For Immediate Release
June 17, 2010
Lori Chappell
515/262-3111 ext. 204

Iowa State Fair Sew-In Seeks Donations, Volunteers

The Iowa State Fair Fabric and Threads Department is seeking fabric donations and volunteers for the second annual State Fair Sew-In, which offers Fairgoers a chance to try their hand at simple sewing and quilting while providing warm blankets to local children in need. The 2010 State Fair is set for “Non Stop Fun” August 12-22.

Donations of two-yard cuts of fabric in juvenile prints and patterns are needed for quilt backings. In addition, cash donations are needed to help cover the costs of quilt batting and materials. All donations can be dropped off in the Competitive Events Department in the Administration Building or mailed to the Iowa State Fair Competitive Events Department; P.O. Box 57130; Des Moines, IA 50317-0003. All donations should be labeled for the Sew-In project.

The Fair is also searching for sewing assistants to help Fairgoers make the simple strip quilts. Volunteers are asked to commit to four-hour shifts from Noon to 4 p.m. or 1 to 5 p.m. A site supervisor will be on-hand to supply materials and help with machines. All volunteers will receive one parking and admission ticket to the Fair.

Volunteers at last year’s inaugural State Fair Sew-In completed 173 quilts, which were donated to children at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospitals and to Angel Tree Camps, an organization that offers summer programming for children with a parent in the Iowa prison system. The 2010 goal is to complete 200 quilts over the course of the 11 days of the Fair.

The Sew-In will be open daily during the Fair from noon to 5 p.m. in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building. Fairgoers are invited to stop in and try their hand at quilting basics (no experience necessary). Each participant will receive a commemorative pin for their efforts.

If you are interested in donating, volunteering, or receiving more information about the Sew-In, contact Sharon Meisenheimer by phone at 515/986-1145 or by email at rmeis@aol.com.

The Iowa State Fair is set for “Non Stop Fun” August 12-22, 2010. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.