Older Adults Quiltmaking at Codman Square

Every Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m., older adults from Boston and nearby communities gather at the Codman Square Branch in Dorchester to quilt and share their creations in a friendly learning environment. Colorful quilts are made by older adults of all skill levels, from those who have never quilted before to those who started at an early age. Elnora T. has been quilting since the early age of nine and lives in the neighborhood. Attendees bring refreshments and gather to socialize and greet each other before beginning their work.

Beverley M., from Jamaica originally, found the Codman Square Branch and the older adults group to be a great source of community and welcoming when she first moved to Boston. "I like creativity; collages, embroidery, crochet, knitting," said Beverley, who joined the older adults group in November 2016 and learned to quilt this past September. Group members bring in a variety of fabric strips to share with each other to create their quilts. "I look for what coordinates for me, then we cut them down (to fit)" she said. "I've met so many people since I started coming here, and that makes me happy. When I came here, the library became my home and family." 

A reception and show take place on Tuesday, June 12 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Codman Square Branch and will feature various styles, colors and sizes of quilts made by the group. The quilters will be available to answer questions and explain the techniques they used to create their quilts.

The group does a variety of art-inspired activities throughout the year and will be starting a new theme in the summer or fall.