The troop quilts are taking forever. Should I help?
@royal52gens (5488)
United States
February 14, 2007 8:57am CST
The Girl Scout troop started working on a quilt when they were in second grade and those girls are now in 9th grade. The quilt is crib size and extremely detailed. Over the years, the girls have worked on it in spurts. I brought it to the meeting yesterday and one of the girls starting crying because she was so moved. She had a fresh look at the work that they had done and she suddenly realized just how beautiful this quilt really is.
At this point, the binding is the only thing that needs to be completed. So the older girls immediately started working on that.
I introduced a new quilt (same size) for the three younger girls to work on. Their enthusiasm was inspiring. And they also got right down to business.
I know that their energy will last about two weeks and then drop off but the quilt will not be finished. These 3 girls are 4th and 5th grade. Should I help them with their project so they can see their finished work before they graduate from high school???
What do you think? What would you if this was your troop/group of girls?
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4 responses
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
14 Feb 07
Its hard when you see their hard work be close to completed, but needs just a little more work. We had a sister troop, who came in with their undone quilts and everyone worked together, so both troops finished their projects. This was helpful to both troops, as each one wanted to display their service projects. Both troops donated their quilts to a local Battered Women's Shelter, who sent each troop a thank you letter and I know my daughter felt so good knowing they completed the project themselves without their troop leaders and parents stepping in to help. Good luck and hope they finish the quilts.
@royal52gens (5488)
• United States
15 Feb 07
I do know another troop that does quilts but they do not detail theirs. It could be interesting to get the two troops together and see what they could teach each other.
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@all4ucnc (861)
• United States
14 Feb 07
That's a tough one, I would definitly want them to see it before they were to graduate, but you want them to have the pride of having done it themselves too. Is there anyway to only do a little bit here, and there, so they can't tell you helped.
@royal52gens (5488)
• United States
15 Feb 07
hhhmmmmm, now that is a good idea.
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@tammyr (5945)
• Etowah, Tennessee
14 Feb 07
They still have 3 more years to work on it so I say let them finish it. I know it is hard, but it will mean more to them if you let it be something that they did all by themselves.
When I was 5, some friends and I were drawing horses. I did my VERY best for a 5 yr old. I had to go to the bathroom and while I was away they finished my drawing and to this day,(35 yrs later) I still feel bad that they did not let me finish!
May I also say that I think it is wonderful that you have been this patient and have not already finished it for them.
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@royal52gens (5488)
• United States
15 Feb 07
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this issue. I agree the girls have 3 years to work on the project and it is possible they can complete it on their own if they apply themselves. Sometimes I have to remember it is THEIR project and not mine.
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@tammyr (5945)
• Etowah, Tennessee
23 Feb 07
Have you heard of Quilts for kids? They are a great organization. Here is a link to the website:
http://www.quiltsforkids.org
A few troops here have done this. Maybe if there is someone near you, they could get the girls 'into' the quilt again.
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