this past weekend i was talking to my mom about wanting a summer quilt. a cheery quilt of soft cotton squares full of bright patches of polka dots and gingham.
this thought came to me from this recent post (and this one) over at posie gets cozy. this woman is a constant inspiration to me. her pictures – always beautiful. her home – amazingly sweet. her talent – jaw dropping. and her life – inspired. i actually entered the blog world by reading an article about her in Hallmark magazine a couple years ago. in fact, i think i still have the article.
anyway, the idea of this summer quilt got me thinking.instead of giving my mom that task of making it herself, maybe i could learn to do it. or we could do it together. (shh, don’t say anything because i haven’t ran this by her yet.)
then, i was thinking even more (this is where the trouble begins), about how amazing it would be to have your help. That’s right, your help.
so, here’s my thought (crazy as it may seem). what i’m asking (very kindly with lots of pleases and thank yous), is that you, my lovely readers, mail me a square of fabric. something you have laying around, an extra piece from a past project perhaps? then, once i have enough squares, i will make my first quilt from these squares … inspired by you … inspired by charm. what do you think?
i honestly hate asking for help and feel some-what guilty asking you to send me something, but i’m going to put my hand, and heart, out there and hope for the best. if it doesn’t work… or only works a little … maybe i can quilt a napkin or something.
so, here are the details and rundown on how things are going to work…
i’m making a quilt similiar to this. all squares. i don’t know exactly what size my squares will be yet (i’m thinking 4.5×4.5), so i’m requesting pieces of material that are a 6×6 square (it can be bigger too…maybe i can even use it to make two squares!).
this will be a summer quilt, so basic quilters cotton is the desired material. easy breezey. no silks, flannels, etc. i’m looking for cheery, bright, fun colors. Lime green, oranges, pinks, yellows, aquas, etc. in patterns of polka dots, florals, ginghams, plaids, etc.
all squares can be mailed to the address below. i’m assuming that you can just put your square in a regular envelope with one stamp.
if your fabric has a story, feel free to include that too. if you are crafty and want to personalize your square – you can do that too!
so … what do you get in return?
i will post my progress here at inspiredbycharm. photos of fabric squares recieved … stories recieved … i’ll be sure to mention your blog if you’d like … photos of my progess, lessons learned, tips, etc.
when it’s all finished (which may take me some time as this is my first quilt), i will display the quilt somewhere at the b&b or gift shoppe and, of course, share its story.
i also promise i will figure out a way to thank each and every one of you for your contribution. i thought about getting mugs made with a photo of the quilt. or greeting cards. aomething like that. and i will mail it to you … cross my heart.
does that sound okay? will you help?
all fabric can be mailed to:
Old Charm
Attn: A Quilt {inspired by charm}
444 Brusselles Street
Saint Marys, PA 15857
please included a return address (if you like) so that i can thank you when the project is complete. aAlso any other information you’d like to share… blog address, story, etc.
you are welcome to mail as many squares as you’d like. when i have received enough squares to make a quilt, i will let you know.
i have also created a button for your site. i would greatly appreciate any mention of this project on your blog, twitter, facebook, etc. (even if it’s just a teeny tiny blurb). anything and everything is appreciated. please link it to this site or this post.
i can’t thank you enough for all your help in advance – both for your squares and for spreading the word! i’m so excited to share this adventure for you as it’s stitched together.
Heard about your project on Grace’s blog. I am sharing the idea with my friends….fabric will be on the way!
I absolutely adore the idea and blogged about it on my site: http://courtneyoutloud.wordpress.com/2010/07/30/a-quilt-that-bloggers-built-or-sewed/
I am putting my square in the mail today.
Such a great idea…..
I just mailed you 3 squares of cloth. I’m going to do a post about your quilt on Monday (I think it will be then).
What a great idea. Count me in. I’ll send more than one. My stash is, uh, amazing…I can definitely spare a couple of squares.
What a fun idea – I’ll send something for your quilt!
Oh oh oh, this is an amazing idea! I am SO totally sending you something…just, what to pick?!
Michael~ What a great way to make your first quilt!!! I’ll see if I can pull out a little piece or two for you from my stash. Best of luck with your quilt. My first sampler quilt was started in January and I have to still add the borders to the quilt top and then quilt it all. Here’s a link to my posting on it if you’re interested… http://asimplebreath.blogspot.com/2010/02/sampler-quilt-in-progress.html
Just found your blog! What a totally brilliant idea. I shall be sending you some bright and breezy English fabrics from where I live in south west Ireland. Good luck!
brilliant idea! i will be sending it your way and will be adding your button to my blog sidebar!
Thank you for commenting on my pillow project! I love your blog. I’m sending fabric for your quilt TODAY. What a stroke of genius. Can’t wait to see your progress!!
what a great idea! I’m in and will be sending you remnants. Found you through sweet symphanie. I’ll tweet about this too! have a great weekend!
I love this idea! Sending something!
What a great idea! It is going to be awesome I’m sure!
Oh Michael, you are just the sweetest thing ever. OF COURSE I’ll mail you a square! Can’t wait to see your progress…what an amazing project.
Hi Michael!
I will be sending some fabrics for your quilt. A little history…these fabrics were used by my kids in the 1980’s when my son was taking Home Ec. He made his sister some skirts and tops with them. Sorry there are no photos of her in the outfits to send, too.
Hope you like them!
Monica
fun fun – off to see what I can find in scrap bowl!
I totally love the idea too and i can’t wait to see the finished product!
@ grace – i don’t mind having more than one square of the same material. bring it on! the more the better! thanks SOOO much!!
I love the idea and I have the perfect material to send you some squares (I presume you wouldn’t mind having more than one square of the same material – let me know if you would rather just one). I remember seeing a bowl full of sewn hearts at Daisy Cottage blog that all her readers had sent her and I thought it was a lovely gesture to have a bowl full of love from all her bloggy friends. I’ll be sending you a square of material for sure.
This is a brilliant idea, Michael. I hope you get lots of great squares. Can’t wait to follow your progress.