Thursday, November 1, 2012

Taking action - wanna help?

EDITED 11/3/12 - Just a note, if you are a no-reply commenter, I can't send you my mailing address.  If you haven't heard from me, that is why - I have already emailed everyone that I could get in touch with, and have tracked some people down through blogs.    I can be emailed at ehutchinson@wlu.edu, and I'll get my mailing address out to you all.  Thanks so much!

While my kids were home from school on Tuesday, enjoying the reprieve that Hurricane Sandy afforded us here in Virginia, I got started on an idea for a baby quilt.  I wanted to make a spiral log cabin like I had seen on Beth's blog, but I was wondering if it could be done with some of my pre-cut 2" squares that are overflowing their tin.  In no time at all, I had four 9.5" blocks to play with.  It turns out, I like Beth's better, but I can do something with these...



Then I went upstairs on turned on the TV.  Sandy may have given us a reprieve, but she bashed the heck out of our friends north of us.  The images on the screen horrified and haunted me.  My first job after college was in NYC.  My first date with my now-husband was on the Jersey Shore.  He surprised me with a trip to Atlantic City for my 22nd birthday.  The first home that we bought together was in Hoboken, NJ.  All these places that played such a significant role in my past were cold and dark and underwater.  People were were losing their belongings, their homes, their lives.

I can't sit by and do nothing.  I'll donate money, to be sure, but I'm going to turn my sewing room into a sweatshop these next couple of weeks and donate some quilts, too.  My program with the school kids doesn't start until November 12, so I have a week and a half to concentrate on making quilt tops.

Do you want to help?  I wanted to make big block quilts, something interesting but simple.  I saw the disappearing 4-patch online recently, so that's what I chose to make.  One block takes me about 10 minutes to make, including the cutting and pressing.  If you want to make a block to send to me,   leave a comment and I'll send you my mailing address.  I will put the quilt tops together and either find someone to machine quit them or (gulp) machine quilt them myself.  We can't help everyone, but together, we can make a small difference in the lives of some.

Block guidelines:

Choose two fabrics: a multi-color FLORAL and a coordinating fabric that provides good contrast to the floral and reads as a solid.  Cut two 7" squares from each fabric.  Sew into a 4-patch.

Press the 4-patch, and then using a long ruler, make four cuts on the 4-patch, one at 1.5" to each side of the center seams.  Do not move your fabric after each cut; either rotate the cutting mat after each cut, or rotate yourself around the mat.  Once cut, you should have this:
Granted, I moved them a little bit so you could see where the cuts are. 

Move only the skinny center pieces from each side clockwise one space (musical chairs for fabric). It should now look like this:

Sew into rows and then into a 9-patch.

Your final block should be 12.5".  Don't bother to trim your block to size, send them to me as is and I will trim them all to the same size together.  This is a block that is pretty forgiving - when trimmed, you don't lose the integrity of the block.

Thanks so much for considering helping out.  I know that a subconscious reason for wanting to help is to ease this feeling of helplessness that I have as I think about what my fellow citizens are going through. But is that such a bad thing if, through the easing of my own discomfort, I bring comfort to others?

“Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” - Martin Luther King, Jr. “Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day.” - Sally Koch 



119 comments:

Auntie Em said...

Wonderful idea! I'd be happy to send you some blocks.

beth said...

I'll send you some blocks!

Livin' Blue Quilter said...

What a wonderful way to help. I will send you some blocks.

Anonymous said...

I would like to send some blocks too, I am in Great Britain, will that be okay??
Annette x

Barbara Arcement said...

I will send some blocks too....I need your address
what a wonderful idea!
hugs from south Louisiana
beebee
I live in a place that sees hurricanes just about every year, just below New Orleans so I understand the pain the east coast is having...praying for all

Angie in SoCal said...

Would be happy to send you blocks. I have relatives in NJ.

Becky said...

I'll be making you some blocks (Love the pattern, heehee) We just got our power back last night and I have Chris' family here today to warm up, clean up, and work computer work. They have an all electric home with no electric! I'll have all day tomorrow to sew. Are the blocks 9 1/2" complete?

Becky said...

Never mind.....I saw the 12 1/2" size.

Frog Quilter said...

I can make some blocks. Please send an address to send.

Thanks

Nancy said...

These are wonderful! I can try to make some. I live in an apt. and just got work that my kitchen is going to be replaced sometime in the next two to three weeks but maybe I can do some by hand. (Don't want the machine out while they are making a mess). Please send me an address to which I can send them. This is a wonderful idea. I am in southeastern PA so felt some of the wrath of Sandy as I am sure you did.

Ms. C said...

I'll send you some blocks. I live in RI and see the need. Luckily most homes that were destroyed here were vacation homes, but those people in Queens - how awful to have their homes burn in the storm.

Michelle said...

I want to send you some blocks. I love the "Disappearing 4-patch" block. We were much luckier here in western PA - just high winds & lots of rain. It's not like I can send a casserole (tough I would if I could). This is still comfort.

Elaine M said...

I will send a couple blocks, will also look through my stash for fabric for the back.

Marie said...

We've been watching the aftermath and counting our blessings - making a few blocks is the least I can do. Please send me your mailing address. This is a wonderful idea and I'm certain will bring a measure of comfort to those who need it so desperately right now.

Quilty Conscience said...

Me! Me! Me! I want to help! I admire your taking this on. Wish I had seen this earlier today. I just spent 3 hours working on scrapbusting...which was fun but I could have spent that time helping out. I'm going to go choose fabrics now! Toni

Barbara Arcement said...

I posted this info on my blog, Hope you get lots of responses!

hugs
beebee

Michelle said...

What a wonderful idea; you're awesome! I had no idea you had so many connections to the NY/NJ area. We've been lucky so far, all our peeps in NE are doing fine.

Count me in, will hand them over in person (I'm so lucky:-)
Peace,
~Michelle

PS Any particular colorway?

Anonymous said...

count me in...will bring to you next week w/ books and needles and such. have a good weekend

Goldogmom said...

Hi, I'm in, I love the idea. I'm out on the West Coast and am happy to have a concrete way to help.

Any idea how you will distribute the quilts?

Sharon said...

Hi! Found you thru Beth's blog. Count me in. I'm on the West Coast, but I'll be happy to send a few blocks. My heart goes out to everyone that is suffering right now.

The Thimblemouse of Country Crossroads said...

Will be making some blocks to send your way!

Lisa said...

Yes ma'am, count me in. Wish I still lived in Virginia - I'd come & help you sew them all together or iron or ... Anyway, shoot me your addy & I'll get started. Oh goody, a chance to go thru my fabric! Lisa

FJquilter said...

I can send some blocks. will need your address.

janequiltsslowly said...

Please send me your address I want to help. I will forward this post to my quilting friends and collect their blocks for you. This is why I love quilters.

Sheila said...

I can send you some blocks. Please email me your address.

joe tulips said...

I am in. Will work on some blocks before I even start my coffee mugs for block lotto. I love this block. You will end up with such awesome scrap quilts!

Nancy said...

I'd like to help too. I'm so sorry to see all the destruction around us. We were so lucky!!

sewfunquilts said...

So happy to hear about this as was looking for someone who was coordinating a group effort for quilts. Please send me your address and I'll tell others about your project too...and post it on my blog today.

I'll send you some $$money for the batting too.

Thanks sew much.

Needled Mom said...

I'll be glad to send blocks too.

thebutterflyquilter said...

I would love to help. Please send me your address!

Wacky Woman said...

Yes of course I will make some blocks. How did I miss this post the first time?

Unknown said...

Saw a reference to your blog on SewFunQuilts. I would like to make some blocks to contribute. I live in eastern Pennsylvania, and lost power for 25 hours from the storm, but I'm lucky that was the extent of how much I was affected.

Pamela said...

I would love to send some blocks! It would be wonderful to feel like I can do something useful to help...

Sherry said...

I'm in New Jersey. . . we were fortunate; only lost power from Monday through yesterday. Lost some food & some meds but no major damage or injury --- unlike so many others in our area.

I'll send some blocks. . . just email me

Debbie said...

Darling, you may have started something bigger than you think. (Don't ask me how I know!) I'm in and will make some blocks for you. I applaud you for stepping up when you saw a need. Off to sew....

Unknown said...

Sending some blocks from Cape Town, South Africa! Will you be e-mailing the postal address? God bless!

Raewyn said...

I'm happy to make some too and will get them I the post asap. These will come from NZ so I hope they will get there quickly enough.

Lesley said...

I will send some from Nova Scotia. Will await your address. Thanks to Sharon at Vrooman's Quilts for letting me know. Wonderful idea...

Coloradolady said...

I will make some blocks. How much fabric do you need for backing? I may be able to send some fabric for backing as well.

I found you from Lane's blog, we are blogging buddies! I have been busy and just say this post.

I will do as many as I can this weekend.

moosecarol said...

I've got a few in the works and will finish as many blocks as I can this week.
Wonderful idea and a good use of some of my stash

MoranArtandQuilts said...

I'd be happy to make a few blocks! Looks like you've got quite a few people.

Eat Sleep Quilt said...

Count me in, I'd love to help!
Linda

Michele T said...

Would love to send some blocks from Ontario, Canada. Forward me your address. Thanks to Judy Chain of Sew Fun Quilts for sharing your idea!!

Megan said...

I don't have a blog, but I read several. I found you from Lane. I'd also love to send you some blocks from Ontario. I have several floral FQs I won in our guild FQ draw. They are not my style at all, so they've sat in a drawer. This seems like an excellent use for them.

Pat from Florida said...

I'll send you blocks and also post about it on my blog. Thanks for handling this.

kayluvs2quilt said...

I am making blocks to send...Please send me your address.

Barbara Arcement said...

Erin, I can make a few disappearing 9 patch blocks this same size...it might spice up the pattern on the quilts a little. Let me know
hugs
beebee

leeb678 said...

Want to do something; I will make blocks.
Leeb678

Pam said...

We are safe and warm in the UK, I will gladly send you some blocks. My heart goes out to all the people whose homes have been torn asunder.If every one who reads your blog sends a block think how much love there would be going round.

Carol said...

I would love to send you some blocks! I'll get some done today!

s said...

Hi! I'd like to send blocks to you, too, ok? thanks for doing this! susan

TB said...

I´d love to help out...I spent many days on n.j. beaches, and lived in Manhattan 7 years, my heart goes out to these hurricane victims. Send me your address. Eileen in Spain

Carol E. said...

I'll help! I can make some blocks this weekend.

Nicki said...

I would like to send some blocks. Debbie at http://stitchintherapy.blogspot.com/ posted this on her blog & I want to send some blocks. I will need your address.

Thanks for heading this up & helping these people.

ooglebloops said...

Please send me your address - some followers on my Mountain meadows Quilters FB page want to make some blocks. mountain.meadows@yahoo.com

Nanette said...

I'd like to send some too, I was hoping to find someone who was doing this. They'll be coming from Australia, so I hope they get to you in time. Is there some way I could send some $$ to you to help with batting or other supplies you may need...via Paypal maybe?

Yumm yumz by patticakes said...

Count me in - I would be honored to help!

Shay said...

I cant help out with blocks Erin but I'll gladly send you some money for batting and other supplies. How do you want to work that out?

Pat said...

Please send me your email address. I will also let several quilting friends know about this.

Pat said...

I mean...I need your mailing address so I can make blocks and send them to you.

Gina E. said...

I've just committed a quilt top to Jennifer over at Solar Threads, and am happy to do the same for you. I did a quilt top for Phoenix Quilts for the victims of the Utah wildfires. Sorry I can only do one, but the cost of shipping is dreadful. Still, you Americans were very generous and kind at the time of our bushfires a few years ago. I haven't forgotten...
Hugs
Gina in Melbourne

Barbara said...

I'll send some blocks.

Anonymous said...

I want to help too. Together, a little goes a long way.

Loris said...

I will make some blocks to send. Great idea for the block choice and for giving quilts to those affected by this horrific storm. I can also longarm quilt for you.
www.luckypupquilter.blogspot.com

tink's mom said...

Hi,
I'm in central NJ myself and still without power. Once it comes back i could surely whip up a few blocks. The building next door and the one across the street had lights last nite. I hope our turn is today or tomorrow.

Michele said...

Quilters helped me when I asked for it and I will happily help you. Send me your address and I will get some blocks done up in the next couple of days and on their way to you.

Anonymous said...

I would love to contribute some blocks. Please send me the address.

nancyc20 said...

I'd love to make some blocks. Just need to know where to send. Nancy

The Slow Quilter said...

I just read about your work for the Sandy victims, and the disappering 9 patch blocks and I would love to send you one or more. I am asking my Bee members to also work on block and give to me to send. Thank you for your effort in this moment in our lives.

theslowquilter@gmail.com
fafew4429@msn.com

Nancie Anne Quilts said...

Great Idea! Do you have a deadline in mind?

Teri said...

I would love to send some blocks....I have the time and fabric...is there a time limit.....

Thank you for all the work it takes to do this......

Phyllis in Minnesota said...

Thanks for the chance to do something. I'll make blocks.
ggmpm2000 at aol dot com

Patti said...

I'll sew some blocks.

Evelyn said...

I've got some blocks ready to send - can you send me your address please? Thanks for doing this!

CeLynn said...

Made up a couple of blocks after dinner,but they came out at 12 inches...if you would still like them for maybe the back side I would be happy to send them along. Let me know.

pinsandneedles said...

I would love to help. I can send some blocks! Please send me your mailing address. Thanks for organizing this.

Deborah said...

I will send some too.

Sarah said...

Hi I can make you some blocks! It is nice to be able to do something to help.

Churn Dash said...

I've a sewing event later this week. I'll make some blocks then if they won't be too late for you.
Helen

Jevne said...

I will help by making blocks today.

hetty said...

I have made a few blocks. You can see them on my blog. Please send me your address and I will mail them to you.

Jevne said...

I'll send a block or two.

Unknown said...

I will make some blocks today. This is my first day home after my Moms funeral and I will make them in her honor

KaHolly said...

I'm in!! Send me your address!!

Gloria said...

I will send you some blocks. Please send address.

Gloria

Gyates625@bellsouth.net

Carla said...

I'd like to send a few your way!

If it's okay I want to share your blog with some of my other quilty friends.

Kate said...

I'll definitely send a couple blocks!

Farm Quilter said...

Read your post, sat down and made 6 blocks for you...email me with your address and they will be on their way tomorrow!!

Farm Quilter said...

Erin, I posted a link to your blog on my blog and on my facebook...hope it helps!!

maddyrose said...

I would like to send some blocks and will need your address.

Barb said...

Simple enough, will you take an already done baby quilt?

quiltzyx said...

I can make some blocks too!

Thanks for organizing this.

Calicojoan said...


What a generous thing you are doing. I am heading down to stitch a few blocks today. Where can I mail them?

Rose Marie said...

I'll make some blocks!

Cathy Tomm said...

Can I send you some blocks? It may take a little longer to get to you (from Canada).

Unknown said...

I have my blocks ready to send. Please send me your address.

Anonymous said...

I'd love to make a block for you. Is there a deadline?

Carol B said...

I will make some blocks for this effort.
Please send my your mailing address via my email.
Carol_berge@msn.com

Thanks in advance, Carol Berge

regan said...

Yep....I want to help, too! I'm heading up right now to sew some blocks up! Thanks for doing this!

libbyquilter said...

i have been watching the terrible scenes on the news and wondering what i can do to help so yes, i can make some blocks, if you still want them or i may have some fabrics that would be suitable for backings . . . they may have to be pieced backings but if you need them i will comb through and get them in the mail to you.

connect with me and let me know what you need; thread? batting? money? i'll do my best.

libbyquilter@yahoo.com

berylthepearl said...

I would love to help and will gladly send a couple blocks. I hope it's not too late.
Bredf331@comcast.net

Nicki said...

I mailed out a few yesterday. Is there a deadline for getting these to you? I may have time to make a few more if it's not too late.

Thank you so much for doing this. Generally I just don't have the time or resources to make a full quilt but can certainly provide blocks. Thanks for making this easy to be able to help in a small way.

Betteem said...

I'd like to send some blocks. Thanks for organizing this project!

Diane said...

These blocks are quick to make - be glad to send you some blocks. Dane - diquilts@comcast.net

Dori said...

I would be happy to make some blocks this weekend if you are still accepting them. What a great project!

Robin Quilts, etc. said...

I'm happy to make several blocks to help. Please let me know where to send them.

Anonymous said...

I'll make a couple! If you'll send me your addy that would be great!

Rebecca said...

I would love to make a few blocks to send!! Also, I am a machine quilter. If you want help quilting, i would love to help with that!! I would quilt up to 4 quilts and bind them. Let me know. And thanks so much for the inspiration and motivation!!

Mom2mykids said...

I just found this blog, and would love to help out. I can't do a lot, but would love to contribute at least a little bit. Thanks!

Janice said...

I'd like to help. Please email me your address. Ill let Bonnie Hunter at Quiltville.com know also. She's looking for quilt projects related to Hurricane Sandy fir her followers to help with.

Janice in TN
jespilgrim (at) aol (dot) com

Janice said...

I'd like to help. Please email me your address. Ill let Bonnie Hunter at Quiltville.com know also. She's looking for quilt projects related to Hurricane Sandy fir her followers to help with.

Janice in TN
jespilgrim (at) aol (dot) com

Anne said...

Would like to help if you still need more blocks.

Anne said...

Would like to help if you still need more blocks.

Unknown said...

would love to help out as much as i can....pattern looks easy, so would love to send you some blocks...thanks for the opportunity to help....

Kay said...

I would also love to send you some blocks.

sherryberrybim said...

I'd like to make some blocks. Please send me your address.

slmcgann@verizon.net

Margaret said...

I would like to contribute; I'm in Western Canada and found out about this just now on Cathy Tomm's blog. I spent the summer of '69 working as a nanny in White Plains, N.Y. and took the train into NYC every chance I could when I was off. I have wonderful memories...so need to help out.

Jaye said...

Thanks for organizing and for the great directions. I have done the Disappearing 9 patch before, but not the Disappearing 4 patch. I am glad to know how to do it. I have 4 blocks made and ready to send. Please send me your address and I will get them in the mail.

Unknown said...

If you still need some I can send a few your way!