We are very excited to be working with In the Beginning to put together some charity quilts at this year’s Meetup. In the Beginning is the manufacturer of the gorgeous Modern Solids that we all know and love. They have donated modern solids in a variety of PNW colors – blues, greens, greys, and browns – so we can make improv forest blocks. It doesn’t get much more Northwest than that, does it?!

So what should you make? We’d like to collect tree and water-related improv blocks that will be put together into some great forest-filled PNW quilts. We are excited to see what you come up with but we will also have some sample blocks on display at the sew in for a little inspiration. Here are a few to get the inspiration flowing:

Sample blocks made by Ara Jane, Debbie J., Louise, and Allison D.

We will be asking Meetup-goers to make finished 10 x 10” (so 10.5 x 10.5” unfinished) or 5 x 10” / 10 x 5” (5.5 x 10.5” unfinished) blocks. If you could make at least 10 x 10” worth of finished blocks that would be wonderful. We will have fabric kits with instructions at the registration desk when you check in at Meetup and blocks can be turned in at the Sew In on Saturday or the demo on Sunday. We would love to have back any large scraps also, to be used in the construction of the quilts and backings.

Need a little extra incentive? In the Beginning has also donated a few extra prizes for people who participate in this charity challenge! Be sure to put your name in the drawing for each 5 x 10” section you turn in (2 tickets for each 10 x 10”!) to be eligible for these special prizes. We’d love to collect as many as possible during Meetup but we understand that not everyone will be able to finish their blocks over the weekend. Please email Allison (programs at seattlemodernquiltguild.com) for a mailing address if you need to send them after Meetup – must be postmarked by Sept 5^th to be entered in the drawing.

As for the charity these will be donated to, that is still to be decided but we would definitely like to keep them in the Northwest. We are taking suggestions if you have one. Talk to Allison D. at Meetup.