District 10 photo
District 10 Director Grace Magsayo says, "When I am working on quilts, my stress goes away."
By Erin McQueary
District 10 public information officer
Auctions are a regular part of the District 10 Events Committee’s fundraising efforts. Last year, however, a particular item captured everyone’s attention: a handcrafted quilt made by District Director Grace Magsayo.
The quilt, featuring a fall theme with vibrant orange, brown, and burgundy leaves, started at a price of $75. Enthusiastic bidders quickly increased its value, and Engineer Andrey Chevychalov ultimately won the quilt for $200.
Andrey was captivated by the quilt as a unique work of art created by someone renowned within the district. He admired the craftsmanship and wondered about the time invested in its creation. The answer: approximately 12 full days.
Finding joy in quilting
For Grace, quilting is not just a task – it is a source of joy and fulfillment. “When I am working on quilts, my stress goes away,” she explained. “I just feel so fulfilled.”
Her journey with sewing began decades ago in home economics classes in the Philippines. It became a college hobby and eventually blossomed into a lifelong passion. In the early 2000s, a morning show segment ignited her interest in quilting specifically.
“I thought, ‘I can do that; that’s just geometry.’ ”
Grace purchased fabric and a modest $200 sewing machine, creating a few quilt blocks. However, with two young children and a demanding engineering career, those blocks were set aside for nearly ten years.
Eventually, Grace returned to her unfinished quilt blocks. “I decided I was going to finish that quilt, so I just did it … and after that I caught the fever.” Her renewed enthusiasm led her to invest in a high-quality $4,000 quilting machine – “$4,000 too much for my own skill,” she joked. This upgrade motivated her to master her craft.
Crafting comfort and giving back
Grace has made quilts for her daughters and extended family, and she began creating them as gifts for loved ones facing hardship, including several battling cancer.
“Instead of sending flowers, I would spend the time to make a quilt,” she said. “While I’m sewing, I pray for them … for their recovery, for their health.”
Her generosity extends beyond her immediate circle. Grace had already been crocheting blankets for Project Linus, a charity that donates handmade blankets to children in need, and she now contributes quilts as well.
A lasting legacy
To date, Grace has completed 36 quilts. Last year, she started titling, numbering, and stitching her name into a corner of each quilt. She believes that each quilt reflects her creative process, joking, “I am a bit of a scatterbrain.” Grace enjoys how unexpected shapes and colors can blend into something beautiful.
She can quilt from sunrise to sunset without fatigue and looks forward to dedicating even more time to the craft in retirement. Her plans include joining a quilting club, expanding her collection, and continuing to donate quilts to those in need of warmth and hope.
“I am really lucky that I found this outlet that can do some good, some service,” Grace said. “I think that is going to be my identity when I retire.”