Class time with Coffee Creek Quilters
People often ask us how we structure our quilting classes at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility.
In some ways it’s the same as a class in a quilt shop. Instructors explain the basics of cutting strips of fabric with rulers, rotary cutters, and mats. Students learn to thread a sewing machine, sew quarter inch seams, and follow a pattern.
In other ways, CCQ classes are very different. Prison security rules require that we count every pin, needle, and rotary cutter blade before taking them in to class. We pass through a metal detector before entering the dining room where class is held. And there are restrictions on the color of clothing we can wear, such as no blue jeans.
Our goals are similar to quilt shop classes, but with some differences. We want our students to become proficient in quilt-making techniques. But we also strive to teach patience, perseverance, problem-solving and the importance of quality work. We work to nurture our students’ self-confidence and self-esteem, attributes that we hope will enhance their success at living in the community after release from prison.
Three CCQ instructors entered quilts in the recent Stitches in Bloom quilt show at The Oregon Garden in Silverton.
Quilts made by women incarcerated at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility will be on display at the Canby Library during the months of March and April. The exhibit will also include quilts made by instructors in the Coffee Creek Quilters program. Instructor-made quilts will be offered for sale as part of our fundraising efforts.