This year the Getty Sew & Sews commemorate 20 years of philanthropy with True Colors: The GSS 20th Anniversary Quilt. This quilt was handcrafted by GSS members Paula Carlson, Prima Casetta, Margaret Combs-Brookes, Sheila Cummins, Nancy Enneking, Melissa Piper, Wendy Radford, Leslie Rainer, and Sabine Schlosser, for the 2023 Getty Holiday Food & Toy Drive, Quilt Raffle, and Silent Auction.

The Getty Sew & Sews have been enthusiastically crafting and raffling off their fundraising quilts since early 2003. What started as a group of Getty staff gathering at lunchtime to learn quilting technique from then GRI cataloguer and resident quilting expert Prima Casetta, evolved quickly into an annual fundraising endeavor. In the years since, the Sew & Sews have created 22 quilts [twice creating two quilts in one year] and have raised over $54,000, divided between two important service organizations: The Westside Food Bank and Sojourn Services. Using donated materials, and with the infrastructure provided by the Getty, 100% of our net proceeds is given to benefit these special organizations, which provide much needed assistance to our local community.

In January 2023, the GSS gathered to decide the design theme of the annual quilt. Reminded that this marked our 20th Getty Quilt Raffle, we felt that a nod to our very first philanthropic group quilt in 2003 would be a fun and fitting tribute. The first quilt, titled “Black & White,” was a traditional diamond pattern made of log cabin blocks, all with black and white patterned fabrics (some with a hint of color) and punctuated by a striking red flange in the border. For some, an all-time favorite.    

Having learned over the years that modern designs and multicolored patterns are clear favorites with our ticket buyers, we decided to go with an updated take on the traditional log cabin and make the best use of the myriad choices of color already in our fabric stash. 

Measuring 57 x 70 inches, True Colors is constructed of over 370 individual pieces of 100% cotton fabrics. The front features thirty-two large blocks, each with a different hue in a chevron pattern. On the back, with white thread on a white-on-white fabric, the intricate free-motion machine quilting pattern comes alive with movement.

Special thanks to Nancy Enneking who kindly donated fabrics from her personal collection for this quilt, and, as always, to volunteer John Landau for his generous fabric donations over the years. We also thank Getty Staff and Volunteers for their gracious and giving spirit, making possible… 

Left to right above:  Getty Sew & Sews Sheila Cummins, Paula Carlson, Melissa Piper, Nancy Enneking, Wendy Radford, Leslie Rainer, Prima Casetta, and Margaret Combs-Brookes. Not pictured: Sabine Schlosser.

Click on quilt's image to view a larger image.