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.

Ignorance Message Quilts

You can be sincere and still be stupid.  --Charles F. Kettering

It all began with the radio this morning. My husband loves oldies music and has found one radio station in all of the world that plays it the way he likes it. So we awaken to this station every morning. The problem is that there is this DJ who fashions himself an expert on politics. He is not. HE IS NOT!

Today, this disk spinner decided to take on President Obama's proposal for taxes on the wealthy and corporations. Now, regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the President, you can appreciate at least -- at the VERY least -- getting the facts straight. But our beloved little fascist DJ had no clue what he was talking about. But he said his say fast. He voiced it loud and with much hysteria and emotion. Therefore some ninny is going to think, because of the ardent delivery, he must be right.

It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in argument. --William G. McAdoo
Such ignorance and misuse of public airways makes me livid. We all encounter such skewed facts and half truths and innuendo on a daily basis. Doesn't it make your hair stand on end?

So what better way to convey my feelings than in cloth? An Ignorance quilt seemed the proper vehicle. One I could hang in my office and stare at whenever I heard one more skewing, spinning, misusing, misrepresenting facts or out and out lying. Maybe one I could continue to add to with my trusty Sharpie as I find more and more examples or rebuttals.

Before we work on artificial intelligence why don't we do something about natural stupidity?  --Steve Polyak

But what is the symbol for ignorance? I thought of the Universal circle with the line across it for 'Do Not' or 'No' as in no right turn, no children, no smoking.... But what to put in the middle as the symbol of ignorance. Although that symbol is a bit cliche and overused....

Who better to turn to for help with this cloth dilemma than my fellow Subversive Stitchers!?

You can swim all day in the Sea of Knowledge and still come out completely dry.  Most people do.  --Norman Juster

So I ask for your input -- help me make an ignorance quilt. Or maybe make one of your own and send me a photo -- we can post them here and have a celebration of sorts or commiseration on the fact that it seems to reproduce so quickly.