and still counting

Veterans Day 2011

2011-10-28T10:13:00.001-05:00

It is once again time take a moment of reflection and thanks for those whose job it is to defend our freedoms.

I will be hanging a portion of the project at City Hall in St Cloud for the month of November, and Veterans Day. You won't eve have to stop in to see it, as it will be visible through the windows in the front entrance.

make art not war

2011-08-27T13:26:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Mimi and her vigilant forwarding of interesting emails, I learned of a group that is posting art online about the war . I contacted http://www.10yearsandcounting.org/, and the And Still Counting .... project has been added to the group! Go check it out! There are many creative people remembering.

Working on some details to display the project regionally over the anniversary of 9/11. I'll keep you posted.

Let me know of other possible venue sites, big or small

Piece,
Caron

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-18T16:53:00.003-05:00

Gearing up for the first display of the entire 3100 blocks! They will hang Friday, May 27 through Monday May 30 at the Waite Park branch of the Great River Regional Library system. The address is 253 5th Ave N Waite Park MN 56387. I'll try to get the entire thing in one picture!

Almost....

2010-12-06T13:31:00.001-06:00

We are nearly there! I had set a goal to complete 3100 blocks-the number of American military deaths at the onset of this undertaking. I need about 100 more blocks to finish my tour of duty.

If you're cleaning the house and decorating for the holidays and come across a stash of blocks - finished or not, send them in!! My focus for 2011 will be finding venues, and maybe someone to sponsor the exhibit permanently. Any ideas on those fronts are welcome.

Thank you to everyone who has helped with the construction and installation of the project as it has grown these past few years. This project has totally overwhelmed me at times, and I couldn't have slogged through without your help and encouragement.

Thanks,

Piece,

Caron Lage

Send blocks to me here:

118 20th Ave N

St Cloud MN 56303

Catching Up

2010-08-27T20:32:00.007-05:00

I have been gone for a while.

There's a sequence to this displaying of the project.

Work maniacally to get everything ready to go ahead of time, so hanging 2,500+ pieces "seems" relatively easy.

Hang out at the event - meet really great people, have meaningful conversations about big topics, learn new skills - the Fiber Arts Festival was awesome! A huge THANKS to everyone I met and talked to there, and who helped make a few more blocks to add to the memorial.

Recover. The theme of this project is one of profound loss and sadness. I'm always amazed at how depleted I feel after hanging the project, and then again after visiting with people. It's always a really good thing to hear peoples stories and reactions, but, sometimes it's a while before I bounce back.

Thanks to Debi form the Nordic Needle for including ASC in the most recent newsletter. A whole new group of blocks will be arriving from their subscribers -Thanks!! That jolt of enthusiasm was just what I needed.

*****

I have spent some time this summer preparing for a couple of art shows - not ASC , but my "other" art. If you're going to be in Central Minnesota this fall, look for me and my work at

Lost Lake Design , Sept 11 &12, and I will part of a group show at the Whitby Gallery at The College of St Benedict. Opening reception will be on Sept 12 @ 2:00pm, and the show runs through Oct 24th. I will also have a few pieces at the Indian Summer Quilt Show and Conference in Fargo Sept 24, 25, 26th. Whew!

**Oh Hey - If anyone got any photos of the project at Bonanzaville, will you share them? My camera was a no go that weekend. Thanks!

****One more thing.....

There are still many more blocks to be completed. I never thought this when I started - it seemed as thought this war would go in perpetuity, but there may actually be an "end " in sight.

I had stated that the 3,100 of the original goal was completed - that would be my "tour of duty" in an ongoing situation. But, with enough help from y'all, if indeed we get a final number , maybe I'll finish what I started. I would NEED HELP!!

Heading West

2010-07-19T12:38:00.002-05:00

Taking down 500+ blocks from the Paramount tomorrow, and then getting my ducks in rows to take the project to the Fiber Arts Festival in West Fargo ND this weekend. I have to borrow my brother's truck, as there is far too much to fit in my car!

I will hang as much as is completed (hoping to garner enough help to complete a few more while I'm there!) and, there might be a little EARLY morning television coverage. Come visit if you're near North Dakota!

Oh, yeah, it made the television too!!

2010-06-01T17:49:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Deb who spread word about the Memorial weekend display to Mary Costello at Fox9 News in Minneapolis, the And Still Counting project was covered on the Sunday edition of the news!! As Deb says "WOOT!!"

link to the newspaper article

2010-05-30T22:32:00.001-05:00

The project made the front page of the local section of the St Cloud Times!! Thanks TaLeiza for getting this story out! And thanks Dave for the picture - I was curious to see what angle would make the cut - it was impossible to get the entire project in a shot.

Memorial Weekend Display

2010-05-30T11:47:00.002-05:00

2616 blocks hanging at the Waite Park Library 253 N 5th.

Time Flies!

2010-04-26T19:11:00.004-05:00

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....

sticks!!!

2010-04-08T17:48:00.004-05:00

Some of my awesome patrons/friends at the library where I work made me a whole bunch of sticks! I took delivery of 70 some sticks this afternoon, and have received blocks in the mail and from family and friends, and even people I don't know from the internet this week. THANKS!!!!

Things are still up in the air about displaying the project on the fence at my library. If that doesn't work out, something else will.... I have a plan......

7 years

2010-03-19T11:23:00.004-06:00

As crappy as the economy might be, as difficult as our day to day lives are, compare your life with life of the family who has lost a loved one in the war, or the life of an Iraqi citizen.

Today marks the 7th anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq. 3 years since I started the project. Make a block, make some knots - do something to remember.

I have to admit....

2010-03-12T20:28:00.003-06:00

....that I am not the most technically proficient person. I am stubborn, and keep trying to figure things out on my own. My computer has become fit for the legally blind... the font is so large I cannot find all the shortcuts to my dashboard to be able to add another post. It's a breakthrough day - I am still unable to make the font reduce, but I did find my dashboard. I apologize for being so inept.

We keep plugging along. I've been getting blocks and sleeves(!!!! Thanks DEB!!!!) every week. THANKS - and keep 'em coming! This project gains so much more meaning the more hands that are involved. All it really takes is a little time, and maybe some $ for postage. I am always so honored by those of you who have taken the time to help, and to remember those who have given ALL on our behalf.

I have been busy sewing sleeves on and spent an afternoon last week at Aunt Annie's attaching newly sleeved blocks to existing blocks. I got through 400!! Total - not 400 with sleeves - yet...

I've sent out a few more proposals to hang the project, so cross your fingers.

Roger has started a facebook page for us - my everlasting gratitude to him!!!

Upsala and Some Catch-up

2010-02-07T20:27:00.004-06:00

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!!!!

2010-01-03T15:30:00.004-06:00

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

2009-11-11T16:21:00.002-06:00

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

2009-10-10T08:58:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-09-19T20:24:00.004-05:00

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

2009-08-30T16:01:00.003-05:00

* 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

2009-07-30T23:11:00.003-05:00

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!

It was, "quite a week" in Lake Wobegone

2009-07-07T19:05:00.003-05:00

There was nothing quiet about it. The little Town of Avon, Mn was all bustle and hustle last week in preparation for the 35th anniversary live broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion.

On Saturday morning I hung a portion of the memorial project on the front of my friend Lucy's quilt shop, Aunt Annie's silks and quilts. I got a picture just before the street filled in with cars, and the sidewalk filled with musicians entertaining the masses (11,000+) before the show started. I talked to a few folks about the project, and someone even took my picture. What a day!

Fourth of July

2009-06-27T17:28:00.002-05:00

I'll be hanging a portion of the project on the front of Aunt Annie's Quilt Shop in Avon, MN on the Fourth. There will be all sorts of art things going on around town, including a live broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion. Come join us!

Oh, My

2009-06-15T21:29:00.006-05:00

Awards are given at quilt shows. It is definitely an honor to receive one, but, as anyone who has ever entered a piece in a show knows, the subjectivity of the judges is difficult to predict. The awards that mean the most come from the viewing public. Or, in this case the security guards, who walked miles and miles making sure all was safe and secure.

It was the guard's choice ribbon that I found hanging on the project when I returned to Duluth on Saturday to dismantle the display. I was honored to receive this recognition. And this was before, I took the ribbon down, and read the inscription, "From 2 disabled Iraq war vets, our sincere thanks."

Oh, my.... I got the best award given this weekend. Thanks to everyone who has helped to make this project a reality. Oh my... the security guards, who walked miles and miles making sure ALL was safe and secure. Oh, my.

1,170 / 248,040

2009-06-10T12:49:00.000-05:00

Here's what 1,170 blocks looks like hanging at MN Quilters in Duluth.

Photos of the Paramount Exhibit

2009-06-06T16:51:00.003-05:00

As promised, here are the photos. A difficult venue to document, as the wall is curved, and pillars prevent a full on shot. It was really a breeze to hang with the help of a coule folks at the Paramount ( whose names have escaped me - sorry - thanks guys!)

The reception for the show is Friday, June 12, 5 - 9pm. I'll be making candy kakbobs, so come on by!

Paramount

2009-06-01T05:43:00.002-05:00

I just had a request to display a portion of the project at The Paramount Gallery in downtown St Cloud, and happily obliged. It was a short turnaround, so of course I forgot my camera. Later. I promise.

540 blocks fit perfectly in the space. They will be there until sometime in July, along with the work of other artists who I spent some studio time with a couple weeks ago. We gathered in the studio space of the paramount and spent the weekend working on things for the show. I completed a small piece made from scraps from the "Big Project."

Another venue fast approaches - Minnesota Quilters is in Duluth this year and I will be hanging as much as will fit in a section. This show runs June 11 - 13. What a great road trip that will be!

Oh hey - I have a free day to hang the piece, but am unable to be there to pack it up. My friends Lucy and Mopar will be in town with their booth from the awesome Aunt Annie's Quilts and Silks, and they will bring it home to me. Is anyone going to be in Duluth that Saturday afternoon who could pack it up and deliver it to Lucy? That would be terrific. Let me know.

Photos!

2009-04-10T21:12:00.004-05:00

At last.... photos from Atonement.

Huge Thanks to folks who have been helping with more blocks - the pile keeps growing!

It's up!

2009-04-03T11:25:00.002-06:00

My mom and my brother and I spent all of last Friday afternoon hanging nearly 1650 blocks at Atonement Lutheran Church in St Cloud Mn. Of course I forgot my camera! Both Friday and Sunday when I went to speak to people during the fellowship time. So when I went to get my camera to take some photos this week, my shutter is stuck. when I get the technical difficulties ironed out, there will be pictures!

Gearing Up

2009-03-24T11:23:00.003-06:00

Getting some final details taken care of for a display of the project at my parents' church - Atonement Lutheran,here in ST Cloud. We'll be setting things up Friday, and it will hang there through the next week. Atonement is located at 29th Ave and 12th St N. Services are at 8:00am, 9:00am and 10:30am. I will be hanging out in the fellowship hall between the services if you want to come talk.

oh goodness!

2009-03-06T14:34:00.001-06:00

Wow! Look what came in the mail this week!!

Holy cow - Thanks Marcia!!

And you too, Sarah!

Am working on getting a display ready for Atonement Lutheran Church in St Cloud later this month, so these will hang there!

Thanks for your notes of encouragement, and the great mail this week! It helps to keep me going.

momentum

2009-02-26T21:13:00.004-06:00

More blocks from Jane -Thanks!!

It's been a difficult winter to maintain my momentum. But, when I glance over to the side and see the photo of last January, where every block that was completed was hanging at White Bear Lake Unitarian Universalist Church. There were 330 blocks at that time. Now we are just under 2000 completed blocks.

I need help finding suitable venues. You've all been so wonderful to help create this memorial, let's get it out where it can be seen! Can you help me with a little different momentum this time around?

Summer Vacation

2009-01-30T16:17:00.003-06:00

Have you started making summer plans yet? Keep Duluth Minnesota in mind for June 13 - June 16. I spoke with the woman in charge of the non-judged quilt display at Minnesota Quilters, and she said she believes I can have an entire alcove at the show in Duluth this summer. That would be 3 - 8' x 8' sections so that should be able to accommodate at least 750 blocks!

There are a couple other venues I'm awaiting word from, so keep making blocks! It would be awesome to have simultaneous (and large) exhibits this spring and summer and fall.

There are so many other things to pay attention to these days, it's easy to forget there's still a war going on.

Forward Motion

2009-01-11T09:52:00.002-06:00

I let things here slow down for a while. The summer had been crazy busy, and fall was keeping up the pace, so, I slacked off a bit in keeping you all updated.
A bit of a schedule re-arrangement looks like I might actually have a few dedicated hours each week to find venues, and do more than work on making knots on my lunch breaks
Sitting on my desk waiting for more than a few minutes of my attention are a couple of proposals for large spaces to hang the entire project. The project has continued to grow, and is now just over 1700 blocks! (Last December, when I did that MPR interview, there were only about 350 blocks completed! Some dedicated folks have helped keep me inspired when the size of this undertaking overwhelms me. Thanks, Thanks, Thanks! You are amazing!

Hope

2008-11-09T19:48:00.003-06:00

The everlasting cold is finally abating and leaving me with a smidge of extra energy.

Blocks keep coming in from amazing people. Thanks, and thanks, and thanks! There a couple of venues pending. I'll keep ypu informed as they come to fruition. If you have any places you would like to see the project hang, either in part or the entire 1600+ blocks that are now complete, let me know!

In other news, I helped a number of other fiber artists create an Obama quilt this summer. Our most hopeful dream came true this week. Keep an eye out for this quilt at the inauguration! My HOPE blocks is the second from the bottom on the left.

Soapbox

2008-10-05T19:23:00.007-05:00

It is election time and there are choices to be made. While I am proud and privileged to be creating this memorial, it is not something I want to do for the rest of my life.

Take a look at this video:

Please vote for the candidate who makes plans for peace, not for war for the next century. I want us to be able to finish this project.

Yes, we can.

Housekeeping

2008-09-27T16:38:00.002-05:00

Nothing too glamorous, I've just been thinking about how to attempt to stay organized. I have 2 or 3 folks who are working on plans to exhibit parts of the project in the near future.

I've created an online calendar account at Yahoo. If you are interested in exhibiting, you can check out the availability at Yahoo Calendar. The id is ascexbibits and the password is dates&times. Each listing will show the number of blocks on display that particular day at each venue. Total them up to see how many are available. (I'll have a running tally in the sidebar on the blog.)

Please make sure to send me a comment or e-mail if you add something to the calendar, so we can coordinate delivery and other details and get you talked about in the blog. It is an easy project to hang, and can be customized to fit anywhere. Instructions for hanging will come with the sections you request.

As far as delivery goes, if you know someone coming through St. Cloud, we can try and coordinate a pickup time. Otherwise, I need to ask that the exhibitors pay shipping both ways.

If it works schedule- wise, I will sometimes be available to do a bit of a meet-n-greet, and spend some time showing people how to make french knots and sew on beads. I would need to ask mileage, and, that you buy me a cup for the road home.

if you've made through the end of all this boringness, you will be rewarded with a photo of six more blocks that are now available for display! They just arrived in the post from Carol. THANKS for the pic Carol!!

Yes, You Can Have A Peaceful Event At The RNC

2008-09-07T17:49:00.004-05:00

You won't, however, get any media attention. Well, at least not from any of the main stream media who found their way to Peace Island.
I did do a couple of interviews with people making documentaries. It will be interesting to see what happens with them. And, before I found my gumption to actually be interviewed, Zach did some video of the project as we were getting set up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65sNZYv-tW0

It really looks nice! Thanks Zach!

It was really an awesome day. The police had many streets blocked off, so it was a little difficult in getting there at certain times of the day, but, for those who did make it, It was what every celebration of peace should be. Food, music, kite flying, a bit of civil disobedience, and art with a message.

Many people, after visiting with me about the project, took blocks and needle and thread with them, and sewed while enjoying the music. We got alot accomplished there, and many blocks went home to be finished and mailed in. I love getting blocks in the mail!
What a day!

What a Day!

2008-09-06T08:16:00.003-05:00

I am once again on my way out the door, so here are some photos from Peace Island Picnic to look at until I can add commentary.

Practice

2008-08-31T17:41:00.005-05:00

Her is one last photo of the 715 blocks that hung at the Whitney Center this summer.

My family helped me do a trial run in setting up for the Peace Island Picnic. We set up the standard from which the panels will hang and figured out how to solve the glitches that arose. Hanging against a wall is so much different than hanging in the gusty breeze! There are a few minor things to change, and I think things will be ready for Thursday. Provided the RNC doesn't abandon St Paul all together. See you Thursday!

Peace Island Picnic

2008-08-03T10:47:00.003-05:00

Made a speedy trip to St Paul Wednesday evening to shore up some plans for the Peace Island Picnic. The picnic will be a finale event to the Republican National Convention being held in St Paul September 1 - 4. These are a couple of quick shots of the picnic area.

From 1pm to 8 pm there will be free food, music, the creation of the world's largest peace sign, and the display of the And Still Counting project. More updates and details here - the unconvention.

Keep sending me blocks! I would love to have 2000 blocks on display. I have about 1700 right now, and the more we have there, the larger the impact.

If anyone has access to those pop-up tents, I will be needing 4 of them to display the project. I would need to borrow them on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th to accommodate set up and tear down.

Saying it All

2008-07-29T19:02:00.006-05:00

I received an email today from someone who kindly made a block for the project. She summed things up so well, "This was a thoughtful and meditative activity - every French knot I made hurt."

This project can feel like that a lot of the time. I have to focus on the calming and meditativeness of the stitches or the beads and hope that it will send it's calm and peaceful intent where it is most needed.

Thanks to all who are helping to remember those who have given so much.

Look! More base blocks from Annie!! Let me know how many you want!

THANKS! to Jean for the financial booster shot! RNC, here we come!

Other Stuff

2008-07-21T21:53:00.004-05:00

While ninety plus percent of my creative energies end up here at the project, I thought you might like to see some of the other things I work on in my sewing studio. I finally got back to my flikr site to add a few more things and some labels. It's still a work in progress, but isn't that life?

Quilting Gallery

2008-07-14T13:50:00.002-05:00

Hey - Look at this! The project was featured in Quilting Gallery's charity quilting month. Welcome to anyone stopping by from new places!

Keepin' On Keepin' On

2008-07-11T17:30:00.018-05:00

My, how summer seems to be flying by. The RNC will be here before you know it!

We are a go for the Peace Island Picnic, and there is a possibility of a retail space in downtown St Paul for that week. (Sept 1 -6) Hopefully we can get the space donated. If we find something with great visibility, and some cost, I may come begging. You've been warned.

Here are some of the behind the scenes stuff I've been keeping busy with.

Because I can't be "all project, all the time," a preview of a new quilt pattern I'm writing.

bucket o' backs

Six inch squares of batting scraps.

These are the sleeves that get sewn onto the back of the top row of blocks in the 5 x 6 sections.
The "spaghetti straps" I came up with to link one section with another when hanging. Each section of 30 blocks hangs from a stick that loops through the sleeves sewn across the top row. The "spaghetti straps" hang from stick to stick in the back and keep the weight distributed across the sticks, and not the blocks.

Piles of completed blocks waiting to be pinned together.

Base blocks ready for knots/ beads - see the two big stacks of blue blocks in the back? THANKS ANNIE! 100 blocks and she's making more. Now you have no excuse to not participate - there are plenty of blocks already made!

I tried to make a video tutorial about french knots, but am having trouble making it load. We'll see.

Shelving Myself

2008-06-28T07:50:00.003-05:00

1. I recently started a part time job at a branch of my local library. I am really enjoying the energy and atmosphere of the library in a whole new way.

1a. Last Saturday, I was interviewed by Katherine Bell. She is writing a book called Quilting for Peace, and will be including the And Still Counting project in her book.

1 + 1 = 2! How cool is it that next spring I will be able to shelve a book that has a bit of me and the project in it?!

A New Installation

2008-06-10T20:04:00.004-05:00

A photo of the last bits of the installation process at the Whitney Center in St Cloud, MN. That's my brother Steve on the ladder, Jim the curator, is standing by the flags, and I can't for the life of me remember the name of the man who serenaded our efforts, but he was a fine singer.

We hung 715 blocks. 715 American soldiers, 151,500 Iraqi citizens. 715 out of 3,100, not quite 1/3 of the blocks I'm hoping for. I'm going to need a really big space.

That's A Lot of Blocks

2008-05-27T18:50:00.004-05:00

I am working on documenting my quilt inventory. So, I put the 690 blocks that are at my house right now, out on the lawn. That's a lot of blocks.

It's a weird and bittersweet accomplishment. I am glad to have these finished, and usually I have this sense of "look what I made!" It's just different when they represent so much death.

HOPE

2008-05-23T06:14:00.003-05:00

I signed up a while back as a Fiber Artist for Obama. We are coming up with possible design ideas for our project. I cannot, for the love of all that is good, make my photo of my idea for a block attach to the group emails. I'm trying here. Cross your fingers.

Memorial Weekend

2008-05-22T06:15:00.003-05:00

I'm not so good at writing about all the things that I feel about the war and it's costs and effects on our country and the world. When my words get stuck, I tend to make things. I'm hoping that implementing the creation of a small memorial quilt for each soldier who has died speaks the words I can't find.

So I am hoping that each of us at the very least, spends a little time contemplating war and freedom and liberty and the cost of achieving the lives we are privledged to have. And if you find yourself with a spare moment or two, make some knots on a block to honor those who have given their lives.

Portions of the project will be available to view this weekend at the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead, MN, and at the Evansville Art Center in Evansville MN.

1170!!

2008-05-19T15:41:00.002-05:00

You read that right! There are currently 1170 blocks completed! Thanks! Take a deep breath and let's keep going. I have a couple more irons in the fire about future venues. Let me know if you have any places you'd like to see it hang.

I am looking for someone who is driving from Fargo/Moorhead to the Twin Cities and would be willing to play courier for the sections of the project that are currently hanging at the Hjemkomst Center. I need them for our next installation at the Whitney Center here in St Cloud the first week of June. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

What A Week!

2008-05-11T13:07:00.005-05:00

Check it out! Here's a link to the press coverage in the Echo Press from Alexandria Minnesota. (I can't make the link work today, will edit this tomorrow at the library. You'll just have to trust me that we got some press.)

and....THANKS!!!

Every single day this week has brought me something else for the project. Safety pins!! Fabric! Competed blocks!! Batting! Thread! I can't thank you enough for all of your kind help with this. Some things have come in groups, and I am not certain I have everyone's name listed in the sidebar thanks section. Drop me a note if I have missed your name. I want to make sure you're thanked!

Front Page News

2008-05-06T19:01:00.002-05:00

So things are rolling along. We are well over 1000 blocks completed, and a few kind folks have graciously donated nearly all the safety pins we'll need, as well as purple beads. THANKS!! Oh my gosh THANKS!

I met with Coleen and Ross Rowley last week and will be joining them at their event at the Republican National Convention. Check out some of there plans here. I am so excited to have the project be seen by policy makers. It is important they be reminded that we do keep tab on the decisions they make on our behalf.

No meeting for coffee this weekend. Spend some time with your mom!

Getting Seen

2008-04-21T21:54:00.005-05:00

It's always difficult to temper my enthusiasm about progress of the project with the gravity of the subject matter. Something feels a little off when I get excited about things.

But it's a good thing that more and more blocks get completed and seen. So on that note, I have secured a space for it to hang June, July and August! It will be at the Whitney Center in St Cloud. We should be well over 1000 blocks then as I have 960 right now. Plus, I may have found a venue for the Republican National Convention.

Keep on knotting, and beading, and sending me safety pins. Has anyone picked up on the hints about safety pins? oh, Joann's has solids on sale hint, hint nudge, nudge, know what I mean?

I Have No Idea

2008-04-21T14:39:00.002-05:00

Apologies to anyone who may have shown up at Mississippi Bean & Tea to find no one sewing.
I have no idea what went wrong with my intestines yesterday afternoon, but, they were not to be ignored. I had to leave shortly after I got there. Which was late anyway, because it's that transitory time of year. You know when you no longer keep your keys in your coat pocket, 'cause you're no longer wearing a coat, and you can't for the life of you figure out where you put them down. So I begged a ride from my sister in law. Then 10 minutes later called my mom to come get me. You know it's bad when you call your mom. Thanks mom!!

I still can't find my keys. I may actually have to participate in that spring cleaning nonsense.

Next Sunday I will be at the earth day celebration at Great River Arts in downtown Little Falls with the project. Come visit us there!!

900+ !!!

2008-04-17T15:41:00.004-05:00

Hey- we're making progress! I have just over 900 blocks completed with your help.

Keep plugging away and sending me blocks. And no excuses like, "I can't sew on a button." To sew on a bead, is one stitch up, and one stitch down. Granted, that's over and over, and over. Then you spin that technique and use the fancy term, "mastery learning" by the time you've completed a couple of blocks, you'll be able to sew on a button! Another bullet point on the resume of life!

If you still refuse to pick up a needle and thread you can help by purchasing some size #1 safety pins, and purple "E" beads. Right now I have 3 sections of 30 blocks each ready to pin together, but I am fresh out of pins and running low on beads. HELP!! I won't turn down other supplies either, but pins and purple beads are the top priority right now.

I am working the details to hang the project in another venue. I am hoping all 1000 (because by the time it hangs you'll have sent me at least 100 more blocks and the pins and the beads) will fit in this space. I'll let you know.

At Last

2008-04-01T14:28:00.003-06:00

Here is a photo of the portion of the project that is currently hanging at the LOFT Gallery in downtown St Cloud. This show is a group display with other artists from the Avon Area Arts. A new local group that has started up. Check it out at 819 St Germain. (That's the downtown version of St Germain- it's interesting to note that there are 4- yes, 4 different streets with the same name in St Cloud. Two of them are only a couple blocks apart from each other, and the other 2 are on the other side of town, not really near each other. I like to joke that city planning meetings are actually keggers. I don't know how else to explain 4 distinct streets with the same
name without accusing someone of being drunk.)

I hope everyone has been diligently knotting and beading and stitching. Perhaps someday we'll be caught up, and it will only take a few of us getting together once a month to record the most current deaths. Or, maybe it will all end peacefully, and I can be done with this BIG project. That's the one I'm hoping for. Thank you to everyone who is helping to complete this. Your response and dedication keep me going when I sometimes feel overwhelmed with the enormity of everything.

If you find yourself in the St Cloud area on a Sunday afternoon, Stop in at Mississippi Bean and Tea at 819 St Germain. (Yes, in the same building as the gallery) I am going to be setting up a little stitching get together from 2-4 in the afternoons. I will bring blank blocks, thread, needles, & beads. You can bring along yourself and maybe another friend to help stitch knots, or beads while we enjoy each other's company. We will do this every Sunday, unless I have something else come up. Then I will make a note here. But if we get a nice group going, you won't even need me every single Sunday. I'm excited for the progress we've made recently, and it makes me want to maintain that momentum.

Catching Up

2008-03-14T15:26:00.004-06:00

Life got a little overwhelming for a while, but, things are almost back to manageable.

We are making progress! Remember back in January when I hung the 330 blocks that were completed then? Now there are 330 hanging in The Hjemkomst Center, 360 blocks hanging at the Loft in downtown St Cloud, and I have another 100 finished blocks courtesy of Anne, Bob and Eileen . THANKS!! Sarah sent me a note saying she has another 70 blocks ready for knots!! We are going to pass the 1000 completed block mark soon.

I would love to know how many blocks you have in progress and might be sending in soon. And if you feel the need to send in some #1 safety pins, and size E purple beads, I will do a happy dance!!

My pc and I have been arguing about posting photos this week. I'm going with the tomorrow is another day theory. Check back for images from both the Hjemkomst Center and the loft soon.

Out and About

2008-03-05T15:17:00.002-06:00

I spoke with two groups about the project this week. One a contemporary quilting group in Lakes Country Minnesota, and another small symposium group on compassion up in the Fargo / Moorhead area. Hi to all who kindly let me ramble on!! It's really energizing to meet folks who are excited to join in.

I hung some more panels at the Heritage Hjemkost Interpretive Center in Moorhead. Of course I left my camera in St Cloud. I will do some scrambling this afternoon and get some photos up soon.

I am putting some more panels together to hang at a gallery in St Cloud this weekend. I'm almost out of brass safety pins, so if anyone has any they would like to donate to a good cause let me know!!

Anne and the Lightbulb

2008-02-19T15:45:00.004-06:00

So it's one of those ideas where we all went, "Well of course!" Okay, to be honest I did stop and think about it for a minute or two because, well, I can be a control freak sometimes. My family can stop laughing now.

Anne discovered that if she programmed her Bernina 1260 just right, she could add a space between the asterisk stitches, and they would look like the individual beads and french knots we have putting in our blocks! Thanks Anne!

On a 1260, the stitch is number 27. Hit number 27, memory, and then straight stitch, memory, and you should be good to go. The stitch is a little bigger than the beads and knots have been, and I am guessing that a spiral is going to be the best design to get all 212 stitches on the block.

Don't have a Bernina 1260? As long as you are able to program a stitch in between an asterisk stitch * * * , so they maintain their individuality, I say go for it. I don't want a running together of stitches ***** that don't have any distinction. This is after all, about remembering the individuals who have died.

If you have other sewing machine makes that have a similar tight stitch on them and you think you want to try it, let me know. St Cloud has dealers for every major brand of sewing machine and I can go test drive it to make sure it clears my inner control freak.

I like how there will be a nice mix of beads and hand stitching and machine stitching in the project. A bit of everything. And we may actually get it done! Now if Anne can figure something out for the soldiers and our government leaders we'll be set to finish the damn war too.

Cold Cold Day

2008-02-13T18:39:00.004-06:00

Here they are in their sweaters and hats. Thanks to everyone who came out in the frigid, frigid weather on Saturday! We completed another 25 blocks and had a great afternoon hanging out together.

I had six panels along with me, and I left them at the Hjemkomst Center to become part of a exhibit on compassion. If you're near the Fargo / Moorhead area stop in.

Momentum

2008-02-07T07:12:00.000-06:00

A big Hello and ThankYou to Carol from Giraffe Dreams and everyone who has been following her link here! It's great to have more folks supporting the project!!

I am getting ready to work on the project with folks up in Fargo/Moorhead this weekend. There will be a day of compassionate workshops at the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead from 1 - 4pm. I have 6 ( YES 6!) more panels to display, and we will be working on putting more knots and beads on even more blocks. I'll post some pictures early next week.

Come join us on Saturday, or check out the display at WBUUC - It comes down Sunday afternoon.

* That makes 17 completed panels of 30 blocks each, or, 510 Americans, 108,120 Iraqis.

Convention

2008-01-25T19:06:00.000-06:00

A light bulb flashed this last week. The Republican National Convention will be held in St Paul this summer. Why hasn't this registered with me before? The Republican National Convention. In my backyard. Where I can find a venue to display the project. The project that everyone who writes national policy should see.

The fire has been lit!! The more blocks we have completed by convention time , the more powerful the piece will be! I'm working on finding a venue for the project to hang, or possibly be carried in a parade or, or, or..... it's brainstorming time! If you have any ideas, pass them along!

There was some great energy last night at my MCQ meeting!! Thanks for all the blocks and supplies donated!! You Ladies Rock!!

Another idea - zip ties around the sticks onto chain link fence. The pictures I took in November look really great on the fence. On the fence is how a lot of people feel about the war anymore. We want the troops home, but don't want to risk further chaos for the Iraqis. Folks who once supported the war, are now regretting that stance. We might need to look at fences. hmmm....

Keep on stitching!
Piece,
Caron

Supply and Demand

2008-01-22T08:24:00.000-06:00

Hey Quilters! Has anyone been cleaning and organizing as part of their '08 resolutions? Found any solid colored cottons collecting dust? Have any batting scraps? Any of those brass basting pins sitting around taking up space? Send them my way!

I'm getting prepared for a couple of get - togethers where we will be hanging out, enjoying each others company, while working on the project. The more blocks I have prepared for knotting or beading the better. I would love it if you wanted to go ahead and make the blocks yourself, I would never rule that out!

Drop me an e-mail if you have any stuff to send, and I will get you my address.

BTW - A couple things are in the works, hopefully I can update on at least one later in the week.
Keep your fingers crossed!

Cut Ups

2008-01-11T13:26:00.000-06:00

I figured out that 1 5/8 yards of solid fabric can be cut up for 18 blocks with very little waste. Thought I'd share it with anyone who is working on blocks.

Make 3 - 6" cuts; subcut into 3 cuts @ 6", and 1 cut @3.5"

Make 11 - 3.5" cuts. 5 of them are subcut into 2 cuts @ 6" and 1 cut @ 7.5"

The next 5 are subcut into 2 cuts @ 7.5" and 1 cut @ 6"

The last strip gets subcut into 3 - 7.5 "cuts. Depending on the width of the fabric, I sometimes have to piece the last 2 from this section with scraps from above.

Now you're set to follow the original tutorial and put them together.

Again, THANKS to everyone who is working on this with me!!

WBUUC

2008-01-06T11:15:00.000-06:00

Friends from MQC and I hung our art work at White Bear Lake Unitarian Universalist Church yesterday. The church has a beautiful new sanctuary and common areas that are so welcoming for fiber art.

Thanks to everyone who has sent in blocks recently!!** I hung 11 panels of the project. It hangs on the wall opposite the entrance to the sanctuary, and is beautiful. The people from the church were very excited to have it there, and my friends from MCQ have been so helpful and encouraging. It was nice to be able show off how far we've come.

There is a table with the blog address, and blocks so folks can help.

What a good time we had hanging this and all the other beautiful work. Here are some photos of us hard at work.

This show will hang at the WBUUC until February 10th. If you're nearby it would be a nice stop. There's a great little drive in diner down the road for lunch.

**UPDATE!!! I have received a couple of blocks that have the knots in a peace symbol pattern. While I am ever so thankful for help, but, I do have a caveat. I want this piece to be more abstract, and allow each person viewing it to be free to feel and think whatever they need to feel and think without ideas being put in their heads. Any abstract design is fine for the knots or beads. Just nothing dogmatic. It's the dogma that I believe gets us into these nasty situations to begin with. I live in a big "red" bubble in a "blue" state. I have learned that whispering is sometimes louder than shouting.

I am going to keep the peace symbol blocks on my design board as my inspiration, because that is what this project means for me.

A Happy & Peaceful New Year

2007-12-30T19:10:00.000-06:00

Much THANKS to everyone who has been sending in blocks!! Look at the piles I have to pin together for the upcoming exhibit at White Bear Unitarian Universalist next weekend. I am continuously humbled by your help with my idea. I don't update as often as I should because I find myself without words about the state of the war and the world and how i and my project fit into it all. I'm overwhelmed. Thank you for your continued help and encouragement.

May we all find a little bit of peace and comfort in the new year.
C

Exhibit A

2007-12-18T23:30:00.000-06:00

My friends at Minnesota Contemporary Quilters have been hugely supportive of this project. Every January we display the works of some of our members at the White Bear Lake Unitarian Universalist Church. This year the piece I will be displaying will be the project so far. There's still time to send any blocks you have completed. I just received some from Nellie! Thanks!

Fame

2007-12-04T11:02:00.000-06:00

Well, I have officially used up 3 minutes of my 15 minute allotment of fame.

Last week Bob Collins from Minnesota Public Radio came to my home. He took some photos, and we spoke about the project. Here is a link to the resulting slide show with audio. MPR

MPR has been an integral part of my life ever since I can remember, so, it was a great honor to welcome Bob into my home. Thanks Bob!

So Far

2007-11-26T19:47:00.000-06:00

It was a brisk, but sunny ( finally sunny when I'm free for a moment,) afternoon. I went to a nearby park late this afternoon and took a few shots of what is put together so far. There are 8 sections of 30 blocks shown. My mom keeps another section with her, and there is another section without hanging sleeves yet. That makes 300 blocks in all, right now. 300 American and 63,600 Iraqi deaths.

I Got Mail!

2007-11-20T18:49:00.000-06:00

Big Thanks to Georgia from Texas, who returned 4 blocks to me yesterday!! Yeah! If there is any sunshine tomorrow morning I will post pictures.

I'll take pictures of blocks too, so hurry and send them in!

Veteran's Day

2007-11-11T19:18:00.000-06:00

I work on blocks in some form another everyday. It's become routine. Maybe it has for you as well. As Veteran's Day arrives, take a moment as you make those knots, or apply those beads, to honor and remember the men and women they represent.

Piles

2007-11-07T19:46:00.000-06:00

My dad had a big stack of completed blocks for me when I stopped by last night. Thanks Dad!!
And, I recently got a couple of beautiful blocks from Judy, Thanks!

Here's a little corner of my home where I have organized some parts of the big project. Various stages of completion are shown. The plastic tote on the left is full fabric that is ready to be sewn into squares. There's cut batting in the chair. Below the chair is a box of blocks ready to have knots or beads applied. There are a couple piles of completed blocks on the shelf, and, on the floor is a pile of sections pinned together and ready to hang. I forgot the piles at the sewing machine. There's a couple more stages there.

I have been approached with potential space to display the project. It won't happen until after the first of the new year, so, you have plenty of time to complete and send me blocks!

I love adding blocks from different makers. We each add our own bit of personality to them. Seeing that variety makes one conscious of the fact that each block, and each knot represent an individual who had their own distinct personality.

Thanks so much to everyone who is helping with this project.

Seperation Anxiety

2007-10-16T20:50:00.000-05:00

In addition to making lots and lots of french knots, I've been working on clearing out and finishing up old projects that have accumulated in my studio. I have been grooving on a coffee buzz, and have sewn miles and miles worth of seams this last week.

Things were flying along until about 4:30 this afternoon. It's amazing how a great coffee buzz can so quickly become an anxiety attack. As I was sewing some velcro onto a baby bib, my thread suddenly broke and snapped back into the take up tension. No amount of cajoling would let me free it.
Oh, No. Oh, Nooooo!
I won't be able to sew this evening. I might not be able to sew tomorrow.
Wait, it's only 4:43! I can still get it to the sewing machine emergency room by 5!

Apparently, my emergency isn't necessarily the repair technician's emergency. I explained what happened, and he told me that it shouldn't be a problem to repair, and would be done on Monday. As my face paled, and I stammered, and tried to form a complete sentence, another technician who'd been listening said, " I bet you'd rather have it by Friday wouldn't you?" "Yes, yes, oh, yes! Thank You!" I replied. At least someone understood that a sewing machine is actually a vital organ.

There is a chance that I might clean while my machine is getting fixed. Maybe. Wait, I don't need my machine to make french knots. I'm saved.

Friends In Fargo

2007-10-03T09:08:00.001-05:00

Lysa and Tammi counting french knots. This was Tammi's first time making french knots and she completed an entire block!!
This is the big pot of chili I made to keep my Fargo friends sated as we worked on blocks for the project. It was such a fun evening! Friends coming and going, catching up with one another, meeting new people, and enjoying each other's company. Thanks to Tammi for cleaning her house ( it was immaculate!) and being such a flexible hostess!

It was terrific seeing everyone back in Fargo - I miss you all! Who knows? I might just move back.

All In The Family

2007-09-23T12:47:00.000-05:00

I've been fortunate to get lots of help with this project from my family. My mom is busy making blocks, and my dad does a terrific french knot! For the last few months, every time I have sat down to draw with my nieces, the 4 year old has drawn some version or another of the block the rest of us have been working on. This is a picture she drew not long ago.

Cool Beans

2007-09-19T15:26:00.000-05:00

I spent most of the morning in the studio cutting out fabric for the upcoming playshop/party in Fargo next week. I have enough cut right now to make another 250 blocks! Will cut some batting next. (Thanks Lucille!)

Then the phone rang.

It was a really nice woman from American Public Media. That's public radio man! We talked for 10 or 15 minutes. She will be passing her notes on to the producers of a program called, "The Story". I'll let you know if anything comes of it!

Exciting News

2007-09-12T13:35:00.000-05:00

Have you checked out the Sept./Oct. edition of Fiber Arts magazine? There is a photo and a small article about the project there. Welcome to anyone who has found the project through the magazine! I have been getting responses from folks all over and welcome everyone's shared commitment and help. It was kind of surreal to see something that is usually sitting in a place of honor on my living room floor on the pages of a magazine.

More news:
I will be hosting a chili supper/and still counting workshop at my friend Tammi's house in Fargo at the end of the month. I will be back in Fargo for the Indian Summer Quilt Show and Conference, where I will be teaching a couple of classes, and hanging out with all of my Fargo friends. If you find yourself in the area, or have been looking for the perfect excuse to visit Fargo (it really is a great little city, and no, I don't work for the chamber of commerce) drop me a note and I'll send you the details.

Thanks for all your help!

C

Long Time No Write

2007-07-14T13:59:00.000-05:00

Here's what's been going on.
I've been making and passing out lots of blocks for folks to knot or bead. (If anyone wants to help in making the blocks, I would love it!!) I sent out an e-mail to folks I knew were working on knots and/or beads asking to send in anything you had completed so I could get some photos. A magazine had expressed interest in a possible story. Well, there was some confusion at the P.O. office about the name on my box, so if you sent anything and it got returned, I'm sorry. It has been corrected, and I should be getting things in the box now.

So, about the magazine. I sent in a photo of what I had available, and hoped for the best. I got an e-mail late this week from an editor at fiberarts magazine that the photos were fine and she would send me a copy of the article when it was published!! Not sure when it comes out, but will let you know to keep an eye open for it.

I am going to start working on a little press kit, and would love to include everyone's blocks in the next photos. Please send in anything you have done. The variety and personality of different makers really brings charcter to the overall piece.

Thanks for all you do! C

look for new photos below the comment break

Overwhelming

2007-06-14T07:58:00.000-05:00

You haven't heard much from me in a while. I had every intention of being of being a teriific cheerleader for this project when I started. I thought I'd be able to fake my way through those times when I have to stop listening to the news because it's just too much. I get overwhelmed and have to step back for a while. So, I stepped back until I had more positive words to send you.

The project continues to grow, and folks are helping out on it all over the place! It might be getting some local publicity. I was at an arts festival this last weekend working on a block, and one of the other participants asked me about what I was working on. I explained the project and she jumped up and got pen and paper and started taking notes, and asked, "Would it be alright if I shared this with my editor?" Well of course! So we'll see what happens there.

On another note, someone had asked earlier about when to send the completed blocks to the p.o. box. I had said save them up and send them in groups to save on postage. That's still fine with me if it's fine with you, but, I have had to rent a storage place for the project, because as it grew to about 50 pieces, I realized it was the symbolic representation of10,000 deaths. That was too much death to have at my house all the time. And possibly too much for your house too, so feel free to send them in whenever - I would love to see more of them coming in! My plan is to take them from the p.o. to the storage unit and finish putting things together there. I have a few more to pin on and will remember to take a picture for you.

Thankks again for all your help!

Caron

Yellow

2007-05-18T22:15:00.000-05:00

Lucy, my friend from Avon, donated some wonderful yellow fabric! I have cut squares and binding pieces for 50, count 'em, 50 blocks from the yellow! So springy like buttercups, or dandelions.

I will get those sewn up over the weekend to bring to my Minnesota Contemporary Quilter's meeting in Minneapolis Monday evening. This is such a wonderful group of artists! They always inspire me, and are always eager to help make knots. There is always great show and tell and lots of laughter at these meetings, you can't help but leave anxious to get home and try out the technique someone talked about, or the brianstorm of an idea that came up. You can check us out at www.minnesotacontemporaryquilters.net .

Enjoy your weekend and thanks for helping!

Lost Mo Jo Found

2007-05-15T21:22:00.000-05:00

So sorry for the long lapse. I have been under the weather in a pretty big way. Finally have energy to do more than just survive.

Now that I' m out from under the rock, I've got some catching up to do.

Thanks to everyone who has come on board and been working on the project!

Go check out Nellie's blog, Nellie's Needles http://nelliedurand.blogspot.com . She displays her beatiful art quilts and, has been such a support in getting the word out, and getting folks to help. Thanks Nellie! Nellie is a big fan of the grommets, so it looks like at least portions of this project will be going metal!

Here is how I think we can make this work on a bunch of levels all at once. The troops are divided into sqauds, divisions, platoons, battalions, brigades, etc... this project can be divided into similar sections.

Bead chain and grommets are going to be spendy, so, maybe we can work in smaller squads and platoons as money is raised for this particular type of armor. When there isn't yet funding for the grommets, we can hang them from the safety pins.

Timeline - I would love to see this hang somewhere publicly for the anniversary of 9/11. That seems a little ambitious right now, but we could definitely have some sort of platoon, brigade, division amount done. We could even hang the smaller numbers in more than one location at the same time.

As soon as I get 100 or so blocks, and can get some good photographs taken, I can put some more concerted effort into finding venues. If any one has ideas, for places to display this, let me
know.

I've had a couple questons about variations. Along with french knots, black seed beads are a fine alternative, and couching bead chain would be fine too. Someone has made made square spirals, someone else, stars and snowflakes. If we all stick with mostly black or metallic for the color I think some variety here and there is ok.

Thanks,
Caron

The Tutorial at Last!

2007-05-01T20:52:00.000-05:00

Look! Pictures! This first one shows a 6" square each of backing, batting (any kind will do, I am even piecing my scraps together - butt 2 pieces of batting together and zig zag!), and a solid. Stack these into a sandwich with the solid fabric on top.

The second photo shows that sandwich, and the pieces of binding needed. From the same solid fabric as the 6" square, cut 2 each - 3 1/2 " x 6", and 3 1/2" x 7 1/2". (The samples on the left and bottom.) Fold each piece in half lengthwise, and press. (The samples on the top and right)

Place the raw edges of the 6" pieces on the edge of two sides of the 6" sandwich. Stitch 1/2" from the edge. I press binding away from the top of the sandwich, then I fold the binding onto the back of the sandwich and pin. Turn the sandwich over, and stitch 1/4" from the edge. (I have been using black thread for this. It saves from having to match thread to the solid color fabric and is consistent with the knots.)

It will look like this from the back,

and, like this from the front! If needed, trim the edges.

Center the 7 1/2" binding strips across the 2 remaining sides, and stitch 1/2" from the edge.

If you look closely you can see how the binding is turned in the next picture. So, just like with the other sides, you press the binding so it is away from the top of the square. This time, you will first turn the excess binding in towards the back of the quilt, over the edge of the first binding. This is kinda visible on the left side of the following picture.

Once the excess is folded in, you can fold the rest of it over like the other 2 sides. It takes a little practice, but you can do it! Now, stitch 1/4" from the edge with the black thread on top. Leave extra long tails at both ends of this top stitching. It's too bulky to back- stitch, so I pull the black thread to the back and tie each end off to secure it. I tried to show you that in the 2nd photo.

See the long tails for securing the threads?

I know this seems like a couple of extra steps for the binding, but this will give a little more stability t o the edges. They will be taking on some stress.

Now you are ready to make french knots! Or, some folks have elected to put seed beads on as a variation on the theme. It also occurred to me that if one wanted to count out 212 beads worth of bead chain, that could be couched on. Couching tutorial later if there is interest.

I have been putting my 212 knots on each block in a spiral starting at the center. After every 10 knots, I make a small stitch. This saves on alot of counting. Once I get closer to the outside and feel like I'm getting close to 212 knots, I can count the stitches by 10's. To start the spiral, I make a knot just a little off center, and make the next knot about 1/4" to the left, and again, and again, it's kind of a square at this point, so I make a concerted effort to make the fifth knot abit above and a bit out, and that is where the spiral begins. (I will try to remember a photo of the beginning knots). The spiral pattern is optional, I do it because it's easy for me to keep track of how many knots I've made and I like how it looks. If you figure out something else go for it, and share it withthe rest of us! **

Here are the first 12 blocks pinned together! I think that's enough for one post. Let me know what critical information I've forgotten!

**UPDATE!!! I have received a couple of blocks that have the knots in a peace symbol pattern. While I am ever so thankful for help, but, I do have a caveat. I want this piece to be more abstract, and allow each person viewing it to be free to feel and think whatever they need to feel and think without ideas being put in their heads. Any abstract design is fine for the knots or beads. Just nothing dogmatic. It's the dogma that I believe gets us into these nasty situations to begin with. I live in a big "red" bubble in a "blue" state. I have learned that whispering is sometimes louder than shouting.

I am going to keep the peace symbol blocks on my design board as my inspiration, because that is what this project means for me.

Not A Number One Draft Pick

2007-05-01T10:30:00.001-05:00

It was as it should have been that I was always the last chosen for team sports. I am kind of clumsy, and don't like things thrown at my head. In my own defense, I did always try.

Now as an adult, I would be the last one you choose for your IT team. I have, finally, on the fourth attempt, installed my thing-a-ma-bob that willl read the photos from my camera's memory stick. I will perservere and figure this out.

Ok. Maybe I did just have the right brainstorm this time. Wrong again, but Imust be getting closer. I have to go to work. Will wrestle more with my PC tonight.

Baby steps

2007-04-24T09:28:00.000-05:00

Progress for a techno-phobe! I have finally managed to access my own blog from my own computer. Things are looking bright even on this dreary day. (I even added photos, ok so they showed up below the first post, they're still there, go look!)

So the update on things - I am still finding lots of people who want to help! I figured out how to make things a little simpler and a lot less expensive. I put together four blocks with grommets and bead chain as a sample/ proto-type. The silver stuff was quite distracting from the blocks themselves. So, we're going punk. As a quilter, I have at my beck and call, a basket full of brass safety pins. (I have quite a few, but you know we'll be needing more, so scrounge through your sewing studios for 1 1/8" size pins) It's working wonderfully to pin the blocks together from the back. I've been inserting a bead in between to give just a little space. (These beads could be purple, as in purple heart, and represent the injured.)

Tomorrow we'll see if I can make my new photo port function and have the tutorial photos in odd places!

C

Holy Cow!

2007-04-17T20:44:00.000-05:00

I'm home from vacation now, and I am overwhelmed by the support from all over the world! Thanks!

I'm going to spend the next couple of days creating the samples for the tutorials . My goal is to get that all posted by Sunday. I am still mastering my blogging skills, so we'll see how it goes.

More to come.....

beginnings

2007-04-10T11:05:00.000-05:00

Ideas. I have lots of ideas. Some ideas are just a function of brainstorming. Some ideas had their beginnings in some other thing that inspired me to think and ponder. It may sound a little silly, but, I can tell when I've hit upon a good idea in a couple of ways. Some ideas just won't leave me alone. They haunt me until I succumb to doing something. My favorite ideas also make me jump up and down and do a little dance. I don't realize I even do it.

This blog is going to be about is going to be about one of those jump up and down ideas that haunts me.

Not long ago, I was perusing the internet, when I came across some photos of a display at Reed College out in Portland Oregon. Flags had been placed in the lawn. A red flag for every American who has died in the war, and a white one for every six Iraqis. There were 3055 red flags, and 112,000 white flags. I was overwhelmed.

I don't live in a hole, I consider myself moderately well informed about the world, but seeing the visual representaion of the consequences of war was so much more powerful than hearing, or reading the numbers.

Thus began the haunting. That visual was thought provoking without telling one what to think. It was something to raise awareness about something that is far to easy to ignore on a daily basis. But it was also impermanent. It would most likely be picked up in a few weeks when the lawn needed to be mowed.

Haunt. Haunt. Haunt.

Wait! I'm an artist, what can I do make something as a visual reminder? My chosen medium is quilting, so it would obviously have to be a quilt of some sort. The rest of that particular brainstorming happened so fast, I can't describe it for you, except to say I was jumping up and down and dancing the dance of good ideas.

Here's the idea - A small quilt for each American who has died and on that quilt small french knots to represent each Iraqi. Using the numbers from the Reed display, that's 3055 little quilts with 212 french knots on each one. The quilts will be made and bound with solid color fabrics. Any color is fine, they represent the soldiers who repesent us and we are of every color and ethnicity. The 212 french knots will be made with black thread. I've been using 2 strands of embroidery floss, and starting in the center, make a spiral of french knots. Each little quilt will be connected to the next with small brass safety pins. I am putting a purple bead on the safety pin between the quilts to represent the wounded. It's no where near the actual number of wounded, nut, they need to be represented as well. .

I am going to need help.

I have spoken with a few folks and have had really positive feedback I am hoping to find people willing to volunteer to donate the materials and time to make the quilt blocks. I will also be needing help with funds for the fabric, batting, beads, postage for shipping, etc.

I will post photos and a tutorial soon, but this will be the basic structure - the quilts will be 6" square finished. Each square will be made from a solid fabric on the front, any scrap of batting and backing is fine. The binding details are specific, as they need to be strong enough to support the grommets. So, I will wait until I get home to do those photos, and directions. (I'm on vacation in NYC, but, you know how it is with those ideas that haunt you.)