Hearts and Hands For Sendai

This post is a copy and paste from the CQI blog regarding a project that is under way to help raise funds for Japan and her people.

"At CQI, we are sponsoring a project to generate funds for the recovery effort in Japan. Our dear friend Hideko Ishida is fortunately safe along with Emiko. We continue to keep her in our thoughts as she waits to hear about her family. This project is open to everyone interested in participating in the quilting community, both traditional and crazy quilting. I am posting the guidelines here. Please contact me privately at pinyoncreekq@q.com if you are interested in creating a block for a quilt so I can add you to the masterlist! Please feel free to utilize this post on your own blog to help in spreading the word!!!

I will send you my snail mail address at that time along with a pdf of the guidelines. Thank you to everyone for your generous support!

Hearts and Hands For Sendai

This project will be dedicated to helping those affected by the earthquake tsunami disaster in Japan. Per Hideko Ishida's request, all quilts will become a part of an exhibit in Japan where money will be raised by viewing the quilts. Ultimately, these quilts may be auctioned and the proceeds given to a charity designated by Hideko Ishida, our Japanese CQ Sister! We will keep everyone informed as time progresses. This project is open to the quilting community at large! You may track details on the Crazy Quilting International blog, or the ICQA Facebook page.

Guidelines are as follows:

Theme: Friendship and re-building of a country

Finished block size: 8 inches

Colors: Jewel Tones

Style: traditional or crazy quilt blocks will be accepted

For traditional quilt blocks, there are no pattern restrictions. The only requirements are the size and the colors. Finished size is to be 8 inches (20.32 cm). Please allow a half inch seam allowance. Colors are jewel tones. No restrictions to the type of fabric used.

For crazy quilt blocks:

_ Cut foundation at 9 inches (22.86 cm), piece the entire foundation.

_ Baste a line at 8 inches (20.32 cm) to stop embroidering

_ Do not add beads or charms past 7 ½ inches (19.05 cm)

_ Zig zag edges to prevent edges from fraying.

_ Add your name and address on the back of the block.

_ Mark the block with “UP” to show which side is the top

_ Prefer all fabrics used be “fancies” (ie: silk, satin, taffeta, velvet) but if you have some kimono fabrics or other oriental themed fabrics in your stash you are welcome to use them.

_ All beading MUST be double stitched and knotted with BEADING THREAD!!! NO exceptions!!! These items will be handled a great deal and beads, buttons, charms are among the first to begin to loosen. Embellishments – may be done by machine or by hand.

_ Lace and other motifs are acceptable and must be securely attached

_ Trims are acceptable and must be securely attached

_ SRE is acceptable

_ Tatting and crocheted butterflies and dragonflys, etc are acceptable and must be securely attached

_ Please sign the back of your block

Please refrain from using any reference to the rising sun. This has political connotations we do not want to be involved with.

If you have any questions, at any time, please just email me or call me; Leslie pinyoncreekq@q.com. All completed projects will be mailed to me no later than June 30, 2011. Please contact me for mailing address information.

We are asking for an entry fee of $10.00 dollars for each block. This fee will be accrued and forwarded to either Hideko or a charity of her choosing. This is to generate funds to help Japan as much as possible.

Funds can be sent vis a vis check, money order (payable to ICQA) or Paypal, icqa4u@yahoo.com. Please check gift for the donation. I appreciate everyone’s participation and look forward to seeing all the fabulous creations!"

AGAIN...everyone is welcome to participate, and please do spread the word! If this project is not your 'cup of tea' please consider reaching out and helping in your own way.

Until Next time...Happy Needling!!!

Gerry