About the Guild

The guild proudly upholds the, "Each One, Teach One." philosophy. This succinct phrase encapsulates their commitment to preserving and disseminating African American cultural experiences within the diverse tapestry of quilting. Their creative endeavors extend to the incorporation of African fabrics, melding these textiles into a myriad of design styles, thereby infusing their work with a distinctive and culturally significant flavor. It reflects the heart of Sankofa Stitchers: a collective dedication to learning, teaching, and maintaining a rich heritage.

Meetings

We meet on the second Monday of each month from September through June. Regular hybrid guild meetings begin at 11:00 am. In May and October, our  Day Retreat meetings for members only begin at 9:30 am.

We currently meet  at Stonehill Church in Princeton, located at 1025 Bunn Dr, Princeton, NJ 08540.​​
Our guild membership is currently full, but if you're interested in visiting, please don't hesitate to contact the guild via email at [email protected]. We look forward to welcoming you!

Monthly Activities

Philanthropy and Community Service
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 PSSMQG's monthly meetings serve as a hub for various activities:

• Sewing for Self and Others: Members engage in creating quilts for personal projects as well as philanthropic efforts that benefit local community organizations serving women and children.
• Learning and Skill Development: The guild fosters a spirit of continuous learning, where members discover new techniques and skills vital to the art of quilting.
• Knowledge Sharing: The monthly gatherings provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge on all aspects of quilting, enabling members to grow in their craft.
• Fellowship and Socialization: Beyond the stitches and fabrics, PSSMQG encourages members to foster bonds and camaraderie with fellow African American quilters, creating a sense of belonging.
• Preservation of Heritage: A crucial mission of the guild is to document and preserve the rich heritage of African American quilting, ensuring that these traditions are passed down to future generations.

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Workshops

PSSMQG offers classes facilitated by visiting teachers and member-led workshops. past themed workshops have included themes such as improvisational blocks, appliqué, foundation paper piecing, hand quilting, quilt finishing (bindings, facings, labels), photo collage, improvisational letters, landscape quilts, fabric bowls, tablet covers, tote bags, baskets, zipper purses, and more.

As a regional member of our parent organization, The Modern Quilt Guild (MQG), PSSMQG members have free access to an extensive MQG Resource Library that includes the
MQG Journal quilt pattern and block study series, articles, interviews, previously recorded webinars, on-demand education videos, sewing projects, tutorials, and more.
 
Please Note: Workshops are currently open to PSSMQG members only.

The guild's journey also intertwines with a deep sense of philanthropy and community service. PSSMQG's dedication to community service is at the heart of its mission. Throughout the years, PSSMQG has engaged in projects that transcend quilting and extend a helping hand to various sectors Over the years, the guild has undertaken various initiatives, including:

• 2022 & 2023: Book Pillows for Children: The guild made book pillows filled with age-appropriate books for the children attending Princeton Nursery School, HomeFront NJ, and Kids-R-First Preschool, Trenton, NJ.
• 2021: Wheelchair Quilts for Female Veterans at Veterans Memorial Home, Vineland, NJ. In 2021, Sankofa Stitchers crafted wheelchair quilts for female veterans residing in a retirement home, offering both comfort and appreciation.
• 2021: New Beginnings Reentry Services (Kimya’s House): Juandamarie Gikandi led an initiative with Sankofa members and members of other quilt guilds to make 20 twin-sized bed quilts and hygiene kits for the inaugural participants of a residential program for formerly incarcerated girls and women.

• 2018 – 2020: Girls’ Scout Troop: In 2018, PSSMQG played a pivotal role in initiating a Girls' Scout Troop for young ladies living in the Trenton area, where members taught sewing skills and helped the girls create small, quilted objects for donation to community organizations.
• 2018 and 2019: Baby Quilts and Blankets: PSSMQG members lovingly sewed flannel baby blankets and baby quilts for Makerspace in Trenton, NJ, an organization that addresses infant mortality issues.
• 2018: Hygiene Kits for Womanspace: Members also dedicated their talents to creating dozens of washcloth-based personal hygiene kits, which were generously donated to Womanspace, a domestic violence service provider in Mercer County, NJ.