Dear Jamie, I am grandfathered in because a.) I used to live in Arizona and b.) I live in South West Colorado. So, I think if you are South West of anywhere, and especially if you are you (Jaime!) then you are welcome here, too!

What a lovely thing SOH is doing. I'm not going to jump in because I also don't quilt (yet), but I keep on thinking I might someday. And, I'm getting myself involved in so many things that I don't want to over-commit and be overwhelmed. But, keep reminding us... maybe at some point I might be ready!

Anyway, Welcome!!

...but, but, but.....you don't have to do the quilting part, just the top layer of one square. Inky and I are not good... we just like the fun of it. Doesn't take much time either.

Inky! gotta luv a Spoo who likes to sew! Lexie will be very impressed. Actually Lexie really likes it when I sew and quilt 'cause she knows I'm going to be in one place for some time.

Jamie, this looks like a really nice project. I'm really, really bad with "have to's"... "meeting deadlines" and working within the rules but this could work for me.... since I probably need a little more structure in my life than when I was working 9-5.

I'll read up on all you've posted. I have 3 projects I must finish/start before I take on an "obligation" but, this could work. I've been quilting off and on for decades and really like it.

And what Brenda said, Welcome and please hang out with us.... after all WI is south and west of somewhere!

Good. Actually they don't even want the squares quilted because the different styles and skill levels make it too difficult to put together. The next one will likely be a Christmas project so blocks won't be due for some time yet. We are just getting the fall squares in (even though they were due 8/31). So instructions for winter will likey be a few weeks out yet. I'd post a photo of Inky's fall square but I can't because they haven't been voted on yet. It's quite primative though. He wanted to do more but I got tired of threading needles (he has trouble with that part).

Some of my favorite quilters/quilt designers are men. There are some very famous male quilters. I can do a Christmas quilt I think. Lexie and I will look into participating.

Does Inky piece his quilt by paw? Lexie and I have a sewing machine.

Well, last time we dug out the portable sewing machine (I actually have 3 but the cabinet ones are in the basement under piles of mom stuff yet) but this time I thought it would be easier (less messy) to do the whole thing by paw. ....ummm...NOT! Very primative, looks like a sampler and if that were true early last century, it would be clear that neither of us would qualify as a potentially perfect wife!

Oh!!!!!
If I'd only known. I wasn't aware of that part of "perfect wife".... no wonder I failed!! Twice!! Maybe Lexie can improve my stats!

I'd like to join this group. I need deadlines because I am a major procrastinator. So all we do is sew the block? Out of particular fabrics?

Jamie, we are very VERY happy you're here.

Awww shucks Becky

Backing fabric is all the same. It depends on the project what happens in the front. For the applicque types, the front fabric or a selection of up to 3 have been provided. For the pieced quilts while the back is the same, the front is up to the person making the block. Oringinally the back piece would be mailed out but there was some problem with some people doing the 'quilting' part then that was all different and batt was different and they became harder to assemble so now they just set a theme and send out the from piece if one is needed and the instructions are posted. The fall one that we are working on is applique so a front piece of neutral fabric measuring 14" sq. (for a finished design of 12" sq.) arrived, the rest was up to us. The only instruction was that it should be applique, fabrics used should be washable cotton, no buttons or other loose decorations, and it should have a fall theme. When done, they are sent back to the person who will assemble and a small donation for materials and expenses is optional. Before assembly the squares are posted (the fall ones should all be in this week) for voting. The winning square gets the quilt when it is finished to donate to the charity of choice.

It's just fun! The 'toys for tots' efforts are completely up to those who make them (or they can be purchased for the cause too), they just need to meet the requirments of the fire department for donation (things like no button eyes, etc.) I have not made a stuffed animals yet but here are some examples: http://cubits.org/craftycubit/... http://cubits.org/craftycubit/... http://cubits.org/craftycubit/... http://cubits.org/craftycubit/... and delivery to the Fire department day: http://cubits.org/craftycubit/...

edited to correct links

I will go join in now. Sounds fairly easy once I get the hang of it! Thanks so much for all of this information.

Becky, I just posted a plea for getting started on the Christmas quilt (even though the fall one is not done yet). The only concern is that SOH came out of a sort of joint discussion and I don't think we have a 'head' yet. I will write Seray and Taters55, because they have been doing assembly to see how we get 'recruits' in before a project is defined. We also need to stimulate other good quilters to do assembly. Right now I think, just come over to http://cubits.org/craftycubit/... express interest and ask how to join. I really want to see thios group carry on in an organized format.

I peeked in and there was so much chatter that I just kinda gave up, Jamie. I'll try again with your link. I love the idea of creating a quilt that can be used for chart but I'm so busy right now, I just wanted to cut to the chase.

I asked to join, too. Ran into my very old friend Smiley from the "Gypsy Camp"...

Yes, I have emailed a couple of the 'leaders' saying I would help but we need an organized 'sign up' and 'assignment' method. problem is/was, we were all just a bunch of interested individuals and there is not yet a management fuction; we have just gone project by project and since we all chat too, it makes it difficult for new individuals to join in. Sit tight, I'll see if the rest want to get more organzed to keep the effort alive.

Susie and I are both over there and I probably won't chat a lot due to other cubits I'm involved with and ATP, full time school and part time work. But I'd love to make a quilt clock.

Last night I watched CNN's tribute to 911 and it was really well done. They probably will re-air it. Then I watched The History Channel for an hour and a half. They showed things I don't recall ever seeing. I cried on and off but I think never forgetting is all about seeing what horrific things happened to America ten years ago.

America was so unified back then. I'd love to see that unity return.

Shame we need 'diaster' to stimulate that. 10m years ago...I was ready to leave for work and went to turn the TV off just as the first plane hit. I just stood there mouth agape not knowing. After the 2nd hit, I called work (because I was late ...like it mattered) and the contoller answered, he noted that the buildings could not fall. I drove in to work and most of the company had stopped and were standing in the lunch room circled around the TV, we watched the buildings fall. The head engineer offered to lead a prayer and those who wanted walked out front to the flag pole, the maintenance man lowered the flag to half mast, and most everyone prayed together. Then, it was a quiet day. The newscasts have said that everyone would remember. We do.

I was getting ready for work too. Stood in front of the TV just out of the shower. Agape.

I worked in global security for a financial services corporation HQ'd at Ground Zero. I've kept the emails from NYC colleagues accounting for their experiences that day. The single most haunting theme that goes through each account is the sound of the bodies hitting various surfaces. I knew people who were here in Phoenix from Brighton, U.K. who desperately tried to return home. Our skies were shut down but they figured out they could drive to Canada and catch planes home from there. We worked on this event for years after. The intelligent resolve was amazing. My company lost 11 people.

Time and God will heal those who experienced such loss. +All of us+.

+Never Forget+

It is a shame, Jamie, that disaster has to be the thing that unifies us. Susie, I'm sorry you lost people from your company. I personally didn't know anyone that died that day.

Oh but we all sort of did..."Six Degrees of Separation" you know. (That's what unifies us.)