To Orlando with love #QuiltsforPulse

I often feel a bit overwhelmed by all the negativity in the world. I do what I can to help- taking food to the food bank, defacing racist graffiti, recycling everything, and donations to charity- that sort of thing. But I've been thinking to try and put my QuiltyKilty skills to use.

My husband's workpal bakes, and raises money for different charities each month- "baking for a better world" he calls it. I've also been priveleged to meet Linda Macdonald, who started Malawi Underpriveleged Mothers after asking herself "but what can I do?" and collating a charity recipe book that went on to sell tens of thousands of copies. 

These ideas are great- do what you love doing and spread the good will ("spread" get it? like bedspread.. haha..oh ok, I'll get my coat). I've made quilts for charities before - like the quilt for Malawi Underpriveleged Mothers, and a split 9-patch for Alzheimers Scotland, so maybe I can "sew for a better world".

My lovely pal Emily from Brighten Up heard about my idea, and has been sending me scraps from her business to make quilts with. (If you need a lamp/ceiling shade, I would highly recommed Brighten Up, my flat is full of Emily's funky shades and they always get loads of compliments.)

So I made a scrappy rainbow quilt. Here 'tis:

I used loads of different techniques for the 9 inch blocks

I was struggling to think how I was going to sell or raffle it off and which cause it should go to. That same week there was the masacre at Pulse Nighclub, in Orlando, USA. I have LGBTI+ friends, and this act of hatred made me feel sick to the core.

It wasn't hard for me to make the choice to donate the quilt to #QuiltsforPulse, when my local fabric store Fabric Focus put a post on their Facebook group calling for rainbow heart quilts for the survivors, friends and family of the tragedy.

Kevin from Fabric Focus holding up my donated quilt

To keep with the 'rainbow hearts' theme I appliqued two patchwork rainbow hearts onto the quilt. And I've added a wee label on the back.

I hope it brings someone involved with the tragedy a little comfort to know that people on the other side of the world are thinking of them, and are rallying behind them- doing whatever they can do, even if that's just sewing.

If you want to get involved- visit The Modern Quilt Guild for details.