Update on Sandy Hook Projects

I posted information about Quilter's Corner in New Milford, CT, collecting pillowcases for Sandy Hook a couple posts ago.  DO NOT SEND ANY MORE PILLOWCASES.  She has been completely overwhelmed and has passed her goal a week ago.  "Like" QUILTER'S CORNER on Facebook to see the daily count.  They've been getting a daily special delivery from the post office with nothing but pillowcases.  There were some from Ireland yesterday!

If you are looking for somewhere to send pillowcases, try conkerrcancer.org.  They work to give a bright cheery pillowcase to every seriously ill child. They have drop-off locations and volunteer coordinators who get the donated pillowcases to children's hospitals. Here in New Hampshire we have the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Hospital. 

12/31 UPDATE: They have also been overwhelmed with snowflakes - please do not send any more.
I tried to find the status of the PTSA drive to collect snowflakes, with no luck.  The only clue is that the request is gone from the PTSA Helping Sandy Hook website at http://www.ctpta.org/SANDY-HOOK-FUND.html.  So you might want to send a few, but I wouldn't organize a big drive at this time, without checking with them first.  

I did find one new embroidery design company offering a free snowflake today.  Snow Lady Designs (www.snowladydesigns.com) has a design available for download on their front page.

It's hard to believe a new year starts in a few days.  My grandmother used to tell me time goes faster and faster and I didn't buy it.  But I do now!  I will post a directory to free or very low cost Quilting Blocks of the Month in the next couple days.  I'm amazed at how many are out there! So pull out your fat quarters and get ready to sew along.

                                                                                      Mary

Handmade for Newtown

Two of the many quilting related blogs I follow, imagine gnats and Casa Crafty, are joining with From the Heart Auctions to raise money for families in Newtown that were affected by the shooting. They are gathering donations of handmade items and craft/sewing supplies for an online auction which will take place January 14-18. 100% of funds raised will be donated to Newtown Parent Connection.  

Items must be either handmade or craft/sewing supplies and ready to ship by the end the auction. You must also be willing to cover the cost of shipping your handmade item(s) to the winner. A photo of your auction item(s) and a brief description are required, and will need to be submitted no later than January 1.

If you have anything you could donate, they are asking that you sign up now, so they can get an idea of how many will be participating. I will be donating something from my stash of finished projects, but I haven't decided what yet.  I'll have to pick something by January 1.  Stay tuned!

Quilters Helping Sandy Hook, CT

Helping Sandy Hook

I grew up a couple towns from Newtown, CT, and worked in Sandy Hook the last couple years before we moved to NH.  I was so upset by the events last week that I haven’t said anything much on Facebook.  But here are a couple ways we, as quilters, can do something positive for the children, and the town. Thanks in advance for helping in any way you can.

Mary

Pillowcases for Sandy Hook

Quilter’s Corner in New Milford, CT (my hometown) is collecting pillowcases for the approximately 600 elementary students in Sandy Hook.  Please send new, washed pillowcases to:

            Quilter’s Corner

            312 Danbury Rd

            New Milford CT 06776

You can like QUILTER’S CORNER on Facebook to follow the count.

www.quilterscorneronline.com

Snowflakes for Sandy Hook

Connecticut PTSA

http://www.ctpta.org/SANDY-HOOK-FUND.html

This organization has started the idea of “Snowflakes for Sandy Hook.”  They want the students to enter a Winter Wonderland when they come back to school at a new building.  Snowflakes can be the paper ones we all cut as kids. Or, for anyone with an embroidery sewing machine, there are several websites with free snowflake designs available.  These should be mailed to arrive by January 12, 2013 to:

            Connecticut PTSA

            60 Connolly Pkwy, Bldg 12, Ste 103

            Hamden CT 06514

They are also accepting monetary donations on their website to help the school community in Newtown.

Sarah Vedeler Designs

http://www.sarahvedelerdesigns.com/snowflakes/

Sarah Vedeler is known for her beautiful, intricate designs and these snowflakes are wonderful.  They are sewn on fabric and can be made one-sided or double-sided.

Embroidery Library

http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/Free.aspx

Embroidery Library is offering free-standing lace embroidery designs in three sizes at no charge.  These are super simple to embroider, usually done in one color.  If you’ve never tried free-standing lace designs before this would be an easy one to do.  They have a free tutorial available if you need more instruction.

More Free-Standing Lace:

Lindee G Embroidery

http://lindeegembroidery.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cpath=9&products_id=1076

Designers Gallery Blog

            http://designersgallerysoftware.com/blog/snowflakes-for-sandy-hook-elementary

Amazing Designs

            http://amazingdesigns.com/free-downloads/free-designs/free-snowflakes-embroidery-designs