Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Helping Others

Part of the reason I love being a quilter is that is allows me the opportunity to use my creativity and sewing skills to brighten people's lives and to provide them with a symbol of love and comfort.

Bushfire Quilt Top

This is the 25 block quilt top that I sent to Tia for the Bushfire Quilt Project.

Here is the signature square with some kind words for the recipients.

Busfire Quilt Top Signature Block

These are the 3 blocks I made for Project Improv.

Project Improv - Red, Aqua

Project Improv - Green, Blue

Project Improv - Pink, Orange

They will be assembled into charity quilts with other blocks created in one of the three colourways. I can't wait to see the finished quilts. They will definitely spread some happiness.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Bushfire Blocks and Dear Jane

I have almost completed my 25 blocks for the Bushfire Quilt Project. I plan to mail them early next week. My mom is also making some blocks to send, so I will have to co-ordinate with here so we can mail our things together.

Here is the progress right now. All three pieces of the blocks made, just need to complete them, and sew the top together.

Bushfire Blocks

As mentioned in a previous post, I was contemplating what fabrics to use for my Baby Jane quilt. I made the decision that I want it to be fun, but not something too 'now' as far as my colour taste goes, since it will take a while to make, and I don't want to have that 'what was I thinking?' feeling when it is finished.

I've decided on Strawberry Jane. Colours are: Red, Bright Pink, Lighter Pink, Lime Green, and Bright Green with white background fabric. I began this project on January 25th, 2009 (the day before my 1 year wedding anniversary) and I'm hoping to complete it in 1 year. It may be a crazy goal, and I might need some cheerleading along the way, but I'd like to have it done for my quilt guild's show on Mother's Day Weekend 2010. Unless my machine quilting skills go through the roof between now and then, I will probably have it long arm quilted.

Here are my 13 Jane blocks so far with the date of completion for each block. I haven't worked on it for a week and a bit, because I was away at a retreat last weekend and worked on some other projects. And when I got back I heard about the horrible fires in Australia, and immediately started on my blocks for the Bushfire Quilt Project.

A8 - Florence Nightingale (02/01/09)

A8 - Florence Nightingale (02/01/09)

B-1 Batchelor Buttons (02/01/09)

B-1 Batchelor Buttons (02/01/09)

B-4 Chris's Soccer Field (01/29/09)

B-4 Chris's Soccer Field (01/29/09)

B-13 Four Corner Press (01/27/09)

B-13 Four Corner Press (01/27/09)

C-9 Jane's Tears (01/28/09)

C-9 Jane's Tears (01/28/09)

D-3 Jason's Jacks (01/31/09)

D-3 Jason's Jacks (01/31/09)

D-6 Challenge (01/27/09)

D-6 Challenge (01/27/09)

D-13 Field of Dreams (02/01/09)

D-13 Field of Dreams (02/01/09)

G-4 Shutter Bug (02/01/09)

G-4 Shutter Bug (02/01/09)
H-13 Farm Fields (02/01/09)

H-13 Farm Fields (02/01/09)

I-3 Family Album (02/01/09)

I-3 Family Album (02/01/09)

J-4 Adelaine's Apron Strings (01/29/09)

J-4 Adelaine's Apron Strings (01/29/09)

M-10 Simple Simon (01/25/09)

M-10 Simple Simon (01/25/09)

Stay tuned for more progress and a photo of my Minny Muu quilt that I'm making for ME. It's about time.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Bushfire Quilt Project

I just returned from a fantastic quilting retreat with friends. When I got back, I found out about the devastation that is happening in Australia. The fires are spreading like crazy, and the taking lives and homes of so many people. Feeling rather helpless here in Canada, I found out about Tia and her Bushfire Quilt Project. I have stopped all progress on my other quilt projects to help out as much as I can.

I will make a 25 quilt block top (if not the whole quilt depending on shipping costs), to send. I have also asked my Mom to help out and she will be making blocks and I have the word out to some other quilting friends.

It's times like these that really bring everyone together and I hope to be able to send a quilt hug to someone in need.

Please help out if you are able. If you don't quilt you could make donations to the Red Cross, Salvation Army or Wildlife Victoria.