Addressing the Needs in Haiti
The world has watched in horror as events have unfolded in Haiti over the past two weeks. Our hearts go out to those who are experiencing suffering and loss. TQS has received numerous emails, and the biggest question has been "What can we do?"

The directors of ARJJ have been discussing what might be the best course of action. We've had to face the reality that we are not in the best position to implement and manage a relief project. One oft-repeated suggestion has been to collect and send quilts; however, based on available reports, a shipment of quilts at this time would likely result in crates sitting at the airport, taking up space for more urgently needed items, such as food, water, and medical supplies. To be frank, what is most needed for relief in Haiti right now is money. Monetary donations allow the organizations currently on site the freedom to access the situation and obtain the most critically needed items. If bedcovers are needed, these organizations can use cash donations to purchase them. We know that quilts are beautiful and comforting, but in a tropical country, they may not be the most practical donation, especially right now. 

We also feel that the money should go quickly and directly to reputable relief organizations. So, with that in mind, we encourage you to send money now, directly to the reputable organization of your choice. As a follow up, we would appreciate you telling us the organization you have given to...and why. Your post will provide a much-needed reference for those seeking a place to give, knowing that their donation is going to those in need and not being misdirected. There is no need to state how much you give: Just give, and then tell us to which organization you've given.

   
       Shoe Forms by Helen Heins Peterson                     Eclipse by Marge Maruelies

American Craft Council Show
Baltimore, Maryland
Feb 25-28, 2010 

Here's your opportunity to spend a weekend surrounded by some of the most talented crafters in America. The American Craft Council Show includes works in wood, textiles, and metal, as well as a host of other media. With more than 700 artists represented, you are sure to find something to inspire you as well as to tempt your pocketbook. To see more extraordinary craftwork being done by America's amazing artists, watch Craft In America here.

     Collage by wooliesoriginals

Baby's Corrugate by Kaffe Fassett

A New Blog Feature: Quilters Quips and Tips
You've probably heard a quilting horror story much like this one: A newbie quilter attends a quilt shop to take her first lessons in quilting. Everyone in the class will  make the same project: a lap quilt using a pattern that the teacher has created.  Everyone is instructed to bring his or her fabric to the class. Our newbie wants to use men's shirting fabric to create a quilt based on a quilt (by a very famous quilt designer) that she saw several years before. She has been collecting men's shirts in anticipation of making the quilt, and she is very excited to "jump in."

On the first day of class, the teacher declares in horror that "no one makes quilts out of men's shirts!" Hurt and embarrassed,  the newbie is pressured into purchasing fabric from the shop that is "more appropriate" for a quilt. Class proceeds for the rest of the day, with the students instructed to sew the strips of fabrics together in a specific order. Homework is given: Cut the sewn strips into blocks. Our newbie goes home and begins cutting. 

On the second day of class, everyone begins working with his or her blocks on a design wall.  Our newbie has made a few errors and it is once again noted (in front of the class) that her work is not "up to par" with her classmates. Our newbie decides that she actually likes the fact that her quilt has a more random pattern. This does not go over well with the teacher. 

Although wounded, our newbie decides to  press on anyway. She has decided that, despite this experience, she will continue to work on her quilt...but she is very hesitant to take another class. 

We know that experiences like this are the exception to the rule, and that there are so many fantastic teachers who give so generously of their time and skills. We'd like you to tell us about some of your good experiences by sharing the best quilting advice you've been given. To do this, we are launching a new discussion area in the Daily Blog called Quilters Quips and Tips. 

Every Wednesday and Thursday, we will offer a discussion question and let YOU, our TQS members, share what you have learned through the years. If it is advice from a teacher, please let us know the name of the teacher. We hope you'll join us this Wednesday when we discuss pins; we look forward to hearing from you!

Heating Pad courtesy of chezlarrson

Tip of the Week:  Quilted Heating Pad
Tight and aching shoulders are often the result of having spent too many hours hunched over the computer or sewing machine. Find relief with a quilted heating pad--we it found here-- that can be whipped up in less than an hour. The outer decorative shell is made using small scraps of fabric. (We know you have lots of those in your stash!)  Make several pads to keep on hand at home, or for gifts when you want to give a special "quilty" gift. For directions, visit Projects here...and thank you to TQS member chezlarsson for sharing this great idea.

If you have a great quilty idea you'd like to share, send it to us here.

Make a Vest with Carol Doak!

Creating a flattering and one-of-a-kind vest can be challenging even for the most experienced of quilters. Carol Doak has taken the guesswork and frustration out of the process and offers it in her newly updated classic, Easy Reversible Vests. This terrific book includes not only full-size pullout vest patterns and projects, but a host of paper- pieced blocks to help you in designing your own custom garment. To find this and other quilting books, visit the Shoppe here.