For Boston

In the wake of tragedies, one of the first things most people look for is a way to help those affected. As quilters, we know the warmth and comfort that a handmade quilt provides. After the recent bombings and aftermath in Boston, many of us have been wondering how we can use our crafting skills to help support and give comfort to the people affected by these events.

The Boston Modern Quilt Guild has organized a block drive and is asking for our help. They will be assembling and giving quilts to the victims of the bombings so sending in a block or two would be a great way to help. They are asking for any style block, 12.5" tall by the width of your choice.

By greenleaf goods, via flickr

The blocks should be based on a color scheme of yellow, blue, white, and grey as these are the colors of the Boston Marathon and of OneFund, the organization set up to accept monetary donations for the victims. Please use "quilt-shop quality" fabrics that are 100% cotton or a cotton/linen blend, prints or solids are fine. Click here for more information, including the address to send your blocks. If you do make blocks to donate, consider adding them to the Quilts for Boston flickr group.

Another way that you can help show your support for those in Boston is by helping the Vancouver Modern Quilt Guild in their "To Boston with Love" campaign. They are collecting handmade flags to be displayed in Boston, hopefully by early June. This is an easy project that can be done in an afternoon or less. For design guidelines and a tutorial, click here. 

I don't know about you, but I'm excited to get started on both of these projects! Any idea what block design you will use? I'm thinking stars. Or maybe one from the Modern BOM series at Sew, Mama, Sew. Now I'm off to go check out some flag tutorials before the kids wake up. Have a great day!