"In your life, people become like a patchwork quilt."

– Anna Aquino



When Sydne Bortel, longtime WMSS supporter, and part-time resident of Inverness, and quilter for over 30 years, reached out to donate 42 handmade quilts to WMSS’ clients - it was easy to say - yes!

“Our quilting guild wants these quilts to go to your clients who need them. We hope they will enjoy them” said Sydne. Mt. Tam Quilting Guild was established in 1987, and creates one-of-a-kind quilts. With over 80 members, the guilds goal is to donate to those in need through Marin County non-profit agencies.

Cynthia Fetherston, a WMSS' Home Delivered Meals volunteer, was asked to include one Mt. Tam quilt with each client’s meal. When Cynthia arrived to pick up the quilts, she was surprised.

 “I had no idea how beautiful these quilts would be, they are so professional, and honestly some are breathtaking to look at“. Cynthia (retired interior and jewelry designer) has been helping a WMSS client fix up her home. “She chose the Celtic quilt, and together we decided it needed to be placed on a table so everyone could see it. “

“We have a quilt hanging in the hall that Sydne made herself and donated years ago, it is admired by everyone here.” Natalia, Stockstill House Administrator reminds us of this.

Stockstill House resident Hilda Simmons (shown below) was presented with a stack of handmade quilts from the Mt. Tam Guild to choose from. “What is your favorite color Hilda,” asks Natalia. Hilda, who happens to be a lifetime quilter remarks, “I love all colors”.

Born in Cuba, one of fourteen children, and mother of five children, Hilda discovered her love of quilting after deciding to finish her tragically deceased daughter’s first quilt. “I was emotional about it. I was doing this, really not for me, but for her: Let’s finish this thing for Diana,” Hilda remarked in the book Crossing Borders – A Collection of Quilts to Challenge the Conventions of the Venerable Art Form. “My mother's work is based on her Afro-Cuban heritage, the vast experience of her life, and her interpretation and perspective of the world” Ronald Simmons (Hilda’s deceased son). Abraham Simmons, Hilda’s son lives in Marshall and says “My mother is spending the last of her years with the talented and loving staff at Stockstill House where the setting is absolutely beautiful, I can visit her often, and one of her own quilts is displayed on her bed.”

Stockstill House residents were delighted to receive these beautiful quilts from the Mt. Tam Guild. Shown here are Jessica and Robert Flynn, married residents at Stockstill House.

Julia appreciates anything purple and enjoyed studying the stitching pattern that crossed the colorful fabric.



The history of quilting reminds us that not only are quilts objects of art, but they are also labors of love, telling stories of years past, often including fabric from old family members' clothing, and displaying transformative applique of images.

Many of the most intricate designs have names such as Staircase, Log Cabin, and Window Boxes. Not only art pieces, but these quilts are also a testament to the dedicated creator's hands - wrapping with love and warmth.

Thank you, Mt. Tam Quilting Guild, for your wonderful quilts!

We hope you can join us in the fall for a showing of Hilda Simmons own

handmade quilts and to celebrate the art of quilting!

Please consider donating -

allowing us to offer programs to all elders throughout West Marin - for free!

Thank you!