Stitch Pink and Sew Along for fire victims
Hi everyone. I want to update you on my progress for the Stitch Pink Sew Along and tell you about a new sew along for fire victims of the CZU Lightening Complex fires in California.
Sew Along for Fire Victims
I’m going to start with the new sew along, Jumpstart on Christmas 5-day Sew Along at Modern Handmade in Scotts Valley, CA. Sarah, the owner of Modern Handmade, knows first hand of the devastation the CZU Complex Lightening fires have brought to her customers. Her shop is located in the vicinity of these fires (it remains undamaged), and she wanted to do something to help. I think she came up with a fabulous idea!
The Jumpstart on Christmas 5-day Sew Along includes three downloadable patterns and video tutorials for a tote bag, a table runner and a quilt. The cost is only $10 for everything and 100% of your purchase will go towards getting a new, handmade quilt into the hands of these fire victims. The sew along starts today, October 8, but you can still join in the fun! It’s a win/win deal, and I hope you are able to take advantage of it.
This has been a really tough fire season for so many. I have not heard of any other fundraisers or quilt donations for the many fires that have been plaguing California, Oregon and Washington. If you want to find more ways to help, I think the best thing to do is to reach out to local quilt guilds in the areas affected. I’ll pass along anything I hear about, too.
Stitch Pink Sew Along
I have truly been enjoying Moda’s Stitch Pink Sew Along. Every day for the month of October, Moda releases a quilt block pattern (for free) that will become a beautiful sampler quilt. A portion of Moda’s proceeds from the Stitch Pink Grunge collection will go to the National Breast Cancer Organization – perfectly timed for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.
I have been staying “in the game” so far with my quilt blocks. There are eight now! I’m following Said With Love for their daily email notifications for the block patterns and any tips they have. The bonus of Said With Love is they’re based in Australia, so the patterns arrive one day early for the Northern Hemisphere!
The first block is called Underdog and I could not decide if I wanted to use a navy background or a natural background. So, I made both! I’ve since decided to stick with the navy background.
Block 2, On The Rise, has a classic look and it was easy to make. I used the color, cheddar, for this one and it worked out well.
Block 3 is called Monkeying Around, and I changed it up a bit. The original pattern had two long, narrow strips on two sides. I just recalculated the main “monkey wrench” block so that it measured 12 1/2″ unfinished.
I love Block 4, Flower Power, but I had to keep my seam ripper handy. I had a hard time keeping my light and dark fabrics positioned correctly since mine are opposite the pattern. I made some spare parts along the way on this one.
I don’t have a picture of Block 5, Baby Boom, so I’ll show you the original pattern photo from Moda.
My favorite so far is Block 6, Best Friends. This one had a lot of points to match and seam allowances to wrangle, so when it turned out close to perfect, I was happily surprised (as in heart skipping, jump up and down happy). My tip is to over-size everything including the corner and side triangles. And press well.
With Block 7, Jersey Girl, it was time to add some more cheddar for this sunny Dresden block. I used my EZ Dresden ruler to cut the blades and made them slightly smaller (4″) than the pattern called for. The center circle is the perfect opportunity to fussy cut a favorite print.
Here are what four of the blocks look like together. It’s very traditional, and I’m loving it.
I’m working on Block 8 today, and I am in “piecing heaven” with all of these blocks so far. This is my sweet spot for quilting. I’m also going to start my Market Tote Bag which is the first pattern released in the Jumpstart on Christmas Sew Along. Another fun project to look forward to and a great opportunity to sew along for fire victims!
Thanks for visiting and happy quilting!
Wonderful information for fabric.
In Labenon Oregon, Bear Creek Quilting Company have been collecting quilts and pillowcases for fire victims in Oregon.
Hi Julie, I love the cheddar and navy. It really looks so smart together and is a great combination. Thanks for always sharing and inspiring us. I am working on “The Witch’s Night Out” pattern, which is very challenging for me. I probably won’t get it completed by Halloween but I will enjoy seeing it next Halloween!
Julie – loving your color/fabric choices for your quilt – it is going to be fabulous!
Amazed by your perfect points, each time! Lovely blocks and amazing skills!
Julie ~
As a native Californian, growing up in Los Gatos, the fires just hurt my heart. I’m in Washington now, but so much of my childhood revolves around Santa Cruz and Big Basin. I received the following information from the AQS organization. I will be sending several quilts for this drive. I hope who ever gets them knows how much I care.
Terri Costa
Following from AQS e-mail:
This quilt drive is a combined effort of the Pajaro Valley Quilt Association (PVQA) and the Santa Cruz County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Each survivor will choose a quilt, providing them comfort and helping fill an emotional void in their lives.
Although they are asking for personal sized quilts (with a minimum size of 48″ x 60″), they will accept quilts for baby, toddler, students and 18 or older. They are also working with We Care, who will provide quilts to students enrolled in the public school. The quilts for the school kids, listed above, will be used for those kids not enrolled in public schools (home schooled, private, and charter or inter/intra transfer students).
Quilts can be dropped off at one of their current Drop Off locations:
Please check store websites or call to confirm current shop hours and Covid-19 restrictions.
Golden State Quilting
2435 S Winchester Blvd
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 866-1181
http://www.gsquilting.com
Modern Handmade Quilts
5403 Scotts Valley Dr, Ste F
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(831) 713-5912
http://www.modernhandmadequilts.com
Back Porch Fabrics
157 Grand Ave
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 375-4453
http://www.backporchfabrics.com
Nimble Thimble Quilt Shop
7455 Monterey St
Gilroy, CA 95020
(408) 842-6501
http://www.nimblethimble.com
NOTE: PLEASE BE SURE TO MARK YOUR BAG for “CZU FIRE QUILTS”
Quilts may also be mailed to the following:
Mail (USPS) your donations to:
CZU Fire Quilts c/o Helen Klee
PVQA, 4437 W Walnut St.
Soquel, CA 95073-2126
Please email the tracking information for your shipment to [email protected] so we can make sure your package arrives safely. Please note there are NO drop-offs at this address without contacting us to make arrangements as this is a private residence.
You can also request a pick of quilts by emailing:
[email protected]
Note from organizers:
If you have questions, please email [email protected]. Give us your name, organization name (if appropriate), and a phone number. We would appreciate your assistance with spreading the news about our quilt drive.
If you have any questions, please feel free to send us an email at [email protected]
Thank you.
Helen Klee & Lori Camner, Co-Chairs
Hi Julie. Thanks for the info on the Jumpstart for Christmas initiative. I joined. I live in Canada and my heart goes out to my fellow earthlings affected by these horrific fires. Love your blocks for the Moda Sew along. I have seen that before but may need to give it another look. Great to hear from you as ever.
dear julie I learned a lot from your quilt sight I am looking for baby nest pa turn
I like to make one if you have any information please let me know thank you my name is Madhu u
Hi Julie, Luv, luv that cheddar with the blues. Do you have a color number/name for cheddar solids? Ordering colors on the web is so tricky. Thanks for sharing your aesthetic & wonderful quilt patterns & techniques. I’ve learned so much through your blog. M
Hi Julie, I LOVE your website soooo much and thank you for all the wonderful ideas. You have such great blocks and fabulous directions for everything.
I did find a group to help thanks to the Bear Creek Quilting Company: P.O. Box 98
Lebanon, Oregon 97335. They are asking for pillowcases or quilts to send them and they will give to devastated places from the fire. I made them twelve pillowcases and hope that helps.
I have started the “Stitch Pink” quilt for my daughter who had breast cancer. I ordered the fabric from Moda. It is really beautiful. Hope to have it done by Christmas!!
Thanks for all you inspire in all of us,
Kay Parch