Kids quilt too!

Today we spent the day at the Westport Farmers Market. We sold tickets for the quilt raffle, made a quilt with the kids (and some grown ups!) to be sent to Japan with the money for Red Cross, and had purple basil lemonade from Peace Tree Desserts. They did such a great job, and never doubted the greatness of their work. Kids have no filter and are so good at being in the moment and getting lost in the task at hand. I learned a few things, to say the least.

Sis Boom Quilt Red Cross Raffle

This quilt was actually pieced together during Jennifer Paganelli's "Girls World" book signing last month, by all of her loyal fans. I just quilted it up and framed it with vintage cotton trim and it was ready for the raffle! So when Jennifer announced her one day fabric sale last Friday, we decided it was time to share. The tickets were only $1 each, and we had just one day to sell. We raised over $100. and the winner is Heide Mueller-Hatton, from Branford, CT! Lucky girl.Thanks to everyone who shared in this fundraising event! The money raised will be going to the Red Cross.

A whirlwind of love.

The tsunami in Japan and the series of tornados in the midwest have left me feeling helpless and faraway from those in need. (Light bulb!)Time for another fundraiser!
We did it before, when the earthquake devastated Haiti, raising almost $4,000.00.
We whipped up 8 Quilts For Christmas for the homeless shelter in Bridgeport with no time to spare.
So, now we are challenged with two different disasters in two different hemispheres.
My friends have come out like gang buster to pitch in. Jennifer Paganelli has donated her perky Sis Boom fabric for some of the quilts. We raffled one off at her sale this week, raising funds for the folks in the midwest.
A new friend in Seattle, Washington, Pat Belyea, has been oh os generous and donated a few quilts worth of rare vintage yukata cotton that she imports from Japan. This fabric is such an honor to work with- hand dyed and traditionally made for kimonos.
Last but not least, my dear friend, James Bosco who is creative director at McCalls patterns has sent his own quilt, an amazing 80'' x80'' quilt with the Japanese fan pattern. He also got his co-workers to involved, donating about 40 squares
to be assembled and quilted. Many , many thanks.
The plan is to send the "care quilts" that we make to Red Cross in the Mid- West, as shipping to Japan is hundreds of dollars. Then, we are going to raffle off James' quilt and the one that I made with the Yukata cotton and send the funds to Red Cross Japan. Each ticket is $5.00 and checks can be made payable to "Red Cross". Specify which quilt you want tickets for-
QUILT A:"Fan Quilt"
or
QUILT B:YUKATA QUILT:"Yukata Quilt"
A week from Friday, July 29th, we will be having the Quilt Event at my house,(email me for info) 10-3, stop, stitch and have a glass of herbal iced tea and some special treats made by Robyn Eads of Peace Tree FDesserts- all local, organic, sustainable.
Send checks to:
Nancy Geaney
206 Sharp Hill Rd.
Wilton, CT 06897
Make checks out to RED CROSS or I can accept PAYPAL.
I will send you a ticket stub in the mail or email you the stub numbers.
THE RAFFLE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED AUGUST 2OTH.
Please spread the word!

West Indies Voodoo Magic quilt.

This Sis Boom line, West Indies, inspired me to employ some tricky techniques. The "voodoo" like magic blocks in the center are really pretty easy to make, once you know the tricks. It's the same technique used to create the scalloped border. My friend Helen Bergner shared a link to "10 minute Block" video tutorial for this effect- thanks Helen! There on youtube I found the technique (same concept) for the scalloped "flying geese".Give me until the end of the week to get the pattern posted...