The Housewarmer Project provides quilted wall hangings and prayer shawls to disaster survivors whose homes have been rebuilt or restored by Mennonite Disaster Service. This project began as a collaboration between MDS and Mennonite Women USA. The wall hangings and prayer shawls are presented to the homeowner at the dedication of the home. These handmade gifts are a lasting symbol of compassion and of coming home.
The project, originally called Housewarming Sister-Link, began in January 2005. Rebecca Sommers and Elaine Good felt that a quilted wall hanging would be an appropriate keepsake to be presented at MDS home dedications.
Those who knit or crochet use their skills to create prayer shawls. When completed the shawl maker(s) offer a blessing before the shawl is sent on its way. Shawls proved comfort during challenging times such as a disaster.
We invite you and your friends to participate! Guidelines for creating a quilted wall hanging and prayer shawl are printed below. Please contact MDS if you have additional questions.
The colors are derived from traditional Mennonite artwork, especially the work of the Pennsylvania Dutch.
The star design is called a Morning Star. It is commonly used in quilting. In Native American culture, the Morning Star, the brightest star of the dawning day, represents guidance and confers hope in the future. It is often gifted in the form of a quilt to mark significant milestones such as graduation, wedding or a new home.
MDS volunteers strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus who has been referred to as the bright and morning star.
Style:
The pattern, fabrics, and quilting design, are all your choice. Please use new fabric and avoid fabric that includes animals, sports teams, or trendy designs
Sleeve:
On the back of your wall hanging, please sew a “hanging sleeve”
Size:
Dimensions should be somewhere between 24 x 24 inches and 36 x 36 inches square or rectangle. When you add up all four sides, the total outside length should not exceed 150 inches
Style:
The pattern, yarn, and design are all your choice. You may knit, crochet, or weave but please use yarn that is washable.
Size
Dimensions should be 24” x 60”. Fringe is optional
Picture:
Take a picture of yourself or your group with your wall hanging or prayer shawl, then print your picture. List the names of the creators on the back of the photo
Mail:
Send your wall hanging or prayer shawl and photo to the MDS Housewarmer Project, 583 Airport Rd. Lititz, PA 17543
Recipients:
Wall hangings or prayer shawls will be distributed to MDS disaster response locations and will be given to homeowners at the time of their home dedication
Contact:
Rebecca White is the Housewarmer Project coordinator. Rebecca can be reached at 717-735-3536 or Housewarmer@mds.org
Thank you so much for your willingness to bless these precious survivors!