HUGS from Texas - Texas Hill Country Quilt Drive

My name is Connie Kortz, owner of My Fabric Friends Quilt Shop in Victoria, Texas, and founder of HUGS from Texas — "Helping U Get Stronger" a volunteer network of quilters from around the globe.

In October and November of 2024, our group delivered 476 quilts to North Carolina to bring warmth and comfort to families affected by Hurricane Helene.

When devastating floods hit the Guadalupe River this summer, I reached out to our members with two goals. The first was to collect 100 finished quilts to take to those devastated by the floods. I also reached out and asked if you have any unquilted quilt tops in your closet, send them, and that they did. The response was overwhelming. As of August 19th, we will have received an incredible 700 quilts. We will be distributing these quilt to those in the San Saba, Cedar Creek, Ingram and Comfort, Texas areas. We have a trip planned for September 20th, to make our first delivery.

350 of these quilts are ready to wrap around someone in need — but about 400 are unfinished. They still need backing, batting, and binding. Thankfully, generous long-arm quilters from across Texas have stepped forward to help finish them.

The second goal was to make 1,000 quilts for the camps affected along the Guadalupe River. I did a short video on the assembly of a Poppy Block, and it is being shared around the world. We have received over 7,500 blocks from countries such as Canada, Guam, and Ecuador. Each quilt requires 35 blocks. We currently have enough blocks to make 212 quilts.

We now urgently need backing and binding to complete these quilts, which will be delivered in late spring next year.

How to Help: Donations of backing, batting, binding materials, or financial contributions are deeply appreciated. Together, we can wrap hundreds of girls in the warmth of a handmade quilt — and the love that comes with it.

We also have a website www.myfabricfriends.com where you can make purchases of backing and batting.

Thank you,

Connie Kortz

My Fabric Friends

105 Cozzi Circle

Victoria, TX 77901