bluebirdluxe

I'd like to introduce the *Give A Little Project* ~ it's my search for craft projects for a cause! The purpose is to *give a little {time}, {love}, and {kindness}* to creatively {support} those who are in need of a little {lift} ~ first project {hope} ~

*Give A Little {hope} Project* ~ I love quilts ~ I love sewing quilt tops ~ remember, I've yet to finish one...until now! Actually, I still haven't officially finished it, but this will be the one. I am so excited to tell you about the current project I'm working on! Craft Hope's Project 5 ~ a quilt for Margaret's Hope Chest.

Craft Hope, founded by Jade Sims, is a wonderful place that truly combines the best of both worlds ~ a love of crafting and a love of helping others! Jade's first project was pillowcase dresses for the Pan de Vida Shelter in Sandoval, Mexico (27 completed), Project 2 created dolls for Casa Bernabe orphanage in Managua, Nicaragua (405 completed). Project 3 included blankets, booties and beanies for children in the Bhawani, Rourkela, and Sooch Village of India (2,809 completed). In project 4, sock monkeys were delivered to the Firefighters Burn Institute for their Little Heroes Preschool Burn Camp in Sacramento, California (227 completed). And now, Craft Hope's project 5 is making quilts for Margaret's Hope Chest, a quilting non-profit, whose mission "is to bring hope, comfort, and warmth to persons enduring hopeless situations in the Grand Rapids area through the gift of a beautifully crafted quilt." The recipients of this project will be the Grand Rapids Pubic Schools Homeless Program! ~ It's my hope that you visit Craft Hope and Margaret's Hope Chest to read more about these dedicated organizations! ~

photo: Craft HopeThe deadline for sending in the Craft Hope quilt is November 15th! Yes, it's right around the corner, but really it's not too late! You can still sign up and let Jade know you'll be making a quilt. However, should the deadline pass ~ not to worry ~ you can send a quilt directly to Margaret's Hope Chest anytime of the year. Are you a non-quilter, a non-sewer? Great! This is a perfect no-sew project for everyone to participate ~ if you have a stash of fabric that you won't be using {or you know someone who has one} or you had your eye on some lovely fabric in a store or online, you can donate the fabric, thread, and any other sewing goodies and the volunteers at Margaret's Hope Chest will create a comfy quilt with your donation! ~

 This is where I'm at right now ~ I have my pattern, I have my fabric ~

photo: p.s. i quilt

 The pattern ~ The disappearing nine patch ~ here is a super easy couldn't-have-explained-it-better-if-I-tried-so-I-won't tutorial from Rachel Griffith of p.s. i quilt {thank you Rachel} ~ always loved this design ~ I'm going small ~ most likely a lap quilt ~ would love for it to be a twin size ~ but...I better stick to a lap quilt ~ now I'm thinking perhaps a quillow {a quilt that folds into a pillow}...~ I'll let you know what I do... ~

photo: The Sproutz Store

 The fabric ~ Swanky by Chez Moi for Moda ~ very cute, plenty of pink prettiness ~ purchased a layer cake from Sharon at the The Sproutz Store at Etsy {super nice & supersonic delivery!} ~ in love with layer cakes and charm packs ~  why and what are they? ~ Pre-cut fabric! Layer cakes are 10" squares {I'm cutting mine into 5" squares} and charm packs are 5" squares ~ grab your thread, you're ready to sew ~

So, how do I expect to finish this quilt in less than 2 weeks? ~ .... I'm glad I asked myself that question... well, since I will most likely freak out that I'll ruin the quilt top when it comes time to assemble it, I've made a *G.A.L. Project* executive decision to tie the quilt instead of sewing it...unless someone tells me it would be faster, easier, and better to sew it.

Next post ~ update on my *G.A.L. Project*

*This little project of mine is inspired by the generous love, caring, and support I get from the beautiful ladies of Pawspice {Dr. Alice Villalobos, Roni, and Carreen ~ I love you all}!!*