To many people, a bag might be just a bag, but if you found yourself in a spot where a bag held some of your only Earthly possessions, you’d probably be extra appreciative if you could have a high-quality, uniquely stylish and handmade one.

A local Bristol quilting shop helped make that a reality for hundreds of Rhode Islanders in need, as they just wrapped up a “charity sew” fundraising effort, which resulted in 198 handmade quilted bags of various shapes, designs, colors, and sizes being donated to the Amos House in Providence, which strives to serve the needs of Rhode Island’s homeless, unemployed, and those living in poverty.

Colleen McFarlin and her mother, Lisa Foss, opened Beyond the Bolt at 500 Metacom Ave. in Bristol in November of 2019 as a hub for all things quilting. From instructional workshops suitable for all ages to a rainbow of colorful materials for sale on meticulously organized shelves, the shop’s warm and inviting ambiance is evident from the moment you walk in the door.

When the pandemic hit, they pivoted as most businesses did to a model that allowed them to stay afloat. Thankfully, as McFarlin acknowledged, hobbies like quilting became even more prevalent during the lockdowns of those early Covid years. And the quilting community, she found, was profoundly strong and united.

Amidst Covid in 2021, the shop and its community quilted around 40 baby blankets, but had trouble finding a place willing to take them. Amos House was happy to oblige, but also asked for much needed women’s hygiene products along with the blankets. The quilting community stepped up, donating hundreds of pads.

This year, McFarlin said that the goal was to get around 31 bags made and donated. She wound up with 198, from over 50 different contributing quilters. Additionally, they once again secured hundreds of the most in-demand items, such as brushes, shampoo, soap, hair accessories and deodorant. McFarlin loaded up her car on Monday afternoon and brought them to Amos House.

“It really has been incredible seeing the amount of support,” McFarlin said. “Anything we can do to help fill a need in the community is amazing.”