Upsala and Some Catch-up

When "Quilting for Peace" came out this last fall, the library where I work put out a little blurb and a link on our staff daily news page. The awesome Wanda who manages the Upsala branch contacted me and asked me to hang a portion of the project in their library. Thanks Wanda!!

It was last week already that I went and installed 435 blocks, suspending them from the ceiling. They have a beautiful mural on the wall and the project looks really nice with it. It will be there through the end of the month - stop by!

I keep getting completed blocks!! You have no idea how happy I get at the thought of having this completed and ready to be viewed en masse. Keep 'em coming! I am aiming to be done by Memorial Day, and there is still lots to do.

I may have arm twisted someone into helping with PR. I know you recognize that as my not strongest skill as I am woefully behind on posting and organizing photos etc, etc, etc....

Any place you'd like to see the project hang? Let me know!!

Oh, we didn't have an artist for February at my library, so I also hung 496 blocks at my library! You can stop by Waite Park on your way home from Upsala!

WOW!!!!

I got the best new year greeting Friday morning.

I walked into Aunt Annie's quilt shop, right into a box FULL of base blocks! 550 blocks ready to be knotted! OMG! Anne H - this is a dream come true! More than half of what is needed to finish this project by Memorial day. I can' stop saying, "Wow!"

THANKS ANNE!!!

We're really gonna get this done! Let me know how many blocks you need!

Remembering

Today is for remembering. For those lost far away from home, and this year, sadly, some lost on our own soil. Thanks to Jeanne, a portion of the project is hanging today (through the 20th) at the Douglas County Museum in Alexandria.

Today is the perfect time to spend a minute or two adding some knots to a block to remember those who have died in the Iraq war.

We've passed the 2000 completed blocks point now!! Thanks for all your continued help! Now that we are 2/3rd of the way to the goal of 3100 blocks, it seems reasonable to set a goal for completing the other 1000 blocks by Memorial Day 2010. I have a site where we can hang the entire project lined up. We can do it! I'll be posting some meeting times for folks to gather and work on the project here in central Minnesota. Feel free to organize something where you live. We'll have a big push starting in January. We can do it!

I just finished a batch of base blocks to stitch on. Drop me an email for my address, send me some $ for postage and I'll get some out to you. Or you can follow the tutorial here, or check out the project in Katherine Bell's "Quilting for Peace". It's pretty cool to go to work at the library and see a book I'm a part of circulating!

Indian Summer

I can't believe I forgot my camera, and alas, have no photos to share from the weekend in Fargo. The quilt show was beautiful, as always. The talent of quilters in North Dakota is amazing and diverse. I am proud to have been a part of it.

I shared the story of the project with lots of people, and sent out lots of blocks to be knotted. Thanks to all for your caring and support. The many different "voices" represented in the project add so much to it's meaning.

Oh the Planning and Scheming!

So much is happening or soon to happen!

I'm getting packed to take the project on the road. We're
heading to Fargo for the annual Indian Summer Quilt Show and Conference, September 25th, 26th, and 27th. I'll be doing a couple of presentations, and will have lots of blocks available if you want to sit down and make a few knots!

Remember the book? An advance copy of Quilting for Peace will soon be arriving on my doorstep! It outlines 20 amazing community service oriented projects. I am soo excited to have been included in this book by Katherine Bell! I can't wait to see in person! In conjunction with it's October release, there are plans a-plotting for more events.

I'll let you know as things are finalized!

I just got more awesome blocks in the mail this week!! THANKS to everyone who keeps plugging along with me in this big adventure! May the end be soon in sight.

Hodge Podge of Information

* Here is how the garage sale tent worked for the Green Fair and Peace Concert in Litttle Falls. It was a really nice evening of music and earth friendly activities. I spoke with lots of supportive people and sent off lots of blank blocks to be stitched.

* I just received word that there will space for some of the project at the Indian Summer Quilt Show and Conference in Fargo at the end of September. Back in my old stomping grounds - Fargo is where I honed my creative and quilting skills.

* I am gathering things to fill a box to send off to Iraqi Bundles of Love. Major Art La Flamme will soon be returning home from his tour of duty. Before he himself leaves, he wants to leave something helpful to the people of Iraq. Check out his site to learn more.

* And, I had almost forgotten about the conversations I had with Katherine Bell. She has written a book, "Quilting for Peace" and it will be coming out in October. Katherine included the And Still Counting project in her book and I am so excited to get my hands on a copy. I have already requested it become a part of the collection in the library where I work! Stay tuned for more events surrounding it's release!

Next Stop Little Falls

Not a lot of warning for you on this one, as I was just able to rearrange things enough to make it all work out.

I'll be taking a portion of the project to Little Falls, Mn. The Fransiscan Sisters are hosting a Green Fair / Peace Concert this Wednesday, August 5. The event will run from 4-8 pm and includes activities for kids and adults. There will even be a recycled fashion show. Swing on by if you're in the neighborhood!