My Background
I am a child of the '60s, always wanting to change the world. I first tried it as a public school teacher, dedicating myself to bettering society one child at a time. When I decided to do it with a larger scope and greater intensity, I became a psychologist, trying to empower individuals, families, and entire communities to make the world a better, fairer place. During my career as a psychologist, I've worn many hats -- professor, therapist, mentor, scholar, writer, speaker, consultant, coach, and leader -- but always focused on social justice and change.
I am also a partner, (step)mother, grandmother, aunt, colleague, friend, and community member, with a love of art and a long history of making things with my own hands. I've been an enthusiastic hobby quilter for more than 25 years, bestowing quilts on many clients, family members, colleagues, and friends. I have now reached a point in my life where I can devote more time to quilting, but I want to make sure I am doing it with purpose.
Sew... here I am! I still want to change the world. And now I am marrying my love of quilting to the social transformation aims of philanthropy, by creating SEW RUTH: Quilts for Causes.
How SEW RUTH Came About
I ventured down this new path about two years ago when a friend helped to create a shelter for abused and neglected domestic bunnies, the Ohio House Rabbit Rescue (www.ohiohouserabbitrescue.org). Eager to support my friend and save helpless bunnies, I starting making bunny-themed quilts that OHRR could sell, auction, or raffle off to raise funds for the shelter. I made about a dozen "Bun Fun" quilts, and the enthusiastic response that I received inspired me to think beyond bunnies to other worthy causes needing funds. I realized that this was the purpose I had been seeking -- that I could simultaneously pursue my two passions of making quilts AND working to change the world.
Thus, my new venture, SEW RUTH: Quilts for Causes, was born. In this unique marriage of creativity and philanthropy, I continue to make original, handcrafted keepsakes for others, but now they are sold and the profits are donated to causes that protect and nurture people and the planet.
Thank you for helping me to help others!
Warmly,
I am also a partner, (step)mother, grandmother, aunt, colleague, friend, and community member, with a love of art and a long history of making things with my own hands. I've been an enthusiastic hobby quilter for more than 25 years, bestowing quilts on many clients, family members, colleagues, and friends. I have now reached a point in my life where I can devote more time to quilting, but I want to make sure I am doing it with purpose.
Sew... here I am! I still want to change the world. And now I am marrying my love of quilting to the social transformation aims of philanthropy, by creating SEW RUTH: Quilts for Causes.
How SEW RUTH Came About
I ventured down this new path about two years ago when a friend helped to create a shelter for abused and neglected domestic bunnies, the Ohio House Rabbit Rescue (www.ohiohouserabbitrescue.org). Eager to support my friend and save helpless bunnies, I starting making bunny-themed quilts that OHRR could sell, auction, or raffle off to raise funds for the shelter. I made about a dozen "Bun Fun" quilts, and the enthusiastic response that I received inspired me to think beyond bunnies to other worthy causes needing funds. I realized that this was the purpose I had been seeking -- that I could simultaneously pursue my two passions of making quilts AND working to change the world.
Thus, my new venture, SEW RUTH: Quilts for Causes, was born. In this unique marriage of creativity and philanthropy, I continue to make original, handcrafted keepsakes for others, but now they are sold and the profits are donated to causes that protect and nurture people and the planet.
Thank you for helping me to help others!
Warmly,
Ruth E. Fassinger
SEW RUTH: Quilts for Causes
Sonoma, CA
sewruth.q4c@gmail.com
SEW RUTH: Quilts for Causes
Sonoma, CA
sewruth.q4c@gmail.com
Many thanks to Anna Kim O'Brien Petersen and Thomas Song O'Brien Petersen for helping me to create this website.