“Hope for Ukraine,” a queen size blue and yellow quilt made by members of Yankee Quilters Guild, will be raffled to support efforts to resettle Ukrainian refugee families arriving in Massachusetts. 

The approximately 80” x 80” quilt features a central sunflower, the national flower of Ukraine, and 24 large Log Cabin blocks in the bright colors of the nation’s flag.

Holliston resident Diana Hatch created the sunflower at the center of the quilt. Two of her daughters also helped on the quilt project.        

The proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to Ascentria Care Alliance, a Worcester nonprofit organization which will offer housing and other assistance to refugees arriving from Ukraine. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Raffle tickets are available at Emma’s Quilt Cupboard in Franklin; through Yankee Quilters’ Facebook page; or by emailing [email protected]. Checks may also be mailed to Yankee Quilters at PO Box 53, Franklin MA 02038. The winner will be drawn June 14, in Franklin.

The quilt was created by members of the Guild to reflect their concern for the health and safety of the millions of Ukrainian citizens whose lives and homes have been threatened by the current invasion. The “Log Cabin” quilt block is a traditional design symbolizing the importance of the hearth at the center of the home. For this quilt, Yankee members made the center square white, a symbol of peace, rather than the conventional red. The quilt was on display at Emma’s Quilt Cupboard beginning last month.

“I am very proud to be affiliated with this guild. The members are very generous with their time and creativity,” said Cindy Lynch, Vice President. “To the Ukrainian people, may God be your guide through this stressful time.”

Quilters all over the world are using their talents to support relief efforts for Ukraine. “There is a long tradition among quilters and other crafters to support those in need and Yankee members immediately answered the call when the idea was proposed in March,” said Susan Speers, a member from Franklin. 

The quilt has been custom quilted by Jim Lynch, of Bumblebee Quilting Service in Monson. The Guild greatly appreciates Jim’s donation of time and materials to this project.

The back of the quilt is a yellow sunflower print, with a central label surrounded by yellow and blue hearts, using a pattern by quilt designer Bonnie Hunter, of Kentucky. The label is machine embroidered by Beth Brosnahan of Palmer.

Fabrics for the quilt were generously donated by members of the Guild and Cathy Racine, of The Charlton Sewing Center in Charlton, MA. Creative energy and materials were contributed by members of Yankee including Diana Hatch of Holliston, who hand-appliqued the sunflower; Pat Mulhall, of Sherborn, who donated the batting; Cindy Lynch, of Bumblebee Quilting Service, who combined the blocks and prepared the back; and more than a dozen members who donated their time, talent and supplies in support of Ukraine. 

Yankee Quilters Guild is a 501-c-3 charitable organization based in Franklin with members throughout the region. The Guild makes comfort quilts for those in need, supports other charitable work, and provides educational programs on the art and craft of quilt making. The Guild meets monthly at Emma’s Quilt Cupboard in Franklin, in space generously donated by the store. Donations to the Guild are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by current law.