Subversive Stitchers Challenge for the Quilts and Dreams Challenge

A 1600 Quilt
(photo from Heirloom Creations blog site).

Seems like a symptom of  'subversive' people is that we march to our own drum, are often loners, not joiners, and like to do things in our own time, following our own way. So I don't organize things or urge you to join in projects.

BUT I have just received an interesting book from American Quilter's Society (AQS) that has finally brought me around to Jelly Rolls.

The book is Jelly Roll Quilt Magic by Kimberly Einmo. It is her second book about quilting with jelly rolls. This time I paid attention. Einmo has included some really lovely projects in traditional styles by cutting jelly rolls into various shapes. Wild geese, stars, etc. Quite beautiful with helpful hints sprinkled generously throughout.

When I mentioned the book on my Subversive Stitchers facebook page, Mary Alice suggested I check out the 1600 quilts and the video produced by Heirloom Creations.

And that's when I fit together Kathy Thompson's ongoing quilt challenge to benefit ALS research and patients with Jelly Roll quilts. One jelly roll would make a 48x64 size 1600 quilt. They go together fast, could be tied rather than quilted if you'd rather, and would make an excellent EXCELLENT quilt for someone with ALS to snuggle under and feel loved.


Quilters Dream Challenge
for ALS



For a tutorial on how to make the 1600 quilts, here's the blog and video site. And for more information about Kathy's ongoing challenge and where to send your quilts, here's her link.

If you'd like, I'd be honored, if you would submit your quilts with your name as part of the Subversive Stitchers: Women Armed with Needles challenge. And if you would send a photo to me, I'd be thrilled to post it here.

Another quilt that makes a great charity quilt is the Disappear Nine Patch which is made even easier using Charm Squares. Here's a tutorial from the Missouri Star Quilt Company. My article for Suite 101 has a little different lay out and more information about making a Disappearing Nine Patch. It takes at least 2 packages of charms plus borders, backing, etc.

Both are fun, fast projects and would certainly brighten up someone's dismal ALS world. I'd be glad to hear if anyone's interested in this little challenge and of course, please send photos!

A big thank you to everyone.

Actually, it doesn't matter what design you use for your quilt -- I just hope you'll contribute to this challenge. You have my unending gratitude.

Quilt Exhibit and Sales Support ALS Research

Handmade Quilts For Sale to support ALS research through a FREE quilt exhibit sponsored by Hopes and Dreams Quilts 4 a Cure!


The quilt exhibit is held in conjunction with the JT Walk and Beach Party to raise funds for Hopes & Dream Quilts 4 a Cure. Kathy Thompson, CEO of Quilters Dream Batting, knows the heartbreak and frustration of the ALS disease. Her son Josh was cut down in the prime of his life. This handsome young father of two who was a fantastic surfer was reduced to breathing through a ventilator. He couldn't even scratch his own nose. His mom and wife and everyone who loves them jumped in to find a treatment and a cure. The resulting fundraisers have been record setting. Don't tell any mother that she can't protect or help her child. No matter what age they are!

Kathy and her company have put together one of the most dynamic quilt challenges, now in its third year, I believe. My how time flies. In addition, she has added this exhibit to be held:

Sunday October 9

10am - 6pm

Hilton 2nd Floor Ballroom

31st Street and Atlantic Ave. Virginia Beach, VA

Open to the Public

View quilts from around the world donated to help raise money to find a cure for ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).

Children's and Babies Quilts....Modern Quilts....Art Quilts...Traditional Quilts...Holiday Quilts

Quilts of all shapes, sizes & colors!

All proceeds from the sale of quilts goes directly to the ALS Association research initiiatives.


Remember...Quilts make wonderful gifts & purchase of our quilts is Tax Deductible. Quilts will also be available for sale October 8- 27at the Richard Stravitz Gallery 1217 Laskin Rd, Virginia Beach 23451.

Please help us find a cure for

Josh & all ALS patients.

Thank you,
Josh's Mom - Kathy Thompson & Josh's Grandmother - 'Mimi' Kelly
Founders of the Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge for ALS
http://www.quiltersdreambatting.com/
Toll Free 888-268-8664

Quilts are also accepted for the ongoing quilt challenge to be used in other fundraisers and to give to ALS patients.

As many of you know my husband, Derrol, has ALS. He has a slower progressing form of the disease than Josh, but it is creeping through his body. And like Josh, there is no treatment. There is no cure. 100 percent of ALS patients -- die.

Derrol on his way to work in his Invacare power chair and
his van and hydraulic lift. Thank God his
employer is willing to work with him and his job is
such that he can do it with a few assistive devices.  

His power chair is now his legs and I pitch in whenever his hands or body refuses to do what needs done. The ALS Association and MDA have both been so supportive and helpful. I don't know what we would have done without their patient support. They also fund research on a worldwide scale and big advances have been made, but still, no cure. 

We pray for a treatment or a cure or both!

I can't imagine life without my Derrol, and I don't want to! I know alot of you have lost loved ones --sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, husbands and wives to all manner of diseases.

ALS is a neuromuscular disease that has close ties to some other nasties that we'd like to eradicate -- Alzheimer's Disease; Parkinson's Disease; Muscular Dystrophy.... It is likened to being buried alive in a coffin -- his body is the coffin.

I hope you'll help us try to stop the dying.