We got the go ahead to hang the project over the Memorial Day weekend on the fence at the Library where I work!! I want to be able to hang as many blocks as possible that weekend, so if you've been procrastinating, get going!
I have been sewing sleeves on blocks like crazy and have lost track at this moment of just how many completed blocks there are in my living room right now - somewhere around 2500!
A venue has been secured for the project to hang at one of the banquet dinners during Minnesota Quilters in June, and, it will be traveling to West Fargo for the Fiber Arts Festival in July! We may even get some tv coverage....
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This is the Guard's Choice ribbon awarded to the project from 2 Iraq war vets - Duluth, June 2009
The First Installation
This will be the place to learn about the progress, and find out how you can help with the, "and still counting" quilt project. We are making one block for every American Soldier who has died in the Iraq war. 212 knots/beads/stitches are added to each block to represent the Iraqis who have perished. (See "the beginnings" post below)
humbled
This is the Guard's Choice ribbon awarded to the project from 2 Iraq war vets - Duluth, June 2009
The Beginning
click here to read about my idea
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The First Installation
Things needed to complete the project
- * black embroidery floss
- * solid color fabrics
- ** YOU and your help!
- black thread
- size 10 "Beadsmith" sharps from John James
- size 10 or 11 black seed beads
How you can help
I need lots of help to complete this project!
Below this sidebar is a tutorial that gives clear directions on creating your own blocks from scratch. I have directions for cutting in the sidebar below that.
You don't have to know anything about sewing! If you send me some $ to cover postage, I will send you blocks, and you can attach beads, or make french knots. Ok, so you have to find a little sewing skill, but anyone can sew on a bead. You can doo it!
Drop me an email, and I'll get you my address!
and_still_counting@yahoo.com
Below this sidebar is a tutorial that gives clear directions on creating your own blocks from scratch. I have directions for cutting in the sidebar below that.
You don't have to know anything about sewing! If you send me some $ to cover postage, I will send you blocks, and you can attach beads, or make french knots. Ok, so you have to find a little sewing skill, but anyone can sew on a bead. You can doo it!
Drop me an email, and I'll get you my address!
and_still_counting@yahoo.com
Cutting Fabric Tutorial
Cliff Notes
A condensed guideline for making blocks.
1. Follow the tutorial - It works!
2. 212 beads or knots per block
3. 2 strands embroidery floss for knots
4. double your black thread to backstitch beads
5. up to 2 beads at a time ( I've been having problems with secureness of more than that)
6. No dogmatic symbols please!I am a stickler on the no dogmatic symbols. Random and organic lines, spirals and the like keep the focus on the numbers and not the designs. This is a memorial for everyone, and not everyone views peace signs, doves and the like in the same way you or I might. Though the sentiments are closer now than when I started the project, peace signs etc can represent a wall of protest for some gold star families. This project needs to remain a memorial. And, as a memorial, it whispers loudly of peace.
7. For easier counting, I put a little stitch after every 10 knots or beads, so then when I feel like I have a whole bunch and I should check to see if it's enough, I only have to count by 10s.
1. Follow the tutorial - It works!
2. 212 beads or knots per block
3. 2 strands embroidery floss for knots
4. double your black thread to backstitch beads
5. up to 2 beads at a time ( I've been having problems with secureness of more than that)
6. No dogmatic symbols please!I am a stickler on the no dogmatic symbols. Random and organic lines, spirals and the like keep the focus on the numbers and not the designs. This is a memorial for everyone, and not everyone views peace signs, doves and the like in the same way you or I might. Though the sentiments are closer now than when I started the project, peace signs etc can represent a wall of protest for some gold star families. This project needs to remain a memorial. And, as a memorial, it whispers loudly of peace.
7. For easier counting, I put a little stitch after every 10 knots or beads, so then when I feel like I have a whole bunch and I should check to see if it's enough, I only have to count by 10s.
A Great French knot How - to
Janet has done a great job of explaining a French knot. Check it out here.
design ideas
Sleeves
Photos will show up soon, but, not today. Even so, i think you can imagine them in your head....
For each sleeve cut a piece of cotton 5" x10".
Press a 1/4" fold on the long sides.
Stitch the fold along the long sides.
Fold wrong sides together, raw edges matching - stitch 1/4" seam along raw edge.
Hold the seam up as you place the tube on the ironing board flatten the tube with the seam on the top and in the middle of the sleeve -press seam open.
Place seam side down on the back of a completed block with the top of the sleeve sitting about 1/4" to 3/8" from the top of the block.
Using a blind stitch, sew the sleeve onto the back of the block- stitch all 4 sides of the sleeve to the back for added stability.
The blocks hang together better if they are "twisted" - the long binding sides switch back and forth - block 1 they are N & S, block 2 E & W. If you'll be sewing sleeves on lots of blocks, please do some of each.
THANKS!!
For each sleeve cut a piece of cotton 5" x10".
Press a 1/4" fold on the long sides.
Stitch the fold along the long sides.
Fold wrong sides together, raw edges matching - stitch 1/4" seam along raw edge.
Hold the seam up as you place the tube on the ironing board flatten the tube with the seam on the top and in the middle of the sleeve -press seam open.
Place seam side down on the back of a completed block with the top of the sleeve sitting about 1/4" to 3/8" from the top of the block.
Using a blind stitch, sew the sleeve onto the back of the block- stitch all 4 sides of the sleeve to the back for added stability.
The blocks hang together better if they are "twisted" - the long binding sides switch back and forth - block 1 they are N & S, block 2 E & W. If you'll be sewing sleeves on lots of blocks, please do some of each.
THANKS!!
About Me
The MPR Interview
Click here to witness my first 3 minutes of "fame."
Send Me Stuff
Please send in completed blocks!!
Drop me an e-mail at and_still_counting@yahoo.com, and I will get you an address!
Drop me an e-mail at and_still_counting@yahoo.com, and I will get you an address!
Quiltng Gallery
3 comments:
Carn
I have about 15 blocks (or is it more) with the sleeve sewn on the backs. I'm willing to sew more but don't have them. Was hoping to see you tonight at MCQ - but alas. I can mail these to you or take a little trip up and also pick up more to "sleeve". We'll be in touch.
Do you still want more blocks, even though Memorial Day is this weekend? I just read about your project today.
Dear Caron,
Thanks so much for raising our awareness about the human costs of war.
I just moved to Waite Park and am glad to see this peace effort in my backyard!
BLessed are the Peace Makers!
Sincerely,
Carolyn Law OSF
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