| Posted By: | < > |
| Posted Date: | January 24, 2003 (11:37 AM) |
Message:
Quilt for Shawn
The only requirement for the quilt blocks is that they be no smaller than 12x12 inches. They can be larger but I will trim them to 12x12 inches so they fit with the other blocks. Those are the only requirements, everything else is a recommendation.
My first Recommendation it to keep your block design to 11x11 inches if you are embroidering, fabric painting, cross stitching, ect, so that the entire design can be displayed and won’t be in danger of being trimmed away. If you have trouble cutting straight it is ok to make the block larger than 12x12 inches, I can trim it down when I get it.
Second, I have been asked several times about color. I have no requirement on color. However Shawn’s favorite color is orange, if you want to work some orange into your block that would be great.
Third is, no you don’t have to know how to sew to make a block. If you are inexperienced or just don’t like sewing you can still make a block. Fabric paints, iron on transfers and/or appliqués are all ok. Going to Kinko’s or somewhere and having your family picture transferred onto material for a block is also fine.
Fourth if you really want to help but aren’t sure what type of material to use, or need a physical person to talk to locate a quilt, fabric shop near you and go there and just start talking to people. Most quilt shops offer classes on quilting and sewing, you don’t have to take the classes, just find out who the instructor is and talk to them. Most of the store employees, and customers are going to be seamstress or crafters of some kind. Just let them know what you want to do and ask for help.
That’s all I really have. I have some tips and ideas if you think they are needed.
Tips:
Most Medium Pizza boxes are 13x13 inches and make great templates. Just don’t put the greasy side on the material. Or, like my mom does, wipe it and wrap in foil and then you don’t have to worry about greasy spots.
Since its valentine season lots of fabric stores have all kinds of heart printed material, heart material with orange ribbons would make a very nice block. The ribbons can be embroidered, cross stitched, painted, ect, on to the material.
Prayer blocks, poems, messages are all fine to put on the blocks. I really just want the blocks to be something special from the donor that they wish to share with the Akers. I think it will mean much more to have a piece of all of us in the quilt, so it can be more of a comfort when it’s needed.
If they have something special in mind and need help, or have no idea what to make and just want some ideas they can e-mail me, I will be more than glad to help.
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