There is no doubt that we are all acutely aware of the terror that was felt 2 weeks ago today as two bombs went off near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. And as a community who jumps in and lends a hand in whatever ways we can, the quilting community has been abuzz with its response.
The Boston Modern Quilt Guild initiated a block drive to collect quilt blocks in the official colors of the marathon (blue, yellow, grey and white) to be made into quilts and distributed to victims and families directly affected by the bombings that morning. For those curious about how you may become involved, please visit the guild's blog post, linked here. Essentially, they are asking quilters to donate blocks measuring 12.5" tall (by whatever length you desire) unfinished made in the colors stated above, sent to them by May 24. They are also inviting any donations of yardage or fabric suitable for bindings, sashings and backings.
I figure this is a way I can lend a hand from 3000 miles away, and not only show love and support for an amazing city and landmark in our history, but for the endurance and strength of all the first responders on scene and the people there who worked so hard to be a part of the marathon and came together in the face of what happened to hold each other up and keep moving. I am sure many of us (myself included) had friends AT the race that morning and felt the fear as well.
So let's channel that into making something warm and unifying!
To see many, many more blocks going into this project, made by dozens, if not hundreds, of other quilters, take a look at the Flickr group set up for them. It's an inspiring sight.
I've just got a couple blocks made so far, but plan to continue to churn a few more out in the next couple of weeks in between other projects. I'm looking forward to having a sizable packet to send off to Massachusetts before the May 24th deadline. If any Portland local quilters are doing the same and want to drop off their blocks with me to send all together, I'd be happy to post them all, just message me!