Hearts

Christchurch update January 2012 -
Please pass on the biggest thank you and the hugest hug to all those that have given us love and warmth through the hundreds of quilts from all of us here is Christchurch.  At the moment we are not in need of any more quilts but I would suggest that the quilters make some up and hold onto them until such time (heaven forbid) they are needed and that way you can send them straight out without having to wait until a quilt is completed.

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Nothing beats a quilt for love, security and comfort.

Many quilts have been handed over to those affected by the earthquake.  Everyone is totally blown away with the quilts and they all express so much gratitude for the love and time taken to create such wonderful outward signs of caring.
However still more are more needed as the winter cold settles on Christchurch.  Many homes are still without reliable heating and power.   If you or your quilt group can send completed quilts, scroll down to the bottom of the page for the contact in Christchurch who will ensure your quilt/s reach the people in need.

These quilts will bring much needed solace to those who are hurting at the moment.

Often when a call for healing hearts go out, we often forget the size etc so I've written a free pattern for the Healing Heart blocks that include three different styles of hearts.
Once your group has made the hearts you may want some ideas of how to sew them together.  This free pattern gives you four ideas for sewing your Healing Hearts blocks together.










The recipient is often amazed at the variety of the hearts and the messages or even where they hearts have come from.  So don't forget to put your name on the block plus your city and/or country.

This block has the text stitched from the sewing machine and a simple buttonhole stitch secures the heart. 

These blocks can be stitched by hand or machine.







The fabric chosen for the heart can reflect who the recipient of the quilt may be.  Perhaps a soft romantic floral, a masculine plaid or bright 'I spy' image for a child's quilt.

To sign your name you could also use a fine indelible felt pen.

This heart was stitched with a feather stitch.








Fun, quirky fabric may bring a smile to someone who hasn't smiled in a long time.

These are just ideas to get you started.  Please do not send me your Healing heart blocks, but find other quilters and perhaps have a quilting day to sew together all the blocks with or without sashing.

Once the dust has settle there may be someone or some group who will step forward and liason with those in need and as soon as I find out who they are I will post them on this website.





Who to send your completed quilts to:

The contact in Christchurch is Julie Rose and she will ensure that your quilt is given to someone who has lost a loved one, been injured in the earthquake or needs special love and reassurance.

Julie's contact details are:
Julie Rose, 63 Wychbury Street, Spreydon, Christchurch 8024
email: [email protected]

July 2011 - Julie has written again and she realises that still more quilts are needed as Christchurch is settling into a cold winter.  However, Julie has asked if only completed quilts are now sent.   If you are worried about freight, enquire with Julie as some groups have been working with freight companies who have been giving their services free of charge.

January 2012 - Julie has written to me:
We have had such a huge response with the quilts it has just been mind blowing. We have distributed over 500 quilts and there have also been other quilting groups bringing quilts into Christchurch that I have not even seen, so as wonderful as it has been I think we are probably quilted out.
I would suggest that the quilters make some up and hold onto them until such time (heaven forbid) they are needed and that way you can send them straight out without having to wait until a quilt is completed.
Please pass on the biggest thank you and the hugest hug to all those that have given us love and warmth through the hundreds of quilts from all of us here is Christchurch.