A quilting project for families in Middle Tennessee who lost their homes to flooding
(Music credit: "folding chair" by Regina Spektor sold here)
Our Mission:
Not everyone can be on the front lines of an effort like flood cleanup and rebuilding, but we believe that there is always a way to help. So many families lost their homes, cars, and all their belongings during the floods of May 2010 in Middle Tennessee. As they begin their rebuilding process, we hope to combine the efforts of generous quilters nationwide in order to make as many quilts as possible to distribute to families who are in need of new items for their homes. It is a simple mission, but its one that we hope will be far reaching and one that will give homemade comfort to as many people as possible.
How You Can Help:
Just like any good charitable effort it all starts on your very own block. In this case it starts with your quilt block!
If you're a quilter:
We are accepting unfinished 12.5in x 12.5in quilts blocks (12in x 12in finished) preferably in a monochromatic color scheme (or two main harmonious colors, like red/orange, or blue/green etc.) in any patchwork style that you'd like. Please also keep in mind that just because we are asking for blocks that are relatively singular in color, that we still encourage all shades, including neutrals and murkier tones, i.e. it doesn't have to be just rainbow brights. There is no limit to how many blocks you can send.
If you're a quilt shop or a quilt guild:
You can most certainly help to spread the word by printing out Rainbow Around the Block info sheets posting them in your business and distributing to customers or fellow quilters. You could also serve as a drop-off spot for the quilt blocks and once you've collected several for each of the deadlines we'll help you get them shipped to us. Just email rainbow@annamariahorner.com for help with the details.
If you're a (semi)local Nashvillian:
With the help of some local Nashville volunteers, we will assemble the quilt blocks to make as many quilts as possible. Please contact us to let us know about your willingness to help out at rainbow@annamariahorner.com
If you have some new or lightly used quilts that you don't need:
We will also accept donations of completed quilts in any size or style.
If you just want to help but don't sew:
At the request of several (mostly good-hearted non-sewing individuals!), we've also created a Paypal account that can receive monetary donations in any amount to help us offset some of the costs, such as shipping and materials, that will arise out of running this project. You can make a donation with your Paypal account or credit card by clicking the DONATE button below and thank you so much for doing so. Any funds raised above the Rainbow Around the Block project needs will be donated to an organization to help feed hungry families in Middle Tennessee.
Details & Deadlines:
Since not too many people need the warmth of a quilt during the hot Tennessee summer, we have time on our side. But with that in mind we've set three submission deadlines for your blocks, so that we can begin the assembling process early and have it all wrapped up by the fall. You can submit to one or all block deadlines which are as follows:
July 1, 2010: first block deadline
August 1, 2010: second block deadline
September 1, 2010: last block deadline
Please send your blocks to:
Anna Maria Horner
attn: RAINBOW
1730 Old Hickory Blvd
Brentwood, Tn. 37027
When you send in your blocks, please provide us with your email address so that we can offer you a proper thank you and also provide us with your website or blog address so that we can induct you into the Rainbow Makers hall of fame (below)! (We will not give out your info or put your email address on any other mailing list other than news related directly to this project. Promise.)
Resources & Contact
*For any inquiries, suggestions, or if you'd like to send us info about a family that you know is in need please send an email to rainbow@annamariahorner.com
*Please click on this pdf link to download a Rainbow Around the Block info sheet. Feel free to print these out and distribute to quilters in your area or drop off at your local quilt shop.
Block Inspiration!
*Please visit and join the Rainbow Around the Block flickr group to post pictures of blocks that you've made, view other quilt blocks, post questions, start discussions about the project and more!
*We sat down as a family here at the Horner House to get the kids involved with designing blocks (more about it on my blog) and I'm turning some of the kids designs into block templates for you to use. Click on the following links to download instructions:
Joseph's Block
Isabela's Block
Rainbow Makers
Thank you to the following individuals, shops, businesses and groups who have already pledged their time, materials, services or sewing:
| Alexia Abegg HOBBS Bonded Fibers Westminster Fibers Jody Sanders Melissa Peda Diana Kinder Rhonda Ferrell Nancy Reding Jody Sullivan Karina Eichmann Renee Ford Holly Verdeguer Pieces of Rana's Life Ann Aalgaard Natalie Leppard City Craft Whipstitch Fabrics Ronit Stahl Megan Williams Stella Rogers Kathy Henderson Jenn Grigoryev Elizabeth Flecha Rachel Hauser Anne York | Mary Claire Allen Mary Goodwin Katrina McCurdy Isolde Stringham Paula Broucast Michaele A. Pleiss Scott Hansen Jaye A. H. Lapachet Vickie Angell Deirdre Wells Tamami Stump Lorena Soto-Puckett Peg Cawley April Hunt Christina Sullivan Mary Lynn Demacopoulos Jennifer King Theresa Philbin Sarah Hibner Ilaria Serra Maggie Cunningham Jennifer Willoughby Lorraine Hossack Nancy Caleshu Laura Beverly | Dana Chadick Sherri D. Nancy Connors Mary Weblin Julie Zauone Stiller Cherie Moore Evelyn Chambers Janeth Valley Mari van Veldhuizen Amanda Woodruff Rhonda Ferrell Sally Prokopec Darlis Johns Mary Carroll Linda Nussbaum The Modern Marigold Sue Schwabauer Lindsay Kinney Pat Torgromson Genie Robinson Prym Consumer USA Tracy Smith Xu He Scrappy Quilters of Calhoun |
copyright © 2007, 2008, 2009 Anna Maria Horner