Since 2016, our Quilt SOS project has warmed hearts & homes with over 425 donated quilts. We have supported 4 charities in 5 different countries, including The Nelson Trust, Hestia, SOS Children’s Villages and GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers), who we are partnering with again this year.
Each year, our Quilt SOS journey begins at the Alice Caroline studio in the heart of the Cotswolds. Here, we carefully pack up every beautiful quilt and head to GARAS, a vital charity supporting children and families seeking asylum in the UK. This year, our journey included a stop at Gloucester Cathedral, where we captured stunning photos of the quilts before they found their new homes.
At GARAS, each quilt is thoughtfully matched to a child or family, often becoming a treasured source of warmth, comfort, and love during a challenging time. Many of the quilts feature hand-embroidered messages, adding a personal, heartfelt touch. These thoughtful details remind each recipient that someone, somewhere, cares deeply for them.
Anna, who coordinates the Quilt SOS project says “I thoroughly enjoy coordinating this project. It’s a wonderful time of the year when stunning quilts start to arrive in the post at Alice Caroline HQ. I am always blown away by the work that has gone into each quilt – from careful curation of fabrics and pattern design to beautiful craftsmanship in the making of the quilt. Our heartfelt thanks go out to each person that has made a quilt this year. GARAS, our chosen charity really appreciate the quilts”
Alice says “This project is so close to my heart. Meeting Hannah, a support worker at GARAS, gave us insight into the difference these quilts make. She shared the story of an Afghan family of seven, each child receiving a handmade Quilt SOS quilt. The children were amazed that someone had made something so beautiful just for them. It’s moments like this that remind us why we do it. We can’t wait to continue supporting this project in 2025.”
Each year, Suzanne and Leisa lead the creation of a beautiful community quilt for our Quilt SOS project. This year’s quilt was a beautiful Cathedral Windows design. Sewers from around the world contribute handmade blocks, which are pieced together into a stunning quilt. It’s proudly displayed at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham before making its way to Alice Caroline HQ. From there, it’s delivered to GARAS, where it becomes a treasured comfort for children and families. Since 2021, Suzanne and Leisa have generously donated these community quilts, symbolising love, kindness, and the power of a shared creative effort.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, Quilt SOS continues to make a real impact. Each quilt is a symbol of compassion, helping to turn houses into homes. We look forward to sharing even more love and warmth with GARAS in 2025.
