Quilts 4 Leukaemia

How Did I Do?

2012-01-01T17:42:00.000+01:00

Way back in November 2010 I got caught on the hop by that wicked woman, Finn at Pieces from my Scrapbag.

You may remember I pledged to make 9 quilts by 15 March 2011. By February I decided that I would be unable to meet my pledge and extended the date to 31st December.

So how did I do?

Well. The last quilt made 2010 was Quilt #29, made by a quilting friend on Facebook for a boy in Canada.

By the end of January I'd added another 3 to the list, but was beginning to feel a bit swamped by what I had taken on.

Tracey stepped with a gorgeous red and white string quilt with UnRuly letters and we were up to 4 in 2 months!

She certainly gave me a boost.

Then Finn chipped in, followed closely by Ann in France with a gorgeous Irish Chain quilt, bringing the total up to 6.

Carol E produced another masterpiece and lovely Siobhan broke her own record by actually starting and finishing a quilt within a few weeks.

By now I was completely overwhelmed and beginning to lose count of how many quilts were being made all over the world. They were coming in so thick and fast I couldn't update the blog quick enough and sadly it is still out of date.

However, as at 11th December 2011 the grand total was 13 quilts and thanks to everyone we managed to give 12 children some happiness in 2011.

With regard to the great masterpiece, Strawberries & Cream, which is Quilt #40, I'm still waiting to hear what's going to happen to it.

Michelle Mobley went back to her native GA, USA for Christmas and the New Year and I hoping when she returns to the UK she'll start organising the auction/raffle. I'll let you know what happens.

So that's it! 13 quilts in a year. Phew! So many thanks to all the lovely people who made quilts so I could reach my goal and, most of all to Finn and Michele for cheering me on behind the scenes. Not to mention the lovely Linda in Italy for her massive, never ending, support.

Quilt #39

2011-12-11T23:43:00.001+01:00

Made for Max in the UK

Yet again I've lost the list!

Quilt #40

2011-12-11T16:59:00.001+01:00

Strawberries & Cream

This is now in the UK and will be raffled/auctioned in the New Year.

I'll keep you updated when I know more.

You never know, you could own this quilt.

Quilt #41

2011-12-10T13:52:00.001+01:00

Made for Riley in the UK and I forgotten who by as I've lost the list!

Strawberries & Cream Update

2011-09-11T14:14:00.001+02:00

Nearly there.

Strawberries & Cream

I'm scouting around for some flannel or fleece for the back.

Once that's attached and the two sides are tied together, it can be sent to the UK for auction.

A spoiler of Quilt #39.

Quilt #38

2011-08-08T00:35:00.001+02:00

I'm falling behind in the amount of quilts that are being made by everyone.

The latest one is this beauty, made by my ever loyal supporter Carol E in Minnesota and her friend Diane for 12 year old Taylor.

Carol has done so much to support this cause, as has the lovely Finn, Ann, and Siobhan who have all made quilts this year to help me reach my target.

If there is anyone I've forgotten please accept my apologies. I've been overwhelmed with the response.

Whoops - I forgot Tracey. Like me, she made a quilt for a gorgeous boy, only to see him die within a couple of months of receiving it.

So far it's been a pretty tough year.

But we can fight this. Even if it's just by making quilts!

That's why I'm stretching myself just a little bit further and making the string quilt (see previous post). The money raised from that will hopefully go towards raising more awareness of this heart rending cancer.

Please spare a thought for the children and their parents who are suffering because of Leukaemia, more especially Leah and Michelle and their families.

Clare xx

Pulling at the Heart Strings

2011-08-06T13:12:00.000+02:00

Remember this?

I was getting a bit disheartened as the fabrics are all the same and I thought it was getting a bit boring.

I put out a plea on the Stashbuster Yahoo Group asking if anyone wanted to get rid of some of their red and white stash. After all, the purpose of the group is to get rid of stash isn't it?

I received an email from a lovely lady in Illinois saying she'd willingly send me some of hers as she'd grown tired of them and didn't think she'd use them.

Woot!

Look what arrived the other day. 4lbs of fabric!

Love those "heart strings".

The quilt is back on the floor and I'm cutting and

sewing again.

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you'll know that Quilt #32 was made for a little boy called Morgan. Sadly he became an angel in April and his mother is trying to raise funds for the children's ward of the hospital where he was treated. When this quilt is finished I'll be sending it to her so she can auction it.

Quilt #37

2011-05-27T12:57:00.000+02:00

Made by Ann in France

for Kara in the UK

More sadness

2011-04-12T13:39:00.001+02:00

Please keep the Holman family in your hearts and prayers.

Kael became an angel a few hours ago. He fought so hard.

So Sad

2011-04-08T20:45:00.000+02:00

Morgan passed away this morning.

Please keep his family in your thoughts at this terrible time.

Quilt #34

2011-03-06T11:44:00.001+01:00

Made by Tracey in Australia for
Emma in New Zealand

Quilt #35

2011-03-04T12:34:00.000+01:00

Made for Chloe in the UK

Quilt #32

2011-01-22T17:04:00.000+01:00

Quilt #32

Made for Morgan, Suffolk, UK

Quilts 30 and 31

2011-01-22T16:59:00.000+01:00

Quilt #30

Quilt #31

Made for Gracie and Megan, UK

Quilt #29

2010-11-07T14:17:00.001+01:00

Made for Trevor in Canada, by Doreen in Canada

Please keep watching this blog. I've made a pledge and I'll be posting a lot more over the coming months.

Quilt #28

2010-09-24T12:53:00.000+02:00

Made for Kael, Australia by Tracey, Australia

Quilt #27

2010-07-13T14:48:00.000+02:00

Made for Pam Scott, France

Clare, France

Linda, Italy

Wanda, USA

Block Gathering

2010-03-03T13:28:00.000+01:00

I know how helpful you all have been for this cause over the years and would like to ask another favour of you.

V at Bumblebeans Inc is making up quilts for a NYC charity called Basics Inc. They try to get homeless families from all walks of life back into homes. Not only that, they set up rehab, health care, training, etc, etc. You can read more about them here.

Now what I'd like to ask you to do is this.

V has been block gathering house blocks from all sorts of places, a bit like you do for me, but she has now got the same problem as I had, until my guardian angel came to the rescue - lack of fabric for backing and binding, and, of course, batting.

If you live in the US and have some spare fabric hanging around that you don't know what to do with, or it's been sitting in your stash for so long, you are wondering why you ever bought it, how about sending it to V?

She could really do with some help and I hope you can help her cos I know how big your hearts are.

Merci mille fois.

Zachary Hughes

2010-03-02T09:02:00.000+01:00

It's not very often that I receive updates from the recipients of the quilts so you can imagine my surprise when Zachary's father emailed me a few days ago with news on how Zachary is doing.

He has given me permission to quote his email

Hello Clare

Just thought I'd drop you a brief email to let you know that our son, Zachary still uses the wonderful quilt you sent EVERY day! Here is a photo of him taken just after falling asleep a few days ago!

As well as his leukemia, he has lots of other problems too which have culminated in severe separation anxiety. This means that come his bedtime he won't go upstairs without us. So he sleep the first few hours on a been bag - and ALWAYS with his 'cover' as he calls it - your quilt!

Thought you might like to know your work lasts??!

If you want to find out more about Zack, check out http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/zacharyhughes

Thanks once again, with all our heart!

Ian & Kerri Hughes

Thanks Ian and Kerri for keeping in touch.

Quilt #26

2010-02-25T13:04:00.001+01:00

Made for Mollie in GA, USA

(see sidebar for link to her blog)

with the help of

Susan, USA

Wanda, USA

Jenni, Australia,

Linda, Italy

More L O V E

2010-01-21T12:38:00.002+01:00

Some people have said that they think doing letters as 8-1/2 inch blocks may be too big. So I've altered the rules a bit.

Take a look at Tonya's Rumspringa quilt (here).

Could you do something similar in red and white? Block still to be the same size.

Is this ok with you all?

L O V E is ..........

2010-01-19T11:38:00.000+01:00

.......... the sweetest thing.

So how about spelling it out in red or white letters?

I was thinking of a way of jazzing up the quilts and came up with this idea.

The next appeal for blocks is Tonya's wonky letters (click here for the tutorials).

Do the whole word (LOVE) in upper or lower case, but DO NOT sew the letters together. I'll mix the letters up when I make up the quilts. One word for each quilt so I'm going to need loads!

Don't forget the block size - 8 1/2 inches unfinished so you can do lovely big fat wonky letters.

Are you up for it?

Quilt #25

2010-01-18T12:14:00.000+01:00

Made by Brenda in Canada and donated to the Leukaemia ward of her local hospital.

Quilt Show

2009-11-23T10:00:00.001+01:00

Quilt #23 made by Mary in MN, USA for Carter in Newfoundland.

Quilt #24 made for Jemima, UK by:

Anne, UK,

Carol E, MN, USA,

Clare, France,

Irene, UK,

Jane, UK,

Joyce, Canada,

Juliann, USA

Linda, Italy

Patchwork Caffe, Italy

Quilt #22

2009-08-28T13:21:00.002+02:00

Made for Dakota, MN, USA
by
Carol E, MN, USA

Quilt #21

2009-07-24T13:57:00.004+02:00

Another finished quilt! This one is for Austin in Utah, USA.

Blocks made by (from the upper left): Tanya in Japan; Joyce in Canada; Sue in the US; Heather in KS, USA; Katherine in Canada; Anne in the UK; Michelle in OK, USA; Caron in MN, USA; Bea in Germany; Anne in the UK; Jen in Finland; and Caron in MN, USA. Backing fabric donated by Tiina in Finland, batting by Susan in ME, USA. And the whole thing was coordinated ably by Clare!

Quilt #20

2009-07-01T10:27:00.002+02:00

has found a home.

Yesterday I posted it to a little girl in France.

Quilt # 19

2009-06-14T15:26:00.001+02:00

Made by Nicolette in Holland for Alexandra in Canada.

An Idea

2009-06-14T12:23:00.004+02:00

We are approaching Quilt #20 and in order to celebrate this momentus occasion, I'm asking for your help.

This is the quilt.

The blocks have been made by Karol Ann, Anne and Linda.

The border fabric was supplied by Tonya.

What I want you to do is to find me a person to send it to. It must be a little girl - I can't somehow see this as a boy's quilt - and I would prefer the recipient to be in Europe. Recently a lot of the quilts have been going to the USA and beyond so I think it's Europe's turn.

You don't necessarily have to know the recipient. You can do a Google search, surf blogland, look on Facebook or anywhere. You might have read an article in your local newspaper, or even seen or heard something on the local news.

You must then contact the recipient's parents to seek their consent (I always do this anyway), mentioning why you are contacting them and the Quilts 4 Leukaemia blog/web site so they can see what we do.

Then send me an email, or leave a comment here, with a link to the child's blog/web site.

The person whose request is successful will receive their own Q4L mini quilt as a thank you.

(Quilt #19 is being finished which is why this one is 20)

Quilt No. 17

2009-05-04T09:09:00.003+02:00

Oh gawd - slack or what! Thanks Carol E for prodding me by the comment you left on Jen's post.

Quilt No. 17 was made by Marlene in CA, USA for Philp Endres, TX, USA.

Quilt #18

2009-05-03T11:06:00.003+02:00

I've finally finished the first of two quilts from blocks Clare gave me back in November! This one is headed off to a little girl in Georgia, USA after the holiday weekend.

The blocks were made by Carol, MN, USA; Susan, UAE; Michelle, OK, USA; Kathy, FL, USA; Lily, Australia; Nancy, IN, USA; Susan, USA; Irene, UK; Heather, KS, USA; and me (Finland). The batting was donated by Linda in Italy and the backing fabric by Tiina in Finland. This was a lot of fun to work on and I'm looking forward to finishing up the second one sooner rather than later!

My inspiration for the 'sashing' came from this quilt.

Quilt No 16

2009-03-24T09:32:00.003+01:00

Quilt No. 16 made for Sharmalia, by Mary of Heartstrings fame. Isn't it gorgeous.

A Sad Day

2009-03-16T12:59:00.005+01:00

I receive an e-mail this morning from Karen, Terri's Aunt. Terri was the recipient of Quilt No. 9

Terri lost her battle with Leukaemia and left us quietly last Friday, at home, aged 16.

She had been battling with Leukaemia for 10 years.

Karen told me that the quilt was in constant use, not just a show piece.

Karen - our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Another Year Gone

2009-01-13T12:30:00.005+01:00

Well, here we are. Two full years already under our belt and we will be celebrating our third - yes third - birthday this year. Hasn't time flown by. I really can't believe I started this in 2006!

So how shall we kick this year off and how shall we celebrate our third birthday in September?

I've got my thinking cap on and will come up with some new ideas for blocks and ways of donating in these hard times. So stay tuned and see what occurs.

In the meantime, Cheri at Jovaliquilts has come up with a good idea to kick 2009 off with a charitable bang. Hop over to her blog and see if you would like to participate by making a red and white block, or blocks.

To summarise 2008:

15 quilts now made, with the help of Finn and Carol E in the USA;

hundreds of blocks received with the never ending support of "my regulars";

Elizabeth D in Brittany, France, got her "girls" to extend their quilting skills by making red and white blocks in all sorts of styles;

a lovely person in Italy arranged for the ladies on her online forum, The Patchwork Caffé, to make the most beautiful and intricate red and white hearts. I'd love to show them off, but they are stored in their envelopes and, knowing me, if I take them out for a photo session I'll never remember who made what;

Carol E issued a red and white challenge. She was inundated with blocks, half of which came to me. I really must get sewing and make quilts out of these. Some of them are gorgeous;

our new web site hit the internet in the Autumn thanks to Ruth in South Africa;

the Facebook group (see link in side bar) was up and running in 2008 too. We've got 40+ members and the followers are steadily growing;

I managed to get some Paypal Donate buttons on the web site and here. The one here is in Euros and the one on the web site is in Dollars. I know this isn't exactly the right time to ask for donations, but just because the world is, apparently, in recession, that doesn't mean that Leukaemia will go away. The children still need your help and love and every cent counts;

Hedgehog Jen came for a visit in November. She took back with her enough blocks and batting to made 2 more quilts so we stand a good chance of getting into the high 20's in donated quilts this year; and

Last, but by no means least, Teodo Linda did far more than she should have done. Boxes kept arriving from Italy full of batting and yards and yards of backing fabric;

I can't think of any more "thank you's" and if I've missed anyone out then please accept my profuse apologies.

There is one thank you though that needs to be made and that is to all the lovely people who have donated blocks, batting, fabric (opppps - thank you Wanda) and money over the last 12 months. Your never ending support has helped the children so much and given them so much hope.

THANK YOU

Quilt 15 and Pay Pal

2008-12-04T18:33:00.006+01:00

Made for Alexandra in NY, USA

by

Wanda in the USA, Linda in Italy et moi!

If you want to donate via Pay Pal, then the donate button to the left (over there at the top) is in Euros and the donate button on the web site is in dollars.

I can use the Euros to contribute towards postage, thread and things, and the dollars can be used to purchasing fabric for backing and sashing online.

Just thought I'd let you know in case you are interested

Quilt 14

2008-11-16T12:00:00.005+01:00

Made by Carol E, MN, USA for Nash, MN, USA

Quilt 12b

2008-11-06T12:14:00.006+01:00

I couldn't bring myself to call this Quilt 1(insert the third number) so 12b it is.

I also forgot to take a photo of it before sending it to its owner so have been waiting for a photo from Hayley.

We have, again from top left, :

Jen in Finland, Jane in the UK, Marianne in the US
Carol in the US, Kathy T in the US, Joyce in Canada
Teodolinda in Italy, Nicolette in Holland, Tracey in Australia
Claire in the US, Irene in the UK, Magpie Sue in the US

Quilt 14 is nearly there, one, possibly two, more after that and that will be it for 2008. I wanted to get into double figures this year and thanks to the enormous support from Finn and Carol I have.

Quilt No. 12

2008-10-20T08:49:00.002+02:00

Made for Casey Clarke in NY, USA by Finn, WI, USA

A Question

2008-10-11T10:39:00.001+02:00

I don't know if you all remember, but sometime ago Jenni and Jen contacted Quilter's Quarter in the US and set up an arrangement whereby you purchased a gift certificate, QQ contacted me with the details and I was able to purchase fabric and batting for the quilts.

Quilter's Quarter have stopped doing gift certificates and I have been searching for another online shop who would be willing to take over.

I have found someone in the UK, but before I take the offer further I need to know if you'd all still be interested in continuing with this arrangement. I know some of you got a bit frustrated with the QQ set up and, to be quite honest, they weren't exactly on the ball!

However, the new people are, and are willing to help so if you are still interested please leave a comment.

After all, its got to be a damn sight easier to donate this way than sending boxes of batting and fabric through the post :-)

Floyd Update

2008-09-23T16:52:00.001+02:00

Hello friends,

This is just a quick '4 years on' update on Floyd. Yes, tomorrow, 24th September will be 4 years since Floyd was diagnosed with leukaemia and given his 50/50 prognosis! Because we are so very happy to see these annual anniversaries pass, we just have to let the world know and remind you all how very grateful we still are for all the support and encouragement you gave us through that awful time.

Floyd is still as fit as a fiddle (annoyingly so!), mad as a box of frogs and generally living life to the full, every single day. Check ups at the hospital are now every 8 months. We still pop in to see our friends on the ward there and to give them any spare TV sets we come across as we remember the room-to-room bickering over who gets to borrow the only working set that week!!! (it's true!).

We have been having a lovely time just getting on with life and things are very much back to normal. Floyd treated himself to a Harley Davidson a few months ago and blamed everything from the cancer to a mid-life crisis but the bike is very special and looks fantastic.

We still stick very closely to Leukaemia Research and just cannot sing the praises of the charity enough, for all they do to help find a cure and the prevention of one of the worst forms of cancer we've ever known. They have shown us so much support too and we are very proud of them all!

That's it! Just wanted you all to know we are still around and grinning like idiots to see this 4 year marker go past us!

Much love,

Sophie & Floyd
xx

Pal Pal Donate Button Added

2008-09-13T16:17:00.001+02:00

Boy is this getting big or what!

Right now the total number of quilts made is 11, with the help of Finn and Mary, and there are requests for another 4, with more requests coming in.

The web site is now up and running and if you click on the How to Help link at the top, you will find a Pay Pal Donate button at the bottom of the page. There is also one in the side bar on the left. The money will be used for sashing fabric and postage.

Thanks to everyone who has already contributed blocks, donated batting, backing fabric, gift certificates via Quilters Quarter (Quilter's Quarter have stopped doing these) and no end of support.

Quilt No. 11

2008-09-10T13:04:00.003+02:00

Made by Mary for Tristan

Quilt No. 10

2008-09-05T09:41:00.001+02:00

For Zachary who is going through a pretty rough time at the moment.

Reading from top left;

Magpie Sue, USA; Joan, France; Hedghog Jen, Finland;
Joyce, Canada; Kathy T, USA; Ruth, South Africa;
Anne, UK; Nicolette, Holland; Lily, Australia,
Hedgehog Jen, Finland; Susan, USA: Magpie Sue, USA.
Backing - Tonya, France
Binding - Wanda USA,
Batting - Linda, Italy
(damn - missed her off the label!)
Rest - Yours Truly.

Ready to Roll

2008-08-14T18:23:00.001+02:00

Drum roll please -

ta da!

Our web site!!!!!!!!!!!

Message from Terri's Aunt

2008-08-12T12:22:00.002+02:00

Hi Clare
We all absolutely love the quilt and hope it will become a keepsake for Terri in the future long after she can put all this behind her. It really is beautiful. She arrived home on Saturday shortly before we got there: Her white count is doing really well and although she has had to go back to the hospital almost daily she is able to stay out for now. She is on a concoction of drugs and obviously doesn't feel well a lot of the time but was chatting and certainly glad to be home again when we saw her. She has to have lots of tests and more chemo over the next few months but was talking about future schooling and was quite positive. This is particularly important given that one of her friends died from an infection following a transplant just before Terri had her own. My brother (her dad) took the attached photo and they are happy for it to go on the blog.

Thank you again
Karen

Quilt No. 9

2008-07-19T16:12:00.002+02:00

I was blog hopping a couple of months ago and came across an English blogger in France who has a 14 year old niece suffering from Leukaemia. For the life of me I can't find Karen's blog again. So Karen if you are reading this could you be an angel and send me the link.

We have, left to right reading from the top:-

Nicolette in Holland, Simonetta in Italy, Siobhan in the UK
Jane in the UK, Carmina in Spain, Christina in Italy
Carol in the USA, Roberta in the UK, Joyce in Canada
Siobhan in the UK, Juliann in the US, Ruth in South Africa

Batting from Linda (bless her heart)
Backing and binding from Tonya
Rest - yours truly.

Quilt No. 10 is already up on the wall. Again, I found a little boy via the PostPals site. Links on the sidebar on the left.

Big boxes and nice packages

2008-07-08T15:53:00.002+02:00

A lovely red and white day today.

A huge box of batting and backing fabric from lovely Linda in Italy and a package from Carol E containing lots of lovely red and white blocks from her Red and White Party. This photo doesn't show all the lovely blocks - I'll take more photos soon for the Quilts 4 Leukaemia Flickr Group.

The backing fabric is so beautiful.

There's yards and yards of it!

Linda and Carol - thank you both so very much. Your kindness is overwhelming.

Quilt No. 8

2008-06-25T13:20:00.003+02:00

Made by Finn in WI, USA for Kennedy in TN, USA

Carol's Challenge

2008-06-11T08:38:00.002+02:00

Carol over at Giraffe Dreams has issued a challenge.

Hop over and take a look

Jack's Quilt

2008-06-04T08:37:00.003+02:00

Message from Lea, Bianca's mother

2008-05-25T14:07:00.004+02:00

Hello Clare,

Oh wow, what a beautiful quilt. Bianca calls it her "favourite blanket". She is so pleased with it and you really brightened her day! Please give a big big thanks to:
Anne in the UK
Brigette in Germany
Clare in France
Dianne in Australia
Doris in Italy
Fiona in the UK
Geri in Holland
Jen in Finland
Nicolette in Holland
Pam in France
Simonetta in Italy
Sue in the USA
You guys did such a great job and thank you so much for including us on this! This is on my blog as well!

Keep well!

Lea White

Quilt No. 7

2008-05-08T12:31:00.001+02:00

Quilt No. 7

2008-04-20T16:47:00.002+02:00

Blocks made by, from top left:-

Dianne in Australia, Bobby in the UK, Fiona in the UK

Irene in the UK, Marlene in France, Bea in Germany

Linda in Italy, Nicolette in Holland, Siobhan in the UK

Veronica in the US, Jen in Finland, Joyce in Canada.

Quilts 4 and 6

2008-04-03T11:14:00.000+02:00

The recipent of Quilt 4 - Dylan in the US

The label for Quilt 6

and da daaaa - Quilt 6

Some people are so - aaarrggghhh!

2008-03-25T12:11:00.003+01:00

Do you remember Sophie Foxley? The little girl from Shropshire, UK who received the second quilt.

Back in November some heartless, spineless person was leaving death threats and very very nasty comments on her blog. Sophie's father stepped in and comments were blocked. The police were alerted and, at long last, they have found the culprit.

Would you believe a 9 year old was doing this. A 9 year old! It doesn't bear thinking about.

Quilts 4 Leukaemia Gets Another Award

2008-03-06T10:18:00.003+01:00

We have received the Blogging with a Purpose award given to us by Finn who writes the Riding the Orphan Train blog.

It's YOU who this award should go to. You've helped raise awareness for this horrible form of cancer and given lots of love, joy and hope to the children and their families who have received the quilts.

I've now got to abide by the rules for this award, which are (goodness - that sounds like Oscar night LOL).

1. Awarded parties must nominate five people who have not received the award.

2. The blogs that receive the award must serve some purpose.

3. In their post about the award they need to link back to this entry.

4. Awarded parties must post the award banner on their site.

I'll be back later with my list.

Look What I've found

2008-02-21T11:37:00.003+01:00

A map! Click on the BuddyMap icon on the sidebar, add yourself to the map and then scroll down to the bottom of the blog page.

I like this :-)

What's Going On

2008-01-29T10:34:00.000+01:00

This quilt is going here. I'm hoping to get it finished by the end of next week and then shipped off to New Zealand.

I've received Joyce's red and white hearts. They are beautifully made.

Anne has been busy with the applique too.

I "heart" red and white hearts

2008-01-08T10:00:00.000+01:00

I'm putting together the 7th Red and White Quilts 4 Leukaemia quilt and have decided to make this one all heart!

I've now run out!

Is there anyone out there who is going to be kind enough to refill the red and white heart blocks bag with applique hearts, crazy quilting hearts, wonky hearts, any hearts?

If you comment in the affirmative I'll PM you with further details.

2007-12-08T16:19:00.000+01:00

I've been very remiss of late in posting, but am making up for it now. Blocks have been arriving nearly every week over the last month or so.

First off, blocks from Irene in the UK

blocks from Geri in Holland

SunBonnet Sue blocks from Teodo in Italy and heart applique blocks from Anne in the UK

and last for the time being, gorgeous free piecing blocks from Sue in Western WA, USA

Thanks to Angus, Kezia's Dad, I've found a little girl in New Zealand who needs a quilt. I'm going to start this one over Christmas when I've caught up on my Christmas stuff.

I probably won't post again this side of the New Year so I want to wish all of you who have helped in 2007 a fantastic Christmas and may you be healthy, wealthy (!) and wise in 2008.

Big bisous pour tous!

Floyd London - Update

2007-11-12T15:07:00.000+01:00

Mail received from Sophie last week.

Dear friends,
It's been a really long time since I last sent an update email about Floyd....and that's a good thing! :-) There is a little update today though!

Not only did Floyd turn 41 on Tuesday but today is Floyd's '3 years in remission anniversary'!!! 3 years ago today we received the news that we had been desperate for - that Floyd had gone in to remission right at the start of his treatment. They still gave him all of the chemo that his body could handle for the 6 months that followed! We celebrate it every year and it feels GREAT to mark THREE years! (when we get to the 5 year landmark, you won't hear the last of it!).

We know that with leukaemia, Floyd can never be declared cured, but once he reaches the 5 year marker, the chances of a relapse are very remote. So I do hope you'll join us in November 2009 for what will surely be the party of the decade!!! Better start planning it! ;-) For those of you who came to his 40th last year with the
live band, casino tables, bangers & mash, mulled wine, Rolling Stones vodka
luge and one of the country's largest firework displays on record....you 'ain't
seen nothing yet!!! ;-)

Floyd is in full 100% health. He hasn't taken any medication or had any treatment since April 2005. Oncology check ups are being set at 6 months apart now. At the last one, Floyd had higher blood counts than the consultant! Life is very good and we thank our lucky stars, count our blessings and appreciate each other, our family and friends every single day that goes past.
It hasn't been an easy year so far. Leukaemia has lurked very close by. One of our dearest friends Davo tragically lost his battle with CML in May, aged just 21 yrs. Floyd, Davo and I became the best of friends last year and developed a very special, close bond. Davo fought so incredibly hard and desperately wanted to be cured. It was utterly tragic to lose him.
Floyd had a great ward buddy during his treatment. Parvni was diagnosed with exactly the same leukaemia (AML) and same sub-type (M5) just a couple of weeks after Floyd. They spurred each other on during treatment and shared so much. Sadly Parvni relapsed just a few months ago and passed away.
It's very frightening for us that every AML patient we ever knew or heard of has now passed. But as always, we come out stronger the other side. We quite simply will never give in. We refuse to give leukaemia that kind of power or control over us. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger! We are so looking forward to the 5 year marker and being able to tell the world that Floyd kicked leukaemia up the bum and lived to tell the tale.
Once again, we attended the annual Leukaemia Research Fund conference in April. We have so much gratitude and respect for the charity. I do feel that without their
incredible efforts to raise millions ever year for vital research over the decades, Floyd would not have been given the treatment that saved his life. At the conference, we were very inspired to hear from scientists and researchers who have made some ground breaking discoveries. It gives us so much hope and confidence that a cure will be found in our lifetime. I promised Davo I would keep on supporting the cause and helping others.
But really, what we remember most on these anniversaries is the tremendous support we had from all of you - still not forgotten all these years on. We are so
very, very lucky! We still go through old emails and cards for words of inspiration when we feel we need a little push every now and then! We kept all of the cards and gifts sent to Floyd (we may not have kept the copies of Angler's Weekly which somehow found their way in to Floyd's hospital room!).
Thanks to you all and we hope you are all happy and healthy!
Love
Sophie and Floyd

2007-10-25T10:19:00.000+02:00

This is what it is all about.

Red and White Challenge

2007-10-18T08:40:00.000+02:00

Virginia from the Yahoo Stashbusters group took up the Red and White Free Piecing Challenge. This arrived the day before yesterday. Isn't it gorgeous!

And these blocks arrived last week from Susan, with a little present of beautiful red and white fabrics.

A Finish

2007-10-09T11:36:00.000+02:00

I forgot to post about this. I finished it about 2 weeks ago I think.

It is boxed up ready to go as soon as the UK postal strike is over. I don't think I could bear for it to get lost so I'm hanging on to it until the strike is definitely over.

Angus, Kezia's father, is going back to the UK this weekend and I hope it will arrive before he leaves the UK.

Red and White Free Piecing Challenge

2007-09-26T14:11:00.000+02:00

I thought to spice things up a bit, I would issue a challenge to you all.

It is a free piecing challenge in red and white material.

No "typical" blocks - just have fun.

Foundation piecing, wonky houses, appliqué - whatever you feel like making, but it must not be a "standard" block.

The reason why I am asking this is that after putting together Kezia's quilt which is 99% fun blocks, like Sandra's houses, a cat, butterflies, wizards and dresses, I think the kids would love their quilts more if all the blocks were like that.

So what do you all think? Are you up for it?

Weekly Update

2007-09-18T07:54:00.000+02:00

Angus, Kezia's father, asked who the contributors were to Kezia's quilt.

From the top left :

Joyce Sandra Lily
(Canada) (US) (Australia)

Nicolette Simonetta Fulvia
(Holland) (Italy) (Italy)

Marcie Anne Dianne
(US) (UK) (Australia)

Lily Sandra Joyce

Mr le Facteur is getting interested in what I'm up to. Packages are coming in from all over the place - huge boxes of batting from Quilter's Quarter, envelopes from Italy, small packages from Germany. If the delivery is something that has to be signed for he leaves it in the porch if we aren't here and brings the paperwork back the next day. He is so conscientious I wonder if I ought to make up a little pot holder for his wife, or a letter quilt saying "merci".

The latest small package from Brigitte in Germany, which didn't have to be signed for *vbs*, contained this

The fabric on the left is a beautiful 1920's print which Bea has sent for backing. It is so gorgeous that I haven't got the heart (no pun intended) to use it, but use it I must. Wonder if I can keep a tiny piece back *vbg*.

The other 2 pieces I will try to use - I think they are from her stash.

Thank you Brigitte - they are really beautiful.

On to the next topic. Have you made blocks, but haven't got a blog? Are you going to make blocks but haven't got a blog? Do you want to show off your blocks to the rest of the contributors?

I have created a Flickr group. You upload your photos to your Flickr account. When it has uploaded click on the image to view the various options, amongst which is "add to group". Your photo will show up on the group AND on the Flickr badge there on the left hand side. You do need to join the group first though.

More Blocks from Adriana

2007-09-14T11:17:00.000+02:00

Drum Roll

2007-09-12T08:23:00.000+02:00

There was a huge ooooooooooooppppsss! Can you spot it?

Sandwich time now.

Just to say

2007-09-11T11:13:00.000+02:00

Thanks for all the fantastic comments, the support and the morale boosters from time to time.

Kezia's quilt has got red sashing, but no cornerstones as suggested by one or two of you. Sorry about that but I do need to turn this one out quickly and corner stones will slow me down.

I'm just adding the border and then we are on the home stretch with donated backing and batting from you lovely lovely people.

The new motto is stitch and ship! Or was it sew and ship? Can't remember *VBS*

@+

Kezia's Quilt

2007-09-07T10:47:00.000+02:00

Very busy last night - put this together. For a little girl I think it's perfect.

Now a question.

Red sashing or white sashing? There is so much white in the blocks in this one that I think red. Alex things vertical red sashing and horizontal white. Either way I think the border ought to be red.

What do you think?

Label for Dylan's Quilt

2007-09-07T10:43:00.000+02:00

Photo Call and a Small Request

2007-09-06T09:34:00.001+02:00

Blocks received yesterday from Adriana and her friend Fulvia. I think Fulvia did the flowers and Adriana the F.G's which are "raised" if you understand what I mean.

Now, I have a small request.

I have very quiet about this as you are all so fantastic in helping me with this project, but I am afraid I am going to have to say something.

Doing Dylan's Quilt has been a mini nightmare. Some of the blocks were the 8.5 inches which is required. A lot of them were well over 9 and because they all looked so gorgeous I hadn't got the heart to cut them down.

The sashings don't quite match up and the column down the right hand side has got to be cut so I can put the border on.

If you don't want your points cut, or your beautiful blocks chopped about, can you please try and make sure your blocks are 8.5 inches unfinished - not above - not below - just 8.5 inches.

And now I will keep quiet and get back to my sewing.

Dylan's Quilt

2007-09-06T08:56:00.001+02:00

I've only got the 3 borders to do (which I should have done yesterday instead of filling in forms) and then this can be shipped off to the States for Dylan's aunt to finish. Going with it will be the backing and the label - the rest is up to Judy.

Beautiful Blocks (nearly typed Blogs!)

2007-09-05T15:34:00.001+02:00

Have you discovered Nicolette's blog yet? If not, why not?!?!?

Take a look at this post and go oohhh aaahhh at her gorgeous red and white blocks.

Adriana and Fulvia in Italy have also sent me some gorgeous ones.

Photo call tomorrow.

"Those" blocks

2007-09-04T14:02:00.000+02:00

In view of the recent discussion about the "Swastika" type blocks, I thought this may be of interest to you.

Both Tonya, Hedgehog and subsequently Sassenach and her September edition of The Bent Needle pointed me in the direction of this article.

Daaa Daaaa!

2007-09-01T11:38:00.000+02:00

Took the offending blocks out and replaced with Britta's lovely blocks. Did a bit of moving about and we are ready for the off I think.

What do you think?

You see that metal basket thing holding up the top right hand corner of the sheet? As I was pinning the blocks on this fell on my nose. I now have a slightly swollen nose just below the bridge, and the handle of the wine bottle holder is bent!!!!

Comments Noted

2007-08-31T09:54:00.000+02:00

Thanks for your comments and advice on the Quilt in Progress post.

The blocks are coming out.

Funnily enough Alex asked the other day why I hadn't made any myself (ummmmmmmmmm !) so I think I will take a chance, cut these up and work them into other blocks.

Loosing it big time

2007-08-30T15:55:00.000+02:00

so can you help me!

At the annual Viveur's Summer Meet in July, the Quilts 4 Leukaemia block box was taken out to show them to everyone who was interested. Lots of oohhhhh's and ahhhhhh's.

BUT someone (not me) didn't put the blocks back in the correct bags. I have got 5 stray ones and I don't know who sent them. Some of the material is red and white stripes (a bit like mattress material). There is flowery material amongst the strips and a red fabric with swirls on it.

If you have sent me blocks within, say, the last 3/4 months can you point me in the direction of the post on your blog and I'll see if they match them up.

Siobhan - I know you sent me 2 but the material on the stray ones seems to match the ones that I know are yours. Did you send me more than 2?

Jen - did you send me any more and if so what is the material?

I need to know. Alex is designing the next quilt and I need names!!!!!!!!!!

Quilt (ing) or (in) Progress

2007-08-30T12:41:00.000+02:00

The work on Quilt No. 4 has started.

Alex got out the blocks last night and started playing. She selected 20 with a geometric theme and started pinning them up on the "design wall" (cough splutter).

Is it just me, or do those blocks in the top right and bottom left corners look like swastika's?

This quilt is being made for a nephew of Judy in the States who I came across on Stashbusters. She mentioned he had got leukaemia on the group sometime ago and I approached her off list to ask if she would mind if I made a quilt for him.

This is going to be alot quicker than the others as I am sending her the flimsy, top, or whatever you call it and she is going to finish it off.

Backing Up!

2007-08-23T15:35:00.000+02:00

Donated, via Quilter's Quarter, by Fairybread Jenni and her friend Margaret.

Quilter's Quarter

2007-08-10T12:05:00.000+02:00

You know I was on about Jenni's brilliant idea for those of you who can't sew, or haven't got the time to make a block for Quilts 4 Leukaemia?

The gift certificates have been flooding in.

The response has been amazing - you are all so very kind and generous.

There has been a bit of confusion with the certificates, notifying me, etc but I think that is finally sorted.

Anyway, the first box of goodies arrived yesterday.

More Blocks from Katja

2007-08-02T14:40:00.000+02:00

I'm getting a bit behind.

These blocks arrived on last Saturday and Katja also sent me a lovely dark red small FQ that I had admired on her blog.

Charity Blogger Award

2007-07-14T12:37:00.000+02:00

Imagine my surprise when I got back from the UK to discover that Christy over at www.writersreviews.com has given me a Charity Blogger Award. I was, to say the least, a bit overcome and the bottom lip trembled a bit.

Without everyone's help, and especially that of Jenni and Hedgehog, none of this would have happened. So I would just like to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you for your support, help and, of course, The Blocks!

I have now got to nominate 5 other bloggers for various categories on her list.

Who are they?

Well, you will just have to wait and see.

Three Girls - One Thought

2007-06-18T11:35:00.000+02:00

Jenni at Fairybread Quilts has put out a plea for Qs4L.

If you have been reading all about this little project of mine, but can't sew and want to help in some way, then this may be your chance.

So pop over to Jenni's blog and see what she is proposing.

Please Use Your Keyboard!

2007-06-18T08:54:00.001+02:00

I have been thinking about what to do with the beautiful beautiful crazy block from Hideko. It really is too beautiful to put in one of the quilts.

I thought about giving it to Sophie and Floyd as if it wasn't for Floyd I wouldn't be doing this in the first place.

But, I was thinking last night that perhaps the parents of one of the quilt recipients should have it as, after all, they are going through just as much hell as their child. The thought of watching my lovely Alex in such pain every day! What heartache these strong strong people must be going through I cannot imagine.

So, I need your help.

Do I send this to the parents of dear David who left us last month after a long battle;

does it go to Sophie's parents who are being so so brave for their beautiful little girl;

does it go to Rachel's parents who are, hopefully, nearing the end of their daughter's long fight with this disease; or

does it go to Kezia's Mum who must feel rather lost and lonely in a country where she doesn't speak the language and her husband is thousand's of miles away.

I haven't linked to Rachel's site as her mother has specifically asked me not to, but you may be able to find her journal if you click on the Caring Bridge link on the left.

Please use your keyboard!!!!!!!

One Happy Girl

2007-06-18T08:28:00.000+02:00

Rachel's Mum sent me this photo at the weekend.

Look at the smile on her face! It's pictures like this that make it all worthwhile.

More Blocks Arriving

2007-06-11T10:05:00.000+02:00

In my haste to get other things finished, I forgot to thank Fiona for her gorgeous blocks.

And a big thanks to Anne in Norway for her blocks too.

Rachel's Quilt was posted well over a week ago and as I haven't heard from Allison, I am getting a bit worried.

As for Kezia's quilt, Tonya over at Lazy Gal and I have a cunning plan :-)

David

2007-05-28T12:27:00.000+02:00

David passed away in the early hours of this morning.

His courage and bravery, his determination to live and to fight the disease has been an inspiration to those who have been reading his blog and have been sharing his last few weeks with him.

Please do not shed tears for David, he would not have wanted that. Instead play your favourite record and turn the sound up loud so that he can hear it.

Quilt No. 3

2007-05-09T13:52:00.000+02:00

A finish at long last!

This is Rachel's quilt and has well and truly wrapped the world, with blocks from America, Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, Turkey, and the UK.

J's Little People

2007-05-05T15:58:00.000+02:00

J's Quilting Blog: Little People

arrived in the post yesterday and I've fallen in love with them. The faces are so cute.

I am amazed at the speed of La Poste (the French postal system) and the efficiency. I am receiving so many envelopes and packages from around the world that Mr Le Facteur now knows that anything addressed to Clare, followed by the post code and the commune, France, gets to me.

Siobhan's Blocks

2007-04-27T10:02:00.000+02:00

arrived on Wednesday and very beautiful they are too.

Oh and I forgot to ask. Does anyone want the HTML for the Qs4L badge? If so, just shout and I'll send it to you.

Slowly but Surely Wrapping the World

2007-04-14T12:56:00.000+02:00

Woo Hoo! Norway has been added to the list. About time Hedgehog had a fellow Scandinavian person to keep her company.

So now we need South America, Russia, the Middle East, Asia and, perhaps, New Zealand and China. Anyone any ideas?

In the meantime, Doris's blocks have just arrived.

More Blocks

2007-04-12T10:14:00.000+02:00

These are from Bobby in the UK.

I have also received blocks from Annamaria in Italy.

It has taken me 2 days to upload these pictures so this post is short and sweet.

More as and when my ISP lets me!

These have just arrived in the post from Bea in Germany.

Sandra's blocks arrived the week before last, as did Teodolinda's. I have been promised blocks from Siobhan in the UK and Doris in Italy.

Italy is well on truly on the Quilts 4 Leukaemia map. So I think we should all give a big thank you to Simonetta, Teodolinda, Annamaria and Doris.

Davo update

2007-03-28T17:56:00.000+02:00

Hi everyone,

I thought I would let you know some news about Davo. As you know, Davo is terminally will with his form of leukaemia (CML) because with 2 - sadly failed - bone marrow transplants and endless amounts of chemo behind him, the leukaemia will not stay in remission. Davo has been on a last form of treatment - a chemo drug called Velban and there was a good chance that would give him a few extra years.

Unfortunately, the Velban is causing so many other problems and the indications are that it may not be holding back the blast cells as much as needed. Davo has suffered numerous setbacks due to his treatment and at the moment, he is still unable to use his legs because of previous infections.

He has come to an important decision in that he would not like to continue the chemo drug any more.

Please read Davo's thoughts in his own words here:
http://davidthewicked.blogspot.com

I am sure he would love to receive any comments!

I am behind Davo 100% and think he has made an incredibly courageous decision that involves not only himself but his parents and brother too. Quality of life is critical when you have a terminal illness or are battling any other serious condition.

Davo is coming over to stay with us in May when we are having a BBQ for those of us in the support group we're part of and also we bought tickets a few months ago for his fave band Pearl Jam! That's happening in June and we're counting down the days!!!

Love Soph x

A Big Welcome to .....

2007-03-23T13:49:00.000+01:00

.... little sis Sophie.

I am hoping that Soph will keep us up to date with the comings and goings of David, Rachel and any other recipients of the quilts who she is in contact with.

Quilts 5, 6 and 7

2007-03-21T09:07:00.000+01:00

will be going here,

here

and here.

Viks, one of the Post Pals team contacted me recently and asked me if I would make quilts for Jack, Chloe and Jacob.

As I now have 4.5 quilts to make up I am going to call a halt to the quilt donations for the time being.

That doesn't mean a halt to the blocks too. Keep them coming!

Carmiña's Block

2007-03-20T12:05:00.000+01:00

All the way from sunny Spain- isn't it gorgeous!

More Blocks

2007-03-17T08:40:00.000+01:00

These are Sandra's blocks. They haven't arrived here yet, but are on their way, together with un petit cadeau (can't wait!)

And these have been sent to me by Teodolinda in Italy

I think they are gorgeous and will certainly feature in Kezia's quilt.

Quilt Number 4

2007-03-16T09:59:00.000+01:00

Somewhere in Africa is Angus and the rest of his family is in Manchester. This is because his 3 year old daughter, Kezia, has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

Kezia's mother, Nandia, can hardly speak English, but Kezia can, and her brother, Jamie, is learning fast.

This little girl will be the recipient of the 4th quilt.

Rachel

2007-03-16T09:48:00.000+01:00

I have just been catching up on Sophie and Rachel's progress (Sophie is eating for Shropshire!) and noticed that Rachel's Mum has mentioned us.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page.