We have all been touched in some way by the many tragedies of the recent earthquakes and tsunami in Japan. At Crazy Quilting International, I am coordinating a project with Patchwork Tsushin that is open to ALL quilters (traditional and crazy quilters). I welcome others to publish this project on their blogs or facebook pages to maximize exposure. The detailed guidelines are below. I look forward to seeing all the gorgeous work of our talented quilters!!
This project is dedicated to helping those affected by the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan. In collaboration with Patchwork Tsushin, all quilts will become a part of an exhibit in quilt shows in Japan, where money will be raised by viewing the quilts. Ultimately, these quilts may be auctioned and the proceeds given to a charity designated by Hideko Ishida, our Japanese CQ sister! We will keep everyone informed as time progresses. This project is open to the quilting community at large, you may track details on the Crazy Quilting International blog, http://crazyquiltinginternational.blogspot.com or the ICQA Facebook page http://tinyurl.com/4h3x28a .
Guidelines are as follows:
Theme: Friendship and re-building of a country
Finished block size: 8 inches
Colors: Jewel Tones
Style: traditional or crazy quilt blocks will be accepted
For traditional quilt blocks, there are no pattern restrictions. The only requirements are the size and the colors. Finished size is to be 8" (20.32 cm). Please allow a half inch for seam allowance and squaring the block. Colors are jewel tones. No restrictions to the type of fabric used.
For crazy quilt blocks:
Cut foundation at 9" (22.86 cm), piece the entire foundation.
Baste a line at 8" (20.32 cm) to stop embroidering.
Do not add beads or charms past 7 ½" (19.05 cm).
Zig zag edges to prevent edges from fraying.
Add your name and address on the back of the block.
Mark the block with “UP” to show which side is the top.
Prefer all fabrics used be “fancies” (i.e.: silk, satin, taffeta, velvet) but if you have some kimono fabrics or other oriental themed fabrics in your stash you are welcome to use them.
All beading MUST be double stitched and knotted with BEADING THREAD!!! NO exceptions!!! These items will be handled a great deal and beads, buttons, charms are among the first to begin to loosen.
Embellishments – may be done by machine or by hand.
Lace and other motifs are acceptable and must be securely attached.
Trims are acceptable and must be securely attached.
SRE is acceptable.
Tatting and crocheted motifs, etc are acceptable and must be securely attached.
Please refrain from using any reference to the rising sun as this has political connotations in Japan.
If you have any questions, at any time, please just email me or call me; Leslie pinyoncreekq@q.com. All completed projects will be mailed to me no later than June 30, 2011. Please contact me for mailing address information.
I am asking for a voluntary entry fee of $10.00 dollars for each block. These fees will be accrued and utilized (if necessary) for backing and mailing costs. It is my hope that I will be able to simply forward to either Hideko Ishida or a charity of her choosing. It is also acceptable to apply this fee to an entire group or several individuals if need be. I primarily would like blocks at this time!
Funds can be sent vis a vis check, money order (payable to ICQA) or Paypal, icqa4u@yahoo.com. Please check gift for the donation. I appreciate everyone’s participation and look forward to seeing all the fabulous creations!
My new design wall is fantastic!!! 
