JUNE Cross Plus Charity Spotlight & Block Construction

UPDATE: This month we raised $557 for RAICES Texas. Our quilt winner is Linda Costello!!

It's June. Yes, I skipped May. It was a non-stop month and I barely had time to shower, much less quilt. But we're back and I'm excited for this month's non-profit!

  If you want to know the catalyst behind this project, check out the original Cross Plus Charity Drive post. My goal with this endeavor is to help minority teens and young adults get the help they need to set them up for long-term success. I'm hoping this endeavor will help a wide variety of organizations that meet the needs of these teens/young adults. There are so many who strive to help a specific population and my goal is to reach a variety of groups. I do not get any sort of compensation for supporting these organizations. I just do the research and find the organizations to help.

I'm currently taking suggestions for foundations and charities that benefit children and young adults of color. If you have an idea or suggestion for an organization to support, please email me at simplypurplepoppy@gmail.com

On the first of each month, I'll post the details about the organization/charity we'll be donating to. I'll also include the block instructions at the bottom of the post.  I'll post reminders on instagram, so make sure you're following me there (@purplepoppyquilts) for updates on this undertaking. You can send blocks any time of any month, the monthly reminder posts will just be...reminders. The last week of the month will be the raffle ticket purchase/drawing. Raffle Tickets are $1 and there's no limit to how many you can purchase.

**If you'd like to donate to the construction of quilts (i.e., batting, backing, quilting, binding, shipping, or the money to purchase these items), please contact me via Instagram or email (Simplypurplepoppy@gmail.com).

JUNE NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT:RAICES TEXAS

SO, I UPDATED THIS MONTH'S NON-PROFIT BECAUSE I WAS FEELING SO HELPLESS AND FRUSTRATED WITH THE FAMILY SEPARATIONS AT OUR SOUTHERN BORDER. JUNE AND JULY'S RAFFLES WILL BOTH GO TO THIS ORGANIZATION. 

RAICES Texas (RAICESTexas.org) is center for refugee and immigrant service and education. They have offices in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. All funds go to helping the legal team with reunifying families, legal fees for unaccompanied children, and ensure legal representation through the immigration process. This is what their website says:

RAICES is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal 

services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees in Texas.

Founded in 1986 as the Refugee Aid Project by community activists in South Texas, RAICES has grown to be the largest immigration legal services provider in Texas. With offices in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, RAICES is a frontline organization in the roiling debate about immigration and immigrants in the world. As an organization that combines expertise developed from the daily practice of immigration law with a deep commitment to advocacy, RAICES is unique among immigration organizations. A diverse staff of 130 attorneys, legal assistants, and support staff provide consultations, direct legal services, representation, assistance and advocacy to communities in Texas and to clients after they leave the state. In 2017, RAICES staff closed 51,000 cases at no cost to the client. Our advocacy and commitment to change are driven by the clients and families we serve every day as our attorneys and legal assistants provide legal advocacy and representation in an immigration system that breaks apart families and leaves millions without pathways to legal status.

Raffle Details:

During the last week of the month, you can purchase raffle tickets and/or donate via the "DONATE" button on this blog. If you'd like your donation to go to the construction of the quilts, instead of to the specific organization, please email me/message me on Instagram and we'll make other arrangements for you to donate.

On the last day of the month, I will draw a winner from the raffle ticket purchases and send this quilt to you! I will also publish how much money was raised and make the donation to this month's organization.

Cross Plus Block Construction: 

I chose this block and resized it so that you can hopefully use up some scraps! Change the world and use up scraps! It's a win/win! You can use a jelly roll strip or charm squares for almost every part of this block. For this block drive, we're using the instructions on Bad Skirt's blog, with a couple changes. 

1. Your cutting instructions will be slightly bigger because our block will be 10.5" unfinished, instead of the 8" in her tutorial. You'll need one print for the center +, one black print for the outer edges, a variety of low volume prints, and 4 bright, happy squares, as pictured in the diagram below. Because we want bright, saturated fabrics, please stay away from NAVY, GRAY, AND BROWN for any part of this block. 

2. The tutorial has you cut the larger squares on the bias. You don't need to do that for this block. Just cut your 4.5" squares as normal. 

Make the outer "spokes" first, pressing towards the middle (aka, the darker fabric). Then assemble the center + and black prints, pressing towards the center + fabric. Then assemble the rows. 

You can see in this photo the pressing directions. When you assemble your rows, press towards the middle. Same when you finish the block. If you feel strongly about it, you can also press all seams open. 

When you finish your block(s), please consider doing a 1/8" staystitch around the edge. I promise, the person assembling the quilt and the quilter will love you for it.

When your blocks are ready, just message me on Instagram or email me at simplypurplepoppy@gmail.com and I'll send you my shipping address. Please make sure your blocks are sent in a waterproof bag. I'd hate for all your hard work to be ruined by the postal system!

I want to take a brief moment to thank you in advance. First, for reading through this entire post (phew!). And second, for your good, kind hearts. In working with at-risk kids in schools and communities, it's so easy to get discouraged and feel helpless. I know it may not feel like you're changing the world by making a few quilt blocks and using up scraps, but I've seen so much good come from small acts of love. So, thank you for being so wonderful and good in a world that often only sees the negative. I feel lucky to be a part of this amazing creative community. 

April Cross Plus Charity & Block Information

It's April and time to introduce our second non-profit that benefits the needs of impoverished or minority kids and teens.  If you want to know the catalyst behind this project, check out the original Cross Plus Charity Drive post. My goal with this endeavor is to help minority teens and young adults get the help they need to set them up for long-term success. I'm hoping this endeavor will help a wide variety of organizations that meet the needs of these teens/young adults. There are so many who strive to help a specific population and my goal is to reach a variety of groups. I do not get any sort of compensation for supporting these organizations. I just do the research and find the organizations to help. If you have an idea or suggestion for an organization to support, please email me at simplypurplepoppy@gmail.com

On the first of each month, I'll post the details about the organization/charity we'll be donating to. I'll also include the block instructions at the bottom of the post.  I'll post reminders on instagram, so make sure you're following me there (@purplepoppyquilts) for updates on this undertaking. You can send blocks any time of any month, the monthly reminder posts will just be...reminders. The last week of the month will be the raffle ticket purchase/drawing. Raffle Tickets are $1 and there's no limit to how many you can purchase.

**If you'd like to donate to the construction of quilts (i.e., batting, backing, quilting, binding, shipping, or the money to purchase these items), please contact me via Instagram or email (Simplypurplepoppy@gmail.com).

APRIL NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT: MOCHA AUTISM NETWORK

Because this month is also autism awareness month, I wanted to highlight this non-profit. Parents of autistic children are constantly thinking about their children's safety, as well as their quality of life. As one such mom, I can relate to the heartache, mourning, and loneliness of diagnosis and therapy. I've watched my son struggle and overcome so much. We've come a long way in autism awareness, education, and treatment. But as with too many programs and systems in our country, autism education and awareness often skips latino/a and black communities. And that's where the Mocha Autism Network comes in! Currently, they are serving families in the Bay Area, CA. But hopefully with enough funding they'll be expanding soon. Here are some details from their website. 

The Mocha Autism Network is an organization motivated by love and fueled by our beautiful children on the Autism Spectrum. What we found was that there was not much information about Autism circulating within Communities of Color. Currently, Black/Latino children are diagnosed as many as 2 year later than other children. 

As the identity of people on the Autism Spectrum becomes more recognizable and diverse, it has become clear that if our children are to be properly taken care of, it is up to us to stand up and be noticed on our own. We know that we can no longer look to others for answers to the day to day questions and assistance the people in our communities need and require. 

It is our time to stand and be noticed.                          
                     
The goal of the Mocha Autism Network is to provide what we call the 3A Strategic Mission:

Awareness

We will help promote awareness of not only Autism Spectrum indicators but the assessment process, how an Education plan is done, and the rights of Parents/Students. 

Advocacy 

We will promote and help develop strategies/tools for parents and children. Parents/Children need to know not only who to ask, but what to ask for.

Alliances

We will provide networking opportunities for parents and children that are working through the Autism Spectrum. 

I'm so excited to be able to help this grassroots non-profit and hopefully help them expand. Please help me make that a reality!

Raffle Details:

During the last week of the month, you can purchase raffle tickets and/or donate via the "DONATE" button on this blog. If you'd like your donation to go to the construction of the quilts, instead of to the specific organization, please email me/message me on Instagram and we'll make other arrangements for you to donate.

On the last day of the month, I will draw a winner from the raffle ticket purchases and send this quilt to you! I will also publish how much money was raised and make the donation to this month's organization.

Cross Plus Block Construction: 

I chose this block and resized it so that you can hopefully use up some scraps! Change the world and use up scraps! It's a win/win! You can use a jelly roll strip or charm squares for almost every part of this block. For this block drive, we're using the instructions on Bad Skirt's blog, with a couple changes. 

1. Your cutting instructions will be slightly bigger because our block will be 10.5" unfinished, instead of the 8" in her tutorial. You'll need one print for the center +, one black print for the outer edges, a variety of low volume prints, and 4 bright, happy squares, as pictured in the diagram below. Because we want bright, saturated fabrics, please stay away from NAVY, GRAY, AND BROWN for any part of this block. 

2. The tutorial has you cut the larger squares on the bias. You don't need to do that for this block. Just cut your 4.5" squares as normal. 

Make the outer "spokes" first, pressing towards the middle (aka, the darker fabric). Then assemble the center + and black prints, pressing towards the center + fabric. Then assemble the rows. 

You can see in this photo the pressing directions. When you assemble your rows, press towards the middle. Same when you finish the block. If you feel strongly about it, you can also press all seams open. 

When you finish your block(s), please consider doing a 1/8" staystitch around the edge. I promise, the person assembling the quilt and the quilter will love you for it.

When your blocks are ready, just message me on Instagram or email me at simplypurplepoppy@gmail.com and I'll send you my shipping address. Please make sure your blocks are sent in a waterproof bag. I'd hate for all your hard work to be ruined by the postal system!

I want to take a brief moment to thank you in advance. First, for reading through this entire post (phew!). And second, for your good, kind hearts. In working with at-risk kids in schools and communities, it's so easy to get discouraged and feel helpless. I know it may not feel like you're changing the world by making a few quilt blocks and using up scraps, but I've seen so much good come from small acts of love. So, thank you for being so wonderful and good in a world that often only sees the negative. I feel lucky to be a part of this amazing creative community. 

March Cross Plus Non-Profit Spotlight and Block Construction

It's March and time to introduce our second non-profit that benefits the needs of impoverished or minority kids and teens.  If you want to know the catalyst behind this project, check out the original Cross Plus Charity Drive post. My goal with this endeavor is to help minority teens and young adults get the help they need to set them up for long-term success. I'm hoping this endeavor will help a wide variety of organizations that meet the needs of these teens/young adults. There are so many who strive to help a specific population and my goal is to reach a variety of groups. I do not get any sort of compensation for supporting these organizations. I just do the research and find the organizations to help. If you have an idea or suggestion for an organization to support, please email me at simplypurplepoppy@gmail.com

On the first of each month, I'll post the details about the organization/charity we'll be donating to. I'll also include the block instructions at the bottom of the post.  I'll post reminders on instagram, so make sure you're following me there (@purplepoppyquilts) for updates on this undertaking. You can send blocks any time of any month, the monthly reminder posts will just be...reminders. The last week of the month will be the raffle ticket purchase/drawing. Raffle Tickets are $1 and there's no limit to how many you can purchase.

**If you'd like to donate to the construction of quilts (i.e., batting, backing, quilting, binding, shipping, or the money to purchase these items), please contact me via Instagram or email (Simplypurplepoppy@gmail.com).

Raffle Details:

During the last week of the month, you can purchase raffle tickets and/or donate via the "DONATE" button on this blog. If you'd like your donation to go to the construction of the quilts, instead of to the specific organization, please email me/message me on Instagram and we'll make other arrangements for you to donate.

On the last day of the month, I will draw a winner from the raffle ticket purchases and send this quilt to you! I will also publish how much money was raised and make the donation to this month's organization.

MARCH NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT: BLACK COMMUNITY CRUSADE FOR CHILDREN (BCCC)

The Black Community Crusade for Children (BCCC) was organized to confront a deepening crisis facing far too many of our children. Poor children and children of color are particularly at risk for poor outcomes in all developmental and societal areas, and we are calling on all Americans to take action. A toxic cocktail of poverty, illiteracy, racial disparity, violence and massive incarceration is sentencing millions of children of color to dead end, powerless, and hopeless lives and threatens to undermine the past half century of racial and social progress. The BCCC offers an intergenerational approach to inform the community about the potential harm to our children should we do nothing, and engage and encourage them to advocate for, address, and support our children’s issues with urgency and persistence.

The BCCC has several initiatives to help with their mission of helping kids. They organize school and after school programs to remedy the educational disparity. "Through nationwide initiatives and community-based programs, we plant the seeds to develop the next generation of servant-leaders who will continue to reweave the fabric of community for children and youth. Our vision is to create a successor generation of servant-leaders who will drive community and national transformations and inspire and make long-term improvements for children."

In addition to the local initiatives, BCCC has a national research and action institute dedicated to advancing economic and social equity. Please feel free to explore their website and see if there are ways you can help in your local community. There are so many kids who need help in so many ways. 

Cross Plus Block Construction: 

I chose this block and resized it so that you can hopefully use up some scraps! Change the world and use up scraps! It's a win/win! You can use a jelly roll strip or charm squares for almost every part of this block. For this block drive, we're using the instructions on Bad Skirt's blog, with a couple changes. 

1. Your cutting instructions will be slightly bigger because our block will be 10.5" unfinished, instead of the 8" in her tutorial. You'll need one print for the center +, one black print for the outer edges, a variety of low volume prints, and 4 bright, happy squares, as pictured in the diagram below. Because we want bright, saturated fabrics, please stay away from NAVY, GRAY, AND BROWN for any part of this block. 

2. The tutorial has you cut the larger squares on the bias. You don't need to do that for this block. Just cut your 4.5" squares as normal. 

Make the outer "spokes" first, pressing towards the middle (aka, the darker fabric). Then assemble the center + and black prints, pressing towards the center + fabric. Then assemble the rows. 

You can see in this photo the pressing directions. When you assemble your rows, press towards the middle. Same when you finish the block. If you feel strongly about it, you can also press all seams open. 

When you finish your block(s), please consider doing a 1/8" staystitch around the edge. I promise, the person assembling the quilt and the quilter will love you for it.

When your blocks are ready, just message me on Instagram or email me at simplypurplepoppy@gmail.com and I'll send you my shipping address. Please make sure your blocks are sent in a waterproof bag. I'd hate for all your hard work to be ruined by the postal system!

I want to take a brief moment to thank you in advance. First, for reading through this entire post (phew!). And second, for your good, kind hearts. In working with at-risk kids in schools and communities, it's so easy to get discouraged and feel helpless. I know it may not feel like you're changing the world by making a few quilt blocks and using up scraps, but I've seen so much good come from small acts of love. So, thank you for being so wonderful and good in a world that often only sees the negative. I feel lucky to be a part of this amazing creative community. 

Cross Plus Charity Quilt: February Charity Spotlight & Block Instructions

It's February 1st and we're kicking off the Cross Plus Charity Drive. I'm so excited for this endeavor! If you want to know the catalyst behind this project, check out the original Cross Plus Charity Drive post. My goal with this endeavor is to help minority teens and young adults get the help they need to set them up for long-term success. I'm hoping this endeavor will help a wide variety of organizations that meet the needs of these teens/young adults. There are so many who strive to help a specific population and my goal is to reach a variety of groups. I do not get any sort of compensation for supporting these organizations. I just do the research and find the organizations to help. If you have an idea or suggestion for an organization to support, please email me at simplypurplepoppy@gmail.com

On the first of each month, I'll post the details about the organization/charity we'll be donating to. I'll also include the block instructions at the bottom of the post.  I'll post reminders on instagram, so make sure you're following me there (@purplepoppyquilts) for updates on this undertaking. You can send blocks any time of any month, the monthly reminder posts will just be...reminders. The last week of the month will be the raffle ticket purchase/drawing. Raffle Tickets are $1 and there's no limit to how many you can purchase.

**If you'd like to donate to the construction of quilts (i.e., batting, backing, quilting, binding, shipping, or the money to purchase these items), please contact me via Instagram or email (Simplypurplepoppy@gmail.com).


FEBRUARY NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION: THE POSSE FOUNDATION
The Posse Foundation is an incredible non-profit that helps POC young adults going to college to have a support system. They partner with universities and colleges across the country to provide opportunities for kids from diverse backgrounds to attend and thrive in a university setting. From their website:

CONCEPT

Posse started in 1989 because of one student who said, “I never would have dropped out of college if I had my posse with me.” The Posse Foundation identifies public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential who may be overlooked by traditional college selection processes. The Foundation extends to these students the opportunity to pursue personal and academic excellence by placing them in supportive, multicultural teams—Posses—of 10 students. The Foundation’s partner colleges and universities award Posse Scholars four-year, full-tuition leadership scholarships.

MISSION

The Posse model works for both students and college campuses and is rooted in the belief that a small, diverse group of talented students—a Posse—carefully selected and trained, can serve as a catalyst for increased individual and community development. As the United States becomes an increasingly multicultural society, Posse believes that the leaders of this new century should reflect the country’s rich demographic mix and that the key to a promising future for our nation rests on the ability of strong leaders from diverse backgrounds to develop consensus solutions to complex social problems. One of the primary aims of the Posse program is to train these leaders of tomorrow.

THREE GOALS

1. To expand the pool from which top colleges and universities can recruit outstanding young leaders from diverse backgrounds.
2. To help these institutions build more interactive campus environments so that they can be more welcoming for people from all backgrounds.
3. To ensure that Posse Scholars persist in their academic studies and graduate so they can take on leadership positions in the workforce.

Hopefully, with the money we raise through the raffle and other donations, we can help give at least one young adult the chance to change his or her life. The beauty of this organization is that they scaffold the students throughout their 4 years of undergraduate programs and provide support that they would not have otherwise had. One of the biggest challenges faced by POC young adults is that they don't have a way out or the knowledge of how the education system works. The Posse Foundation helps support and train them. In my mind, it will always benefit the student, the university, and the community at large to help give these young adults an opportunity to shine as leaders and innovators. If you'd like to learn more about their foundation, where they have posses, and how you can volunteer in any capacity (in case you're feeling the bug to serve and not just as a quilter making blocks!), you can check their website for details.

Raffle Details:

During the last week of the month, you can purchase raffle tickets and/or donate via the "DONATE" button on this blog. If you'd like your donation to go to the construction of the quilts, instead of to the specific organization, please email me/message me on Instagram and we'll make other arrangements for you to donate.

On the last day of the month, I will draw a winner from the raffle ticket purchases and send this quilt to you! I will also publish how much money was raised and make the donation to this month's organization.

Cross Plus Block Construction: 

I chose this block and resized it so that you can hopefully use up some scraps! Change the world and use up scraps! It's a win/win! You can use a jelly roll strip or charm squares for almost every part of this block. For this block drive, we're using the instructions on Bad Skirt's blog, with a couple changes. 

1. Your cutting instructions will be slightly bigger because our block will be 10.5" unfinished, instead of the 8" in her tutorial. You'll need one print for the center +, one black print for the outer edges, a variety of low volume prints, and 4 bright, happy squares, as pictured in the diagram below. Because we want bright, saturated fabrics, please stay away from NAVY, GRAY, AND BROWN for any part of this block. 

2. The tutorial has you cut the larger squares on the bias. You don't need to do that for this block. Just cut your 4.5" squares as normal. 

Make the outer "spokes" first, pressing towards the middle (aka, the darker fabric). Then assemble the center + and black prints, pressing towards the center + fabric. Then assemble the rows. 

You can see in this photo the pressing directions. When you assemble your rows, press towards the middle. Same when you finish the block. If you feel strongly about it, you can also press all seams open. 

When you finish your block(s), please consider doing a 1/8" staystitch around the edge. I promise, the person assembling the quilt and the quilter will love you for it.

When your blocks are ready, just message me on Instagram or email me at simplypurplepoppy@gmail.com and I'll send you my shipping address. Please make sure your blocks are sent in a waterproof bag. I'd hate for all your hard work to be ruined by the postal system!

I want to take a brief moment to thank you in advance. First, for reading through this entire post (phew!). And second, for your good, kind hearts. In working with at-risk kids in schools and communities, it's so easy to get discouraged and feel helpless. I know it may not feel like you're changing the world by making a few quilt blocks and using up scraps, but I've seen so much good come from small acts of love. So, thank you for being so wonderful and good in a world that often only sees the negative. I feel lucky to be a part of this amazing creative community. 

Cross Plus Quilt Charity Drive

In 2017, I participated in Jessica Bloomberg's Blue RK Block drive to benefit fallen police officers' families. It was an incredibly worthwhile and fulfilling opportunity for me and for countless others. As I quilted my first #BlueRKblock quilt, I had so many emotions. This is what I said on Instagram back in October:

"I’ve had this quilt finished for a couple weeks now and I’ve hung on to it for a few reasons: 1️⃣ I kinda just want to keep it and 2️⃣ I’ve struggled with some major emotions during the process of assembling, quilting, and binding this quilt. They were fairly repressed feelings and memories and they kind of blindsided me. I’m so grateful for good officers like jessica @craftycop. I’ve grown up respecting all law enforcement, servicemen and women, and civil servants. And then I married an amazing, intelligent black man who has spent his life trying to make things better for minority kids. As I’ve gotten involved in helping with efforts to educate (as a teacher and an advocate) of and for minority kids, I’ve seen some less than stellar officers. And I’ve seen some officers who step up and intentionally serve in hard areas in an effort to help. The overwhelming emotion that I had while quilting was a gut-wrenching sadness. There are lots of tears on this quilt. I was sad because the heroes whose families will receive these quilts had to give their lives. I was sad because both officers and advocates for POC are vilified and politicized and viewed as diametrically opposed. I was sad because I wondered if the outpouring of love would be the same for minorities senselessly killed. I was sad because my country was in upheaval (I quilted this during Charlottesville protests). I was sad because I felt helpless to help kids who need so much. So, I reached out. I’ve been talking with several groups, including black lives matter and Shaun King, to come up with a way quilters can help minority kids in awful situations. I’m glad I had this kick in the pants and the inspiration of good people to take this step. I believe in the goodness of people. I believe our goals and intentions are not really all that different. So stay tuned for some ways to help, probably in January."

Yeah, it was a lot of emotions and lots of other processing happening at that time. But I knew I had to do something. Not because I'm an either/or when it comes to Police or POC (People of Color),  but because I keep feeling like I can do more, do better. So I started researching what would be of most help. As I said in emails to several different activist groups, "We're quilters. We aren't rolling in money but we're collectively an incredibly giving bunch." I know there is power in harnessing that desire to do good. There are hundreds of ways that quilters give to their communities and I want to be a greater part of that giving. 

I researched groups who benefit homeless youth, groups that help minority kids in high school, groups that fund outreach programs in their community, and so many others that fill specific, unique needs. But how could I decide which one would be of the most use to harness the power of quilters? And then lightning struck. Why decide? Why not help them all? 

So, this is the plan:

1. On the first of the month, I'll send out a call for blocks (see instructions below). I'll also do a blog post on my recently resurrected blog (I'm really trying to be better writing) about that month's organization/charity. 

2. At the end of the following month, I'll raffle off the finished quilt. Tickets will be $1 and there is no limit to the number of tickets you can purchase.  IF we end up with enough blocks for multiple quilts, we'll raffle off all of them!

3. At the end of the raffle, I'll draw and ship the finished quilt to the winner.  I'll post how much was donated for that month's organization/charity and send the donation directly to them. I've set up a separate paypal account specifically for this drive, so that the funds do not get mixed up with other projects. The donate button on my blog will go via friends and family (no fees) to the account I've set up for the donations. 

4. If you'd like to donate to this effort (pay for backing, batting, quilting, shipping, etc.), but don't want to enter the raffle, please feel free to email me (simplypurplepoppy@gmail.com) or message me on Instagram (@purplepoppyquilts). 

Now, on the the fun part! We're making cross plus blocks for our charity drive. This is a cross plus block. 

And this is what it looks like when combined with it's fellows. 

As you can see, we're going for bright, happy colors. We're using the tutorial from Bad Skirt's blog, with a couple changes. The cutting instructions are different (listed below) and we're not cutting the bright fabric on the bias. The original block is 8" and our blocks will be 10.5" unfinished. 

CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS

For each block, you'll cut the following: 

Fabric 1: (center +) 4- 2.5" squares

                                1-  2.5"x 6.5" rectangle

Black fabric: 4-  2.5" squares

Low Volume: 8-  2.5" squares

*Bright corner fabrics: 4-  4.5" squares

*Remember that these fabrics are NOT cut on the bias, as outlined in the tutorial. Also, because we want these fabrics to pop, please only use RED, ORANGE, YELLOW, GREEN, AQUA, AND PURPLE fabrics. Feel free to use up funky fabrics, as long as they're not navy, gray, or brown. And please make sure you use 4 different fabrics/colors in each block. 

I'm hoping this will be a scrap buster project for you. They're highly addicting and so much fun to put together. Once you finish your blocks, just message me on Instagram and I'll send you my mailing address. 

I'm so excited for the opportunity we have to help teens and young adults who've had some serious struggles in their lives. I know there are great needs. I also know we can do some real good with scraps of fabric. 

Please don't hesitate to reach out for any reason. I can't wait to see your blocks. Happy sewing!

LOVE, Briawna

2017 Color BLOCK Swap!

UPDATE: WE'RE STARTING WITH RED, ORANGE, AND PURPLE. I'VE EXTENDED THE DEADLINE TO SIGN UP TO JANUARY 31ST AND SHIPPING/PAYMENT TO FEB. 8TH. SPREAD THE WORD!

It's time! We've finally gotten settled in our new house, my husband is settling into physical therapy and a walking boot and life is starting to feel normal. Amazing how a move will throw a wrench in all the best laid plans. But it's time to get back into the swing of things! And that means COLOR BLOCK SWAP!

 If you're new here, read all the instructions/FAQ below. If you're a pro, just scroll down to the schedule at the bottom. Keep in mind that I'm only doing this once this year. So if there's a color you're desperately seeking, make sure you sign up for that round.  Happy fabric shopping!

What's a Color Block Swap?

Beginning January 2nd, you'll be able to sign up for 1, 2, or 3 colors for a 10" square layer cake. The goal is to give you 40 different basic blender fabrics that can be used in a variety of projects.  Each color will be offered once in the fall and once in the spring. I spaced the colors out so you can do some theme sewing/quilting if you want (You'll get Halloween colors by the end of September, Christmas colors by the end of October, and Valentine's colors by the end of January). You will pick a single print, cut it into 40 squares, and ship the squares to me by the deadline. I sort them and send you a beautiful stack of basic blender fabric.

What do you need to do?

1. Sign up. We go live on January 2 (see the schedule at the bottom).
2. Post your fabric choice, along with designer and fabric line, to Instagram by the deadline. Only 100% quilting cotton will be accepted. No big box fabrics will be accepted (Joann fabrics calicos, walmart, Hobby Lobby, Michael's, etc. are NOT quilting cottons. The exception to this is Kona solids you can buy at Joann Fabrics). This ensures that we don't have duplicate fabric choices in your layer cake. Because your posts have to be visible to the whole group, you must register and post using a PUBLIC instagram account. 
3. Purchase 3 yards of the print you've posted. (Don't cut your fabric until after the sign up deadline and after you get an email from me with the go ahead!)
4. Cut it into 40 10" squares, using a rotary cutting system. Be careful! Squares with jagged edges or squares that don't measure at least 10" will be returned.
5. Pay your $10 return shipping fee to me. The $10 covers your shipping fee, the cost of the shipping label, and the cost to sort, package and ship your bundles. You pay $10, whether you sign up for 1, 2, or 3 colors. Instructions for payment will be in the confirmation email. 

5. Mail your squares to me by the shipping deadline. My address will be in the confirmation email you receive when you register. Please be aware of shipping deadlines. Packages received after the deadline will be returned. 
6. Anxiously await your happy mail. I will distribute packages by the distribution deadline. 

SOME FAQ'S:

Do I have to sign up for all three colors?
No. You can sign up for 1, 2, or all 3. You can also sign up for multiples of a single color. So if your stash is woefully small in the orange department, you can sign up for two bundles of orange. This means you'll pick, cut and ship two different fabrics. You'll likely receive two identical bundles, but then you'll have double the options for blender fabric! 
*Note: I can only ship 3 layer cakes per Padded Flat Rate Envelope. That means if you choose to sign up for more than 3 options, you'll pay $15, instead of $10.  Please keep this in mind when signing up. 

Why do I have to post my fabric on Instagram? And why does it have to be a public account?
I use Instagram to catalog what fabric color block swap participants choose. It's the easiest way for me to keep track of your choices. When you post your fabric choice to the hashtag for that round, it lets everyone know that your chosen fabric has been claimed. Private accounts who post to a hashtag will not be seen by other users, unless those users follow you. This defeats the purpose of cataloging your fabric choices via hashtags. 

Can I use more than one fabric or do all 40 squares have be from the same print? 
For this swap, all 40 squares need to be from the same print. This is another way I ensure that we don't have duplicate fabrics in your layer cake. 

What is a basic blender fabric?
A blender fabric is a fabric that reads a single color and that can be used on a small scale. The goal with this swap is to give you a stack of fabric that can be used in a variety of projects. Blender fabrics tend to be solid, tone on tone fabrics, or single color with some white/cream designs on them. Am easy, super scientific method of establishing whether something is a blender fabric is what I call the "squint test". Squint your eyes and look at your fabric. Does it read a single color or is the design distracting? If it reads solid and has a small scale pattern repeat, it's probably a blender. See! Super scientific. 

How do I cut my fabric once I've purchased it? 
I posted my method of cutting the fabric here. You're free to use any method for cutting squares, but you need to cut them with a rotary system. Hand cut squares with jagged, crooked edges, as well as squares that are too small will be returned. 

If I sign up for one round of Color Block Swap, am I committing to sign up for all future rounds? 
No. When you sign up for a specific round, that's all you're signing up for. I won't send you random emails or contact you for any purpose other than confirmation of your registration,  instructions for shipping your squares, and any pertinent status updates. 

I've participated in past rounds and have sometimes received two squares of a print. Why is that?
The goal with every round is to get 40 different participants, so you get 40 different fabrics in your layer cake. But I also don't want to fall behind on deadlines or keep you from getting fabric in your hands. So, if the deadline comes and we only have 30 participants, you'll get a few repeats in your bundle. You'll never receive more than two squares of a fabric and I double check to make sure you still get 40 squares. After doing this multiple times last year, I've figured out the pattern for doing this effectively. If I make a mistake, I'll make up for it and send you squares from my stash!

I live outside the continent USA. Can I still participate? 

Absolutely! International participants are welcome. You just need to make sure you get the fabric to me in the shipping window. You will also need to 

Pay the cost of international shipping + $5. So, a padded flat rate envelope to Canada is $23.95. You'd pay $28.95 for return shipping. 

Color Block Swap Schedule:

You'll find the schedule for the 2017 Color Block Swaps below. The first deadline listed is the deadline for selecting/posting fabric choices and paying your return shipping fee. The "receive by" deadline means that any packages received after that date will be returned. Distribution is the date I've assigned myself to get your packages sorted, packaged and mailed.

Are you excited for all the fabric gorgeousness (that's absolutely a word!)? I can't wait to see what fabrics you pick. Start stalking your favorites fabric vendors now! The first sign up will be posted here in two weeks. See you then!

Briawna
@purplepoppyquilts

#ColorBlockSwap

If you have any other questions, feel free to email me at simplypurplepoppy@gmail.com

UPDATE: WE'RE STARTING WITH RED, ORANGE, AND PURPLE. I'VE EXTENDED THE DEADLINE TO SIGN UP TO JANUARY 31ST AND SHIPPING/PAYMENT TO FEB. 8TH. SPREAD THE WORD!

Friday Fabric Fix: The One Where I Finally Understand the Tula Craze

So, I've bought bits and pieces of Tula Pink here and there. Partly because I liked the prints and partly as a savings plan for the future (I kid, kind of). But I've never bought anything other than the basics and I've shied away from the big prints because only recently have I branched out from quilt making. 

But as I branch out to garment sewing and bag making, big prints are soooo my thing. I decided to buy a fat quarter bundle of Tula's latest line, Slow and Steady. And let's just say...

It was a very good decision. Look at those colors!! 

(Yes, the photo is dark because I took these in our last gloomy days in Seattle before the move to Utah). 

I seriously can't decide which prints I like best. They all have such potential for amazing projects. I've officially been converted to the Tula troops. 

I love the variety of basics and bright, vibrant prints. 

 These bunny prints are stunning. In the next life, I want to be able to draw. Until then, I will just pet this gorgeous fabric. 

I spent a good 20 minute studying this print and just finally decided that they need to be a bag that I can cuddle and pet and flaunt everywhere I go.

Because I'm still a basics girl at heart, I absolutely adore Tula's basics for this line. Though, let's be honest, there's nothing basic about them!

And this is the cutest "basic" I've seen. I see some motivational piano bags (piano lessons require a prize of some kind, right?) in my kids' future. Yes I used the words motivational and piano in the same sentence. 

While these prints kind of make me dizzy, I really want to make a skirt from at least one of them. I'd be the coolest church music teacher around! Or at least hypnotize the kids into singing well. 

I'm dying. Who knew snails could be so gorgeous? 

This print, as with all the tone on tone Tula prints, just make sense to me. They're interesting without being overbearing. The design is not too overwhelming. It's delicate but dramatic. 

Needless to say, I'm kicking myself for letting these beauties get packed away in storage for 30 days. I'll just live vicariously through you. What are you making with Slow and Steady?

Happy Friday and happy sewing!

Briawna