
After 13 years of working at Harvard Kennedy School, my retirement started at the end of June. There is now time to work on Quilts for Boston Strong which will be my focus until 300 quilts are collected and distributed.
Libby Wilson
Quilts for Boston Strong 
We would like to participate here at The Charlton Sewing Center. We are currently a Quilts of Valor store, a Conkerr Pillowcase drop off, Linus Project drop off so I think Boston Strong will be a great fit. My parents come from Boston originally and also would talk about walking in the area of the bombing. Cathy Racine
Thank you, Cathy! I’ll add your link to the Participating Stores page, and Libby will be in touch with you shortly. –Lyra
Thanks for organizing this! I’m very happy to make a quilt or more for this cause. I’m also sharing it with others on Facebook. As quilters, we all know the love that we pour into each quilt we create. I’ve got a lap quilt pattern with some heart shaped blocks. It will be perfect for this project. The last time I quilted with this pattern for a friend going off to college, I finished it by hand tying knots and saying a prayer with each knot as it was tied. -Lynn
I am planning to finish a quilt for Boston Strong! I live in Woburn, where is the closest place for me to drop one off and when is the due date?
Thank you! Quilts can be dropped off at any of the participating shops by September 15th. I think the closest shop to you is The Fabric Corner, in Arlington. You can see a map of all of the shops on the “Participating Stores” page. Thanks so much!
Hi, I have almost finished my quilt, and I wonder if I should put a label on the back, usually I put who made the quilt (me), and who quilted the quilt (a longarm machine quilter.)
Many are putting their own labels on their quilts and I think it makes the quilt very special. We weill be adding a small label to all of the quilts that says “Quilts for Boston Strong.” Thank you for your donation!
In August of 2021, my wife – Libby Wilson passed away. She made many beautiful quilts for family and friends that now keep us close to her in heaven. Thank you so much Libby for all you have done for us! All my Love to you Libby… Curtis