Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Details for Quilts for Pulse Donations

Hello ladies and gents! The outpouring of love and support we have received is nothing short of incredible and we are overwhelmed with it. There aren't words to describe how we felt knowing that this sort of atrocity happened in our backyard and now, no words to describe how supported and loved we feel with the help of all of you. Let me start by saying a simple Thank You. When I try and look for words that are better than that, I cant even come up with any because none would suffice. 
Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

I know there have been a ton of questions asked and I've waited to answer some of them because honestly i didn't have the answers. Or I had the answers but was waiting to double check them, or get an answer from someone else, or was busy at work. I had to work at my salon all day yesterday, so was fleshing out the details between clients. But the good news is a LOT of details have been decided and figured out.  Any other news will be posted here so please stay tuned. Any questions you have after this post please ask. I'll answer anything I know and get the answer to anything I don't.

1. Where do I send this stuff? 

All mail will go to my salon. Its a commercial address and that mailman will probably hate me a bit since he's a walking mailman, but he's super fit and may just like the extra weight in his mailbag ;) Please send all mail to the following:

Alissa Lapinsky
c/o A List Hair Salon
106 South Woodland Blvd
Suite B
DeLand, FL 32720

Please include a full sized piece of paper with your name, guild if a member (even not modern guilds!), what you've sent, and location so that I can (attempt) to keep track of everyone who helps.

2. I'm not a member of a guild, can I still help??

Ummmm....YES! This is a project that I started so that anyone who isn't scared of a sewing machine can do. I didn't want it to just be our guild, as a matter of fact I'd love any and everyone who could possibly help, to do so.

3. What if I can't make a whole quilt?

Than make a block, even one block will help. Send in some binding, send some backing fabric, send some money (we will need it for postage as some victims families aren't in the area), just repost or share in solidarity, give us a virtual high five or hug. It all helps.

4. I already have a quilt that is rainbow-y and made with love, can I send it?

Do you seriously think I'm going to say no, don't give me a quilt??!! Because I won't. Send it. Please send it, we need a lot of quilts. While I offered a specific block, it was mostly bc of its size and simplicity so more people could take part in this.

5. Can I use a block other than the one you showed?

By all means, do your thing. I chose the block so everyone could take part. I know there are plenty of heart blocks out there and feel free to use anything you'd like. I only ask that your quilt includes a heart or hearts of some sort, and that its mostly brights and/or rainbow. I chose brights and rainbow to represent not only the LGBT flag, but also ALL of the different people affected by the event. I also want them to be cheerful, and want the recipients to know that these are created with love, given with love, and in using them, they will be covered with love. I want them to be comforted knowing that even strangers care and that they did not go through this without the support of others.

6. How big should my quilt be? 

I'm asking for quilts no smaller than 48x60, and no larger than a twin sized. If you're off a smidge, please don't worry. The quilt police wont throw your quilt back at you and tell you you're horrible. We will accept them all. I just don't want some people to get small lap quilts, and some to get queen sized monstrosities.

7. Whats the due date?

We are asking for blocks to be sent BY August 15th. We will need what is most likely a LOT of time to sew all these blocks together, so the sooner we get them, the better! Finished quilts obviously take a bit longer and we are asking for those by September 15th.

8. Where are these things going?

My original thought was to the survivors in the hospital. Than it grew and I thought maybe to the victims families as well. Now I think we will have enough to even give to first responders that were on the scene, police officers, nurses, doctors, hopefully anyone that wants one. If there are leftovers, they will be given to either The Center, an LGBT community center who is pretty much ground zero for the help, and also the Zebra Coalition who focuses their efforts on LGBT youth. Hopefully any and everyone affected will receive a quilt if they want one. We are still making contacts, so if you are personally affected by this please email me at alissalapinsky@gmail.com so we can work to get one to you!

9. Anything else I should know??

Please tag your completed quilts or send a tag with a completed quilt top! I'd like each quilt to have two tags, one for who created it, and one for the general quilty movement :)
Our mothership, The (national) Modern Quilt Guild has compiled a nifty information page for us that they have shared with all their members, and it includes some other blocks that may inspire you as well as a few forms. One form is to fill out if you're planning on sending so we have at least a vague idea of how many blocks/quilts we will be receiving, and one is a form that you can fill out to send in with your submission. 


Also, know that you are making a difference! Each stitch gives someone a bit of love, and even one block helps. Keep on stitching and I can't wait to show everyone all of the quilts!

-Alissa :)


69 comments:

  1. Thanks for putting together all this information!! I am amazed at how quickly and how well you have organized all of this! I, for one, am sharing everything I can about your project with everyone I can and am sewing every night and will do as much as I can. Know that love and prayers are being directed to you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You rock!!! Thank you for putting this together. Thank you in advance for all the hours and love and sweat and tears that you will put into this project. Love. 💕

    ReplyDelete
  3. Marcus is offering free FQs of our LOVE print toward the #quiltsforpulse effort.
    See our blog post
    http://marcusmentions.com/2016/06/our-hearts-are-in-orlando/

    ReplyDelete
  4. I want them! I'll be at sew day on saturday.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you! Thank you for organizing, for caring and for taking this on. The Bay Area Modern Quilt Guild will be working on quilts this weekend. I posted the information and links back to you on my blog (artquiltmaker.com/blog). I have already made a block and a half. More to come.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for the updated details. My husband, my sister and I will be piecing a quilt this weekend. My 75 year old mother is doing all the ironing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you, Alissa! I just mailed you three gently folded 10½" heart blocks in a small manila envelope and the postage was only $0.68 cents to get them to you. God bless you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you so much for organizing this! I want to add my two cents and say that, for many LGBTQ youth, their friends are their family (particularly if they were rejected by their blood family when they came out). I'd love if we could donate to those who were closest to the victims but might be overlooked because they're not related. Some of them may have been there that night and got out unharmed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was going to suggest the same idea. Family members may really appreciate this token of love but we must not forget the friends/partners of the victims. It may take some research to find them but they are very special. I am a senior member of the rainbow community who did not "come out" until I was 59 and was finally able to marry my partner of 30 years! She was and still is so special to me and closer than any family member.

      A very special thank you for this fantastic organization of such a generous project. I am hoping you will also get donations from Canada.

      Marilyn

      Delete
  9. Thank you so much for organizing this. I have posted it on my quilt shop's Facebook page, and will also send out the information and links on our weekly newsletter on Friday.

    The only thing I wanted to clarify for myself is that you would like the blocks you get to be 10" finished blocks (10 1/2" before being sewn into the quilt). Is that correct?

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you so very much for organizing what will be a colorful outpouring of love and support. I'm thrilled to take part!
    In Gratitude and Delight from Port Townsend, WA
    Frances

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love this! I am using this pattern from Craftsy for my quilt- just adding an extra row- http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/home-decor/scrappy-rainbow-hearts/95117?_ctp=95117&_ct=iuqhsx-kdyluhiqb-huikbj-fqjjuhd&NAVIGATION_PAGE_CONTEXT_ATTR=PATTERN

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
  12. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love this project. Can't wait to send my squares.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Making one or two quilts which will be completely finished. Blocks are being sent to me this week.

    ReplyDelete
  15. In the Boston area, Laurena's Longarm Quilting hopes to send 10 completed quilts by your deadline. We're organizing our first work day on July 10.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for organizing this. I will send one completed quilt filled with love and hearts and lots of beautiful rainbow colors. It means a lot to me to participate in this project.

    ReplyDelete
  17. When do you want the form submitted? When we decide to make a quit/blocks, or once we have more of the info on the form, like shipping dates? I know I will make a completed quilt, but no idea when it will ship, other than before your deadline.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Starting this weekend! Will send as soon as I finish! If I have extra fabric I might make some extra blocks! Lindsay N. from NC

    ReplyDelete
  19. Do you have a desired size for the blocks?

    ReplyDelete
  20. I have six blocks. I filled out a form saying 4...but now I am considering just making it into a quilt. If I do, how do I go about changing that?

    ReplyDelete
  21. Is 70" square complete quilt too big?

    ReplyDelete
  22. Do you have a paypal account for cash donations?

    ReplyDelete
  23. For anyone looking for another heart block, I designed a heart within a heart paper pieced block for this effort. It's a free download and is a great way for someone to try out paper piecing. You can download it for FREE on Craftsy here: http://www.craftsy.com/…/quilting/h…/filled-with-love/211788

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jen, Your link doesn't seem to be working so I can download your pattern

      Delete
    2. Jen, Your link doesn't seem to be working so I can download your pattern

      Delete
    3. Jen, you're block is great. It's very quick and easy to piece. Thank you :)

      Delete
  24. Hello Everyone – Thank you sew much for your enthusiastic, loving and heartfelt response to our offer of Marcus Fabrics' free FQs for the Orlando Modern Quilt Guild’s project, #QuiltsforPulse. At this time, we’ve exceeded the 100 FQs, and we’re happy to honor all 140+ email requests received as of midnight last night. PLEASE NOTE: Our FQ giveaway offer has expired – Only requests already received as of Monday evening (June 20) can be fulfilled!

    We also want to let you know about a FQ bundle giveaway by Susan Cousineau, designer of the SO SWEET LOVE collection, in conjunction with Craft Ideas magazine! Like all of us, they want to share their love with the people of Orlando, FL at this difficult time. You can enter here now through July 1, 2016.
    http://lockerdome.com/7814742924335425/8831657096534298

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi, I live in Central Florida, I'll be glad to help finish some of these quilts in August. Let me know: mji at cfl dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  26. It's mentioned each quilt should have two tags. Anything specific we should put on the quilt tags for the "general quilty movement"?

    ReplyDelete
  27. The San Francisco Quilters Guild is working on a couple of quilts to send to you.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I have finished a free styled quilt top for Orlando. I left my career to be my mother's caretaker now that Alzheimer's disease is progressing so far for her. I raided my fabric stash, since I no longer have an income, but I'm so grateful that you have received donations of batting & backing fabrics. If you need more tops or blocks, please let us know! Thank you for allowing me to participate.

    ReplyDelete
  29. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Any specific wording for the tags? (As noted below):

    "Please tag your completed quilts or send a tag with a completed quilt top! I'd like each quilt to have two tags, one for who created it, and one for the general quilty movement."

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm sending a fully finished quilt Monday! Thanks for providing a way to help victims families!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Finally got to begin my quilt donation yesterday! Thrilled to be a part of it.. I am a fan of "Progress not Perfection" making my quilt start to finish:) Looking forward to seeing this project come together. Hugs, GrammaBabs:)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Progress stautus? How many quilts do you have?

    ReplyDelete
  34. I have done my two blocks as promised - one is rainbow hearts and one features rainbow zebras. They are done by hand so lots of hours in them. I will send backing with the two tops, presuming you can find the batting for the inside. I am just about to pack them up and send them air mail from London England tomorrow. Lindsay

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am not exactly understanding what a 'tag' is. Not being in American quilters guild it is a bit of a mystery to me. I can provide little tags like you get on shop bought things (old stylee) with my name and where I live. Is this what you mean? LIndsay, London

    ReplyDelete
  36. Please help what do you mean by tags exactly and what do you want on them. What do you mean the general quilty movement. I am very confused. (Can anyone at all help on this?) I have to post my blocks tomorrow to be sure to get them to you by the 15th from London.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lindsay,

      First of all, thank you so much for making blocks and mailing them all the way from London!!!! I tried to email you but there is not an email address associated with your login. Anyway, please include a sheet of paper with your name, address, email address and any other social media name you go by just so we can credit you with what you have sent in. For those sending in a complete quilt, we are asking for tags or labels with the maker information. We are also adding a label with our guild and other info on it. I hope this answers your question. If not, feel free to email the guild or you can email me at renecreates at gmail dot com. Thank you again!!!

      Delete
  37. Oh sorry it is ok, now I understand and you want full size pieces of paper not what I call 'tags' over here in England. I'm not in a guild so that is not relevent. I will sort it out tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lindsay, see my reply to your comment above. Thank you!!!!

      Delete
  38. Hello,

    Just wanted to let you know that we have two quilts coming from Maryland. They will be completed and in the mail shortly.

    Kristen

    ReplyDelete
  39. My friend Sandy and I will be mailing two fully finished quilts next week to you, from San Jose, CA. Thank you for organizing this, and giving us an opportunity to help, to send our love.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Alissa, I just sent off a finished quilt from my guild, Northwest Quilters (Portland, Oregon, area). It should be to you by Saturday,maybe Friday. USPS Tracking # 9405510200881113563875. I am going to be traveling from tomorrow morning until late on Thursday, Sept 8th, but I will try to check that it is delivered. We will send a second completed quilt about Sept 10th. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hi Alissa, I just sent you two quilt tops from my quilting group, the Brown Baggers. They are being sent UPS ground, tracking #: 1Z 0E1 292 03 7610 0200. They should deliver on the 18th. Sorry to be a little late.
    Nancy (pugmomquilts@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Alissa, I just mailed a finished quilt from the Roanoke MQG in Roanoke, Va. It should get to you by Tuesday or Wednesday. We were so happy to be a part of this endeavor.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I'm shipping two quilts via FedEx from the Memphis Area Modern Quilt Guild on Monday. Thank you for letting us do something to help people affected by this tragedy. This is a wonderful way to show love and support.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Alissa, a finished quilt was shipped to you on Friday from a group in the South Bay Quilters Guild, Torrance CA. It should arrive Thursday, 8/25, FedEx Ground tracking # 783873400221. We are grateful for the opportunity to help support this project, thank you for organizing. Nadine Kirk (nadinekirk@socal.rr.com)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Just wondering how I will know if my quilt was received:) Barbara Johnson/Middleboro, MA

    ReplyDelete
  46. Mailing ours from Christie's Quilting Boutique in Norwalk, CT today !!

    ReplyDelete
  47. My son was gay, and he was killed in the shooting in San Bernardino in December. Making this quilt has been so comforting to me. I will be sending it soon, it will arrive before September 16th.
    I looked at the names of those killed at th nightclub, and, if possible, I'd like my quilt to go the family of Paul Henry. He was the same age as my son, and I thought of his family many times while I sewed. I know, firsthand the pain in their lives right now.
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So sorry for the loss of your son, Juliesa. I think we all agree, that making these quilts is comforting and hope they bring comfort as well. I will pass on your request to our committee. Thank you so much for your generous show of love.

      Delete
  48. What do you mean by Tag the quilt? Do you mean put a label on the back with my name on it as maker?

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hello Alissa,
    Two finished quilts shipped from Grand Forks, ND this morning via UPS. Tracking #1Z5666810373798209. Thank you! Stay dry!

    ReplyDelete
  50. I will be shipping out my finished quilt from Kalispell MT tomorrow via UPS. I will track it from here to make sure it gets to you, hope it is not too late.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hi there, I started quilting my quilt, but unfortunately have to run out of town to help my elderly mother, and cannot meet the Sept 15th deadline now. Will you accept late quilts (before Oct 1)? Please advise.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi I am in California and I won't be able to ship my quilt until Wednesday. Is it OK if my quilt is a few days late in arriving?

    ReplyDelete
  53. Alissa, the finished quilt from the Saturday Sisters in Silicon Valley, CA is scheduled to be delivered to you tomorrow afternoon by Fedex. Tracking #653127057855. It's been our pleasure to contribute our time and support to this labor of love. Helen

    ReplyDelete
  54. Alissa, I send a second completed quilt from Northwest Quilters in Portland, Oregon. It should arrive on Saturday, Sept 17. Tracking number 9505 5000 3839 6257 0004 69. Thank you! Maureen moequilts2@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  55. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Will you be accepting late donations? I was not able to finish the quilt top on time.

    ReplyDelete
  57. My mother and I are still so thankful to have the opportunity to have contributed to this cause. Will you be sending out an email once the quilts have been presented? Thank you again for allowing the non guild members to participate. God bless you all.

    ReplyDelete
  58. #TwelveOneFive blog is a collection of ongoing writing by #Ryan Michael Sirois that centers around the personal journey of self discovery.

    Best personal journey books:King of Stars
    LGBT Community Blog

    ReplyDelete