I feel like I am asking for a lot of help from the quilting community this week. I really value your time, advice, and input! In this case, I am hoping that you have a bit of time in the next month to make and send me a quilt block or two for two very deserving and lovely children.
***UPDATED*** For more ideas, visit my Boat and Music Block Tutorials post.
Request for Quilt Blocks
This past Sunday, I spent several hours with the wife and children of my friend, Mike, who died last October. I had them over to talk about quilts and sewing, and their enthusiasm and creativity and excitement blew me away. Each child made their own quilt block, and they are awesome!!
Sailboat Block
“L” Block
The younger sibling chose to make the letter “L” (the first letter of his name). His block finished out at 7 inches wide by 10 inches tall (how cool that they are the same size?!?!). His use of negative space and sense of color coordination is excellent, and again we played with decorative stitches to put his name at the bottom of the block.
I plan to create more blocks for both of them. I will finish spelling out his name, make blocks to spell out her name, and others as necessary (I have a bunch of ideas!).
If you have time in your busy schedule over the next month, I would appreciate any blocks that finish at 7 x 10 (inches) and follow the same general color scheme as indicated by the original blocks. The older sibling is a dancer, so if boats and ocean themed blocks do not inspire you, perhaps something related to dancing might be more fun for you to make. The other color you could add in for her blocks would be pinks and/or salmon colors. The younger sibling is also very excited to be learning to play the piano and his mother and I think that in addition to his name he would really enjoy any music themed blocks, so adding in black and white prints (especially if they have music themed prints on them) would be great, too.
What kind of blocks should I make?
Older: Boat / ocean themed or dancing themed blocks using navys, teals, grays (same tones as in her block above), and pink or salmon.
Younger: Music themed blocks using blues (in the same tones as his block above), black, and white. Improv blocks in the same blue tones as above would also be appropriate.
How big should I make the blocks?
Ideally, the blocks should measure 7-inches by 10-inches (landscape orientation for the boat/ocean/dancing themed blocks, portrait orientation for the music blocks). However, if there is a block design that you want to make that is a different size, we will use it to learn about piecing and design challenges!
When do you need the blocks?
Please post/mail/ship your blocks by April 22, 2015.
Should I sign my blocks?
No. Purely to keep it simple. A label will be made explaining that these quilts were created from the global quilt community.
I don’t live in the US, can I still send blocks?
Of course you can! Please do so!
Where do I send them?
Email me at jetgirl8(at)gmail(dot)com when you are ready to ship your blocks, and I will give you my address. This also helps me keep track of how many blocks to expect.
Will all the blocks be used?
Yes! If more blocks are received than can be reasonably used in quilt tops for the children, the remaining blocks will be utilized for a pieced backing or for donation quilts to Project Linus.
Is there anything I am missing that you need to know? Leave a comment and I will update this post as necessary. Thank you so much!
Linking up to Let’s Bee Social and WiP Wednesday (buttons to the right).
I’ll send you two , it would be nice if the other girls in our bee could too .
Yvonne, I want to be sure on the sizing…on the sailboat block you say finish at 7×10. Do I need to add my 1/4 inch seam allowowance to the 7×10 so when sewn in the quilt they finish at 7×10? This is such a great project!
Great question!!! I’m excited to join this project, too!
When you are done with your blocks, they should measure 7 x 10. When sewn into the quilt top they will finish at 6.5 x 9.5. Thanks!
You know I’m in!! I’ll make the blocks as soon as the quilting is finished on the quilt I am working on đŸ™‚
So cool that you are teaching these kids not only about quilting but in the end they will also see the power or community and I’m sure so many more life lessons along the way đŸ™‚
I’ll start rummaging in my stash for fabrics that might inspire ideas.
I LOVE this project and will be happy to make blocks. I’m toying with the idea of trying to make up paper pieced patterns for them, but with my time constraints I’ll see what I can do–I always tend to take on more than I can chew (but often end up finishing in time anyway, somehow!). I’ll wait to hear about whether mailed blocks should measure 7×10″ or 7.5×10.5″ and then will try to sneak them in. Maybe my kids will be into helping!
Making two blocks is on the agenda today! I meant to grab some musical note fabric at my LQS last night but forgot. I have lots of blues and greens though, so I’ll just pull fabric until I have an epiphany.
I’ll look through my stash to see if I have anything that will work. I have no doubt that I’ll find something!
Count me in! I’d be so happy to send some blocks for Mike’s family. Blessings to you, Yvonne for the loving support you give them.
Yvonne, your “Love and Loss” quilt has stayed in my mind and my heart went out to you and Mike’s family.
I will gladly make some blocks. You are doing a beautiful and meaningful thing! Thanks for answering PT’s question about whether that 7″ x 10″ size included the seam allowance.
PS – Should the designs be oriented vertically for the son and horizontally for the daughter?
I’m already planning blocks in my head. I may try improv again. đŸ™‚
I will make a couple~nice to be able to help in some way đŸ™‚
I really want to make one or two for you, and I think I’ll have time this week or next!
So nice of you to get those two involved with your sewing and quilting, Yvonne. A great way to connect with those kids. Looks like you have lots of offers for help with this project. That’s wonderful!
What a great idea. I’ll see what I can do. I have some black and white music fabric.
What an excellent idea! I love it when kids get to sew. I will make two and already have ideas. Would it be ok to add machine embroidery to them?
I’d like to make a couple too, are you OK with the same posting time from the UK or do you want me to try and send them earlier?
I hope to send you some đŸ˜‰
I have some black and white sheet music fabric, so I’ll see if I can dream something up! đŸ˜‰
I’ll add a block to each, I’ll make them this weekend and I will send them on their way with the other stuff I have been hoarding of yours! LoL
I’m really hoping I get my fabric soon so that I can contribute. You have no idea how hard it is to sew without a stash! đŸ˜‰