The following is a re-post from Joan Fords blog. Joan is the owner of the Hummingbird Highway pattern company. Joan is a friend and she has a wonderful idea. I'm sending some quilts to help her attain her goal and even if only one of you joins in, it was worth passing this along. I know there are people everywhere that could use a quilt hug and the people of Newtown, Conneticut aren't the only ones hurting at this time of year, but we have all been struck by this tragedy. Joan is right, Quilters understand the magic that happens when fabric, batting and stitches come together with love and good thoughts. It is almost impossible for Quilters to not help when a something like this happens. Let's send a Newtown some hugs.
You may know that The Taunton Press, the publisher of many wonderful books and magazines, including my own, is located in beautiful Newtown, Connecticut, just down the street from Sandy Hook Elementary School. The Taunton employees were fortunate not to be directly impacted by the events of December 14. But as I write that last sentence, I know in my heart that we have all been affected, but most especially those who live, play, work, and connect in Newtown.
Anyone who has ever made or received a hand-made quilt knows what power is created when fabric, batting, and stitches combine in a quilt. And so, I'm asking you to send a hug and a prayer to the folks in Newtown.
I have said that a quilt is a reusable hug. Specifically, I'm asking for quilts. Not because of the devastating loss caused by a natural disaster, but to help heal a broken community who may just need a reusable hug right now.
I need your help. Here's what you can do.
- Go to your stash. Find a quilt that is almost done - it only needs a binding or some last quilting stitches, or maybe a border to finish it off. And finish it up.
- You'll be sending a bit of yourself along, so think kind thoughts while you make those last few stitches. Those good thoughts will translate to healing and hope for the recipient.
-Don't worry about whether the quilt is kid-friendly or themed for any one person or another. These will be distributed to folks of all ages. Quilts in all sizes will be accepted. Child and lap sized quilts are especially welcome.
- Spread the word. I realize it's horrible timing. And the turnaround seems dreadful. But I also suspect that you might have one or two quilts that are nearly complete, a few stitches and away it goes. There's nothing like a deadline to get things done. . . . am I right?
I'm planning to deliver quilts personally on January 3, 2013 - so there isn't much time. If you are in the Syracuse, NY area, Calico Gals, Mission Rose Quiltery, and Patchwork Plus Quilt Shop have agreed to be collection points for Newtown quilts. I'll be leaving early on the 3rd, so quilts must arrive at the shops before January 2, 2013.
- If you are not in the Syracuse area, please send quilts to:
The Taunton Press
Attention: Renee Neiger
63 South Main Street, PO Box 5506
Newtown, CT 06470-5506
If you want to help stuff the CRV, you can send quilts to me directly:
Joan Ford
Hummingbird Highway
3795 Gray Ledge Terrace
Syracuse, NY 13215
My friends at The Taunton Press will make sure the quilts reach their new homes.
2 comments:
I just read that Project Linus has already donated/distributed 700 quilts to the Sandy Hook area. So where does leave Taunton Press?
I think that leaves the kids at Sandy Hook with more than one quilt. When has that ever been an issue?
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