One Million Pillowcase Challenge Update

We just checked in with the Counter for the One Million Pillowcase Challenge and added even more pillowcases that have been generously donated by our customers! To date, we have added 583 pillowcases to the national total. We are hoping to have donated 1,000 pillowcases by December 31, 2010 and we need your help to achieve this goal.

I noticed when I went to the website that there have been a total of 167,942 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. We are definitely doing our part to help in this worthwhile effort.

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.

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. Seana picked out a nice Asian style fabric to make a pillowcase for this project. You can order a kit just like it at our pillowcase kits page! Isn't it beautiful? The best part is that right now, our pillowcase kits are on sale--buy one kit, get the second half price. The sale price will not show up in our webstore. All you have to do is enter the phrase pillowcase kit sale in the comments section of your web order and we'll take care of the discount on our end when your order is received.

Let's Have Patchwork Party

Time to celebrate! Patchwork Party 2010 has begun!

Fall Edition 2010 brings you twelve shops with twelve beautiful blocks, all designed by Marti Michell using her beautiful fabric collection Wild Rose by Maywood. This line of fabric is absolutely gorgeous with its old-fashioned roses and charming coordinates.

Our block is called Ladies Sashay, a reference to square dancing. And since this block sort of looks like a traditional Hole in the Barn Door quilt block, the reference to an old-fashioned barn dance seemed appropriate.

The way it works is simple. You visit each of the 12 quilt shops in the party to collect that shops' exclusive quilt block. Each shop has also designed a Finishing Kit that uses all 12 of the blocks. You decide which Finishing Kit you want to make and then you have a fabulously good time making your quilt.

Our Finishing Kit is called Meet Me in the Meadow. If you're a fan of the Twilight book and movie series, then you know that the meadow is where Edward and Bella fell in love. The fabrics in this quilt are so romantic, we couldn't resist the idea of having a beautiful quilt in the meadow. My daughter Melissa designed it; my daughter Seana pieced it; and Linda Perry of Artistically Quilted by Linda machine quilted it. Measuring 83" x 83", this queen-sized quilt is quite eye-catching and attractive, don't you think?



This Patchwork Party uses Marti Michell Templates Set M and Set S. The paper templates you need are included with each quilt block pattern; however, acrylic templates are also available. For added convenience, Marti has put together a combination template set consisting of the templates in both Set M and Set S. Set S is totally new on the market, making its debut at the same time as Patchwork Party Fall Edition 2010.

In addition to the quilt, we have created matching coordinates, including a wall quilt and matching pillowcases.

If you like to sew, you will love working with the fabric, blocks and templates in this year's Patchwork Party.