On November 14, 120 quilts found their way to the Radiation Oncology Clinic at University Hospital, each one a symbol of warmth and hope for children undergoing cancer treatment. These beautiful creations were hand-delivered by Polly Black, owner of Quilter’s General Store in Rockford, IL, along with her friend and fellow quilter, Denise Rehnberg.
The quilts were the result of a special “Sew In” event held on September 20—National Jelly Roll Day, a beloved occasion in the quilting world. Forty passionate quilters gathered at the Holiday Inn in Rockford for a full day of stitching and camaraderie. Their mission? To craft colorful, child-sized quilts that would bring comfort to young patients during their most challenging moments.
The event was a true community effort, hosted by Quilter’s General Store, Sunshine Stitches, and Quilter’s Haven, all local Rockford shops. Each shop provided quilting kits at cost, complete with patterns, fabric, and binding, making it easy for participants of all ages and skill levels to join in. The energy in the room was contagious—filled with creativity, laughter, and a shared desire to make a difference.
Over the next two months, quilters finished their projects and returned them to Polly’s store in time for the November donation. This tradition of giving began years ago by one of Polly’s customers who started donating quilts to UW Health after a family member underwent radiation therapy. Inspired by that act of kindness, Polly rallied her quilting community to expand the effort.
“The event was such a success that attendees are already asking when the next one will be,” Polly shared. “Quilters are naturally community-minded. We love coming together to support those in need. Our store hosts several events each year to create and donate items to NICUs, shelters, nursing homes, and more. We plan to keep these traditions alive—and keep brightening people’s days.”