April 12, 2017

Block Drive for Seniors Displaced by Fire

**Edited - Quilters are amazing!! I cannot even express how blown away I have been by the response to this request for blocks. I have had so many blocks offered already that I have to stop accepting new offers. I can't believe I'm saying that after only a couple of days 😊 If you have already offered blocks, please do make and send them, but if this is your first time seeing this request, then I don't need more offers of blocks. I am still accepting offers of batting and backing, though, so you could contribute those if you want/are able to. I can't wait to see what my mail is going to look like for the next few weeks!



If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen my pictures last week of the senior's home across the road from us that caught fire. Thankfully the fire started while the residents were having supper so they were all in the dining room, which made the evacuation very quick and simple. Unfortunately, the fire completely destroyed the home.
All of the 21 residents have now either been placed in other care facilities or they are staying with family for a while. Because of the fire they have lost all of their belongings.

Thanks to a suggestion from Laura (Slice of Pi Quilts) I have decided to organize a block drive to make a quilt for each of the residents. I've never done anything like this before, so I'm a little nervous about how it will all go, but I'm trusting in the love and generosity of the quilting community to help me make this work 😊 After talking with one of the women in charge of the home, my aim is to make a 60" x 70" throw for each person. Each quilt will require 42 blocks, which makes for a total of 882 blocks needed. Blocks can be made in any colour combination.

We will also be needing donations of batting and backing (70" x 80" for both) as well as fabric for binding (1/2 yard for each quilt or 10 1/2 yards total). Also, any Newfoundlanders reading who own a longarm and would be willing to help with the quilting, please let me know!

The Block


In an attempt to keep things simple, I'm asking for a simple bordered square block, finishing at 10". Choosing fabrics with good contrast will make for the best blocks. Of the residents living in the home 6 were men, so we definitely need some masculine-looking blocks.
Bordered square quilt block | DevotedQuilter.blogspot.com

Cut


From fabric 1 - 1 square 6 1/2" x 6 1/2"
From fabric 2 - 2 rectangles 2 1/2" x 6 1/2"
                     - 2 rectangles 2 1/2" x 10 1/2"

* Edited - Some people have asked if it would be okay to use a 5" square for the middle...that will be fine, as long as the finished square is 10 1/2".

Bordered square quilt block | DevotedQuilter.blogspot.com

Assemble the Block


Add a 2 1/2" x 6 1/2" piece to both sides of the 6 1/2" square.
Bordered square quilt block | DevotedQuilter.blogspot.com

Then add the remaining 2 1/2" x 10 1/2" pieces to the top and bottom.
Bordered square quilt block | DevotedQuilter.blogspot.com

And that's it! Easy, right? I don't know why I've never made a quilt from this block before, but I'm really looking forward to seeing how all of these quilts will turn out.

Here's the second block I made. The colour is a little off in this picture for some reason...that solid fabric is actually a lovely soft yellow.
Bordered square quilt block | DevotedQuilter.blogspot.com

Mailing Your Block(s)


Because we want to get these quilts to the residents as quickly as possible, please mail your blocks  by May 1st. Email me (devotedquilter at gmail dot com) for my address when you are ready to mail. That will also help me keep track of how many blocks are heading my way 😊

Thank you so much for helping me bring a little comfort and love to these 21 people!

48 comments:

  1. I'm in! I'm try to make a few blocks in the next few days and will mail some extra yardage to help with bindings. ❤

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  2. Just a suggestion....I have made baby quilts using this configuration before but used a 5 inch center so the quilt can be made with a charm pack and a layer cake. Saves a huge amount of cutting time

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    1. I agree with Eileen. Having a 5 inch square in the center can save so much time cutting if we can use charm packs instead. That way we can have more time to whip these up and send them to you.

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    2. Great idea! I have some Canadian charm packs and could use some of them...please let us know if the 5 inches will be okay.

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    3. Unfortunately, you're showing up as a no-reply blogger, Deb, so I hope you check back here. A charm square will be fine for the middle, so long as the finished block is still 10 1/2". Thanks for helping!

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    4. Thanks Leanne! I'll have to find out how to fix the no reply perhaps since I don't have a blog! I hope to get some blocks done this weekend.

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  3. Count me in! I'll start making blocks tonight and reach out when I'm ready to mail. Bless you for pulling this together to bring some comfort to these folks who have lost so much <3

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  4. You are a bkessing! I will get to work on some blocks today and email soon.

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  5. I will definitely make blocks and send extra fabric for binding and how about some batting? I'll let you know the number of blocks in a few days. Thank you so much for doing this. I will share about it as well.

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  6. What a wonderful gift in a disruptive time in their lives. Please count me in. I plan to stitch up a few blocks today.

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    1. Somehow I've lost your address (both email & snail) and discovered my yet-to-be-mailed blocks on my dining room table (well, under a few items...ahem....). Please resend?
      Many thanks.
      Cathy in Houston

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  7. I am like to help! Will make some blocks and then contact you. Thank you for thinking of these seniors!

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  8. I'll go to my stash and make some this afternoon..I'll let you know how many I accomplish!
    It's awesome if you to do this!

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  9. I will also make some and email you in a day or two with quantity finished. I have lots of scrap binding that is 2-1/4" wide, and pressed in half. Can you use it? Let me know-there is probably enough to bind 4-6 quilts! Good luck!

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    1. Peggy, you're showing up as a no-reply blogger, so I can't reply by email. I hope you check back here. That binding would be perfect! Thank you so much :)

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    2. Leanne, I can send binding, too. Do you prefer the 2 1/4" or 2 1/2" width? Scrappy or single fabric? I'll have your blocks ready today or tomorrow, so please also send your address with your reply.

      I'm grateful that you answered the call to make these quilts. Yes, you were called. Yes, this is a ministry.

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  10. Count me in. I have some nice denim fabric left over from a quilt I'm making. It will be good for masculine quilts. It is same weight as quilting cotton.

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  11. I'll make some blocks too!

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  12. This just warms my heart thinking about this! You already have so many volunteers! I am eagerly looking forward to the day they are all presented!

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  13. What a wonderful and loving idea. I will send you some

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  14. What a generous heart you have! I will try to get a couple made this weekend.

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  15. I will be able to get one or more blocks off by May 1! Awesome effort, it will mean so much, I'm sure! xo SarahZ

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  16. I will try to make and send some blocks as quickly as I can (keeping in mind your deadline) also because from Italy it's a long way :)

    You are great for organizing this!

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  17. i will prepare some blocks and contact you when ready to send them. but expect a LOT OF WORK putting all this together! michèle in montreal modern

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  18. I'm in! I have some leftover fabric from a quilt I made for my dad that will be perfect for masculine blocks!

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  19. Great idea. I'll try to get some blocks made before May 1.

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  20. This is the most amazing idea!

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  21. I will definitely send blocks. I will get started this weekend. You are so generous to organize this project.

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  22. This is such a great thing to do Leanne. I'll make blocks, and spread the word as well.

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  23. I have the 8 blocks made , can you please send me the address to mail them too . My e-mail is vistagg@hotmail.com or my cell is 780-881-4555. Thanks you .

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  24. I read about your project via an Instagram post by @quiltingjetgirl. My heart goes out to those seniors. I have lots of scrap fabric and will make you some blocks. Thank you for doing this for them.

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  25. I have a roll of binding I made for a quilt that ended up not matching the backing I used that I'd be happy to send with some blocks.

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  26. Time to break out my Sizzix Big Shot!

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  27. Sent email. Have 10 blocks to send. 🙂

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  28. So sad. Thankful no one was injured. I can make and send a few blocks. Emailing you in a few minutes.

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  29. I saw your post on IG, what a great effort on your part, I would love to help, need an address.

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  30. I'll get busy this weekend and send 10 to 12 blocks. If you need backing or more binding please let me know.

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  31. I am going to make a few blocks for you , happy to help out .

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  32. I happy to help from Montreal, Quebec. I will contact you when my blocks ard done. any specific theme fabrics?

    Gloria

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  33. I'm not going to be able to send blocks but I see that Connecting Thread has batting on sale. I'd be happy to order a couple of batts to have sent to you if you'd like. (Couldn't get the E-mail link to work).

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  34. I have 14 blocks to mail, I've sent an email for your address along with a pic! Thanks for doing this!

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  35. I live in Canada, could I send money for backing or batting? If so, please advise where to send.

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  36. I've made some blocks for you and will piece a backing to send along too. Just send me your address. Thank you for caring about your neighbors.

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  37. Send me an address, and I'll send you some backing, if you still need it.

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Thanks for taking the time to leave me a message. I love hearing from you.