Quilter's Safari Shop Hop Begins Today!

It's Back to Africa for Eunice P. Fogbottom and her cohorts! Quilter's Safari Shop Hop begins today and continues through May 1st. If you are a quilter/sewing enthusiast and live anywhere near the Mid-Willamette Valley of Oregon, you will want to participate in this "Off the Beaten Path" shop hop.

For one thing, there are some really fun shops participating in this Hop. Some of them maybe you don't get to very often, but you should, if only to see what's new and what they have to offer. For another, more door prizes are awarded during this Hop than any other you will ever go on. Your chances of winning a door prize are HUGE. All you have to do is gather up a bunch of your friends, find the car keys, and hit the road. Don't forget to bring Grandma or others who don't get out too often. Each shop has fabulous samples of quilts and other projects hanging on the walls so it will be like a miniature Quilt Show every time you get out of the car. Your Grandma (or Mom, or Aunt, or neighbor) would love that! Your husband might even agree to tag along if you bribe him with some special treat along the way. (Then again, maybe he's better left at home! You decide.)

Grandma's Attic is the northern most shop participating in the hop. If you live north of Dallas, Oregon, you can start at our shop and work your way South. Or you could choose to start in the South and work your way home. Either way, it's going to be a fun day filled with quilt shops and fabric. You can start at any of the shops along the way.

Our Hop continues through May 1st. Click here for additional details!

One Million Pillowcases Challenge Update

We just checked in with the Counter for the One Million Pillowcase Challenge and added 14 pillowcases that have been generously donated by our customers!

I noticed when I went to the website that there have been a total of 59,245 pillowcases donated nationwide. Click here to see the current national pillowcase count. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the donors who are helping us give pillowcases to the non-profit organizations in Polk County.

Throughout 2010, Grandma's Attic is asking you to make pillowcases and bring them to the shop where they will be donated to Polk County Area non-profit organizations. Each pillowcase is counted; then sent to the agencies. I'll put photos of the pillowcases donated to date on the blog this weekend--just as soon as I can get Stephen or Kyle to stop in with a camera to take photos.

If you'd like to get ideas for pillowcases that you can make, American Patchwork & Quilting has free pillowcase patterns available. Patterns are updated quarterly so there's bound to be something that catches your interest. You can make your pillowcases from any 100% cotton fabrics that you have or purchase. I think the only requirement is that they be standard size, clean, and something that you yourself would be proud to use!

Thank you for considering this worthwhile cause. I picked out a bright red fabric with puppies on it to make a pillowcase for this project. You can order a kit just like it at our pillowcase kits page! Isn't it cute?

Color of Peace Quilt Challenge

For some time now, Grandma's Attic has been holding Quilt Challenges to support Sable House, our local domestic violence shelter. The themes have all revolved around "The Color of" concept. We skipped the challenge last year, but the year before that we held The Color of Love. We've also done the Color of Courage, The Color of Healing and the Color of Hope.

Entry packets for this year's theme, The Color of Peace, include five theme fabrics, challenge rules, and an entry form. All proceeds from the sale of the packets go directly to Sable House. The maximum quilt size for quilts entered into the challenge should not exceed 180 total inches when all sides are added together; however, there is no minimum size requirement. Each quilt must incorporate all theme fabrics, although the amount used is up to you. The remainder of the fabric used can be quilter's choice.

Quilts are due in to Grandma's Attic by July 15, 2010 where they will be displayed from July 17-31, 2010. The general public will be invited to vote for their favorites. Winners will be selected by customer ballot (one vote per viewer) based on Best Interpretation of Theme and Best Use of Color. (Remember, this is the general public, not professional quilt judges, so don't be afraid to enter.) First Place prize is $100 gift certificate to Grandma's Attic; Second Place prize is $50 gift certificate; Third Place is a $25 gift certificate. In addition, Best Interpretation of Theme will win a five yard fabric bundle and Best Use of Color will receive a Gift Baskets filled with color tools.

Quilts will also be displayed at the Polk County Fair in Rickreall, Oregon August 12-15, 2010 , and on display at other locations as well. All quilts will be returned to their owners by September of 2010.

If you'd like to participate in this quilt challenge, you can purchase a packet either at the shop or on the web.