Sunday, July 21, 2013

Quilting to Make A Difference

While wandering the internet today (I started on some historical research related to WWII and then got lost), I found this great site Quilt for Change.  

It's a site that is about how quilters can come together to make a difference.   A lot of quilt patterns have their basis in expressing an opinion about certain things.   Goodness knows THOUSANDS of women sat home quilting while their men were off fighting.   You can imagine the imagery that went into those quilts.  I myself did a quilt after 9-11 as a means of coping.    It was made out of red, white and blue scraps to symbolize the melting pot that is America.   It was blue and red lightening bolts on a white background to symbolize that we were not helpless, we still had power.   The quilting was bursting stars to symbolize the fighting back we did beginning with the invasion of Afghanistan.

Then there is the AIDS quilt.   A quilt started to honor those killed by that horrible disease and to raise awareness.   Quilts can heal.    Besides the practical of keeping warm, the meaning of a quilt can heal or give hope to those in need.

I urge you to check out Quilt for Change.   Everyone can make a difference in so many ways.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Hello Out There

Hello out there in Internet Land.   How ya' doin'?   Hope you enjoy reading this blog.  

Sometimes I feel like I am talking to myself here.   So why doesn't everyone who reads this drop me a line in the comments.   Just say hi or ask a question.   Cough.   Something.   Just so I know folks are reading.   (Note:   rude, crude, profane or obscene comments will not be posted.)

Also, any suggestions for getting that first elusive donation would be appreciated.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Playing the Waiting Game

I heard this afternoon there was added police at St. Mary's Hospital and that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had left Bucklebury (her parents' house has air conditioning) for London (Nottingham Cottage does not have air conditioning).   I figure this means the baby is finally on the way.   So far no real confirmation, but hey, babies don't just come shooting out you know.

But in anticipation of the Royal Birth, this would be a good weekend to quilt.   I would love to be quilting a block for charity.   Pick a charity.   Donate $10.  Email me proof.   Then hopefully come Monday we see a picture of the block -- and the Royal Baby.  Sound like a plan?  

I'm up for it.   Gotta do something while we wait for the good news of a healthy new baby born into the world.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

It's Official

I am officially a member of the National Quilting Association.   I sent in my dues awhile ago.   Just got my official member card and pin in the mail.  


I'm a quilter not a photographer okay?

Very exciting.   I would love to tell them all that the Quilt Challenge is going well.   So let's get with it.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Celebrating Freedom - Fourth of July

Today we celebrate the day our Founding Fatherf told Merry Olde England to get lost.   We were sick of paying taxes (some things never change) and being told what to do by an unresponsive government (again, some things never change).  

We had to fight to gain our independence.   That fight goes on today.   Not only for our democracy but for democracy around the world.   Our troops continue to protect our freedom.   Many make the ultimate sacrifice.   Those who don't may come home wounded.   Wounds both visible and invisible.  

The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund helps those who return home.   Today, you can help their work by making a donation.    Everyone who donates today to IFHF will have a special patriotic block made in their honor.   The quilt made from those blocks will go to Blankets of Hope which provides "comfor and hope for recovery to our Wounded Heroes."   What a great way to say thank you twice.

Don't forget you can donate enough for a whole quilt too.   Just a $200 donation makes a whole quilt for a wounded soldier.  

As you are bbqing today and setting off fireworks (illegal in Montgomery County and other places) take a moment and donate today.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Tragedy in Arizona

Many of us woke to the news yesterday of the death of 19 heros.   19 firefighters gave their lives protecting a town from a wildfire.   Almost the entire hotshot (specialist firefighteres) team from Prescott, Arizona perished when they were overtaken by the flames.   Only one member of the crew survived.   He was on a lookout a mile a way so managed not to get caught.

Our prayers are with the families of those lost and with all of those affected by the fire.

I thought about doing a special addition to the Quilt Block challenge for donations to families.  I had to restrain myself though.   As I posted previously, there are a lot of worthy organizations.   If I lose focus, a lot of organizations will get a lot of $10 donations.   But the idea is to make an impact.   So a lot of $10 donations to a few organizations is more of an impact than a few $10 donations to a lot of organizations.

It was a hard decision to make.   But focus and discipline is important when trying to change the world.   Come change it with me.   Make a donation today.