Blanket America Set to Help a Million in Need

On January 20^th, 2009, almost exactly one year ago, Barak Obama took the stage to give his first speech as President of the United States. The country was in turmoil after the crash of the housing market and the credit crunch fully hit home. It was painfully obvious that the hardest times in generations were now upon us.

Obama's campaign was built on hope and the promise of change. What he told us next was that the change would have to begin at home. "What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility—a recognition, on the part of every American." For the first time in a long time, the American public accepted the truth. That responsibility is not a dirty word, but a truism. It truly hit home that night how much trouble our nations was in. Obama asked us for unity and explained to us that the racial, ethnic and religious segregation we subject ourselves too has got to stop. "Our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness."

That night, millions of people across the globe watched as Obama spelled out the true situation at hand. He was calling our nation to action, calling us to unite as one. Mesh Gelman, a Manhattan bed, bath and window covering store owner was in his shop watching the address with his design team. When the words "patchwork heritage" were spoken, he got an idea. What if the greatest economy in human history matched what it consumed with what it donated? That night, Gelman and his team vowed to answer Obama's call to action.

In the coming months, the Patchwork Heritage quilt was born and the Blanket America charitable organization created. Gelman based his charity on the assumption that more would be donated if the consumer got something in return. Therefore, Blanket America would offer the Patchwork Heritage quilt for sale and with every sale made the proceeds would go to buy a warm blanket for someone in need. Soon, the idea caught on and big name organizations gathered in support of the cause. This January, almost one year to the day after President Barak Obama's speech was made, the collection will be released to the public. All in all, it a perfect way to raise to the challenge that Obama set before us. http://www.blanketamerica.com

Commemorative Quilts, Mattress Size and Quilt Design Options

If you are a first timer quilt maker, you are about to embark on a project that will consume considerable amounts of time and creative resources. Before you begin, check out your options for quit design. Is this quilt going to be a gift? The most valued gifts are those that commemorate special events in loved ones lives, historic moments or memorialize a national event or holiday.

Knowing standard mattress sizes is the first step to beginning to plan your quilt. Below is a list of standard bed mattress measurements:

1)      Crib Mattress Size: 28" by 52"

2)      Twin Mattress Size: 39" by 75"

3)      Long Twin Mattress Size: 36" by 80"

4)      Full Mattress Size: 54" by 75"

5)      Queen Mattress Size: 60" by 80"

6)      King Mattress: 76" by 80"

7)      California King Mattress Size: 72" by 84"

Queen sizes mattresses are the most common, so if you're not sure of what size to make, queen is usually a safe bet. Now you need to decide how much of a drop you want on your quilt. That is, how far down should the quilt hang over each side of the bed for the best look? Does the recipient use a dust ruffle on their bed? If so, it may be a good idea to choose a design that stops on the edge of the mattress and has a drop that extends two to three inches over the top edge of the dust ruffle.

Now it is time to choose a pattern. There are dozens of websites that offer free quilt patterns. What are you commemorating? If you have yet to decide what occasion to commemorate, look for famous quilts to get ideas from. Classic designs are the double wedding ring pattern and drunkards path. Special appliqués are also popular and are a great way to commemorate a holiday or birth of a baby.

One of the hottest new quilts on the market today is the Patchwork Heritage quilt. It is made from thirteen different fabrics that represent the thirteen original colonies. The quilt is made by Blanket America and is part of a collection that includes shams and decorative pillows. To see pictures of the quilt, go to blankets.

Are you planning on making matching pillow cases or shams? If so, you will need to know what pillow size to use. The best shams reflect the design of the quilt and use accent colors that perfectly offset the colors used in the quilt. Now that you have decided what will work best for you, all you have to do is start!

Poverty in America

Since the recession began in 2008, much about our nation has changed. It's not an underestimate to say that the recession has hit everyone like a sledge hammer. Just like at home, money problems can destroy unity. It is estimated that thirty five million Americans are living in poverty. When President Barak Obama gave his presidential inaugural address, he said "what is required of us now is a new era of responsibility—a recognition, on the part of every American."

Those words brought on an onslaught of volunteerism. But many in America have yet to do their part. The most helpful activities Americans can partake in are helping charities with donated goods, volunteering time; spending to stimulate the economy while at the same time saving to avoid financial disaster and creating jobs.

There are many opportunities to help charities. Throughout the nation, homeless shelters are full and food banks are running low. Donations of food and money are always welcomed at these establishments. Items such as shampoo, diapers, wipes and feminine hygiene products are also desperately needed at food banks and shelters, though rarely received.

Food kitchens are another type of deserving charity that is in constant need of help. Soup kitchens rarely have enough volunteers to cook and clean. Food donations are also desperately needed. By helping charities such as these, you also help yourself. If you are one of the millions that were laid off as a result of the recession, you need a way to stand out among the competition in order to secure new employment. Volunteering is a great way to network, and an excellent way to promote yourself on your resume.

There is also a new charity called Blanket America that was formed in late 2009 as a response to President Barak Obama's call to action. The Blanket America charitable organization created the Patchwork Heritage Collection, which is a buy one, give one charity. Not only do consumers help themselves by purchasing a commemorative statement quilt, but they help others through their purchase. Every quilt sold results in the donation of a warm blanket to someone in need. Gifts in Kind International, one of the nations biggest and best run charitable organizations, is acting as an intermediary to distribute the donated blankets. To learn more about how you can help Blanket America reach its goal of one million blankets donated, visit http://www.blanketamerica.com

Obama's Inaugural Speech Inspires Change

One year ago, President Barak Obama gave his inaugural address to record crowds. His campaign was run on the promise of hope and change. With the anniversary of his speech upon us, it's time to reflect on the past years events in order to take stock of where we are in our lives. What has Barak Obama done for this nation? By some estimates: nothing. But by others: everything.  What did that speech change about the lives of Americans?

The presidential inaugural address was a call to action for the American people. Obama made it clear that in our current situation it would take the help of each individual American to make a change within our nation. Obama said, "what is required of us now is a new era of responsibility—a recognition, on the part of every American" and "starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."

With that call to action came a wave of response. American volunteerism surged and is still running strong. Immediately after that speech was made, food banks that were critically low began to slowly fill back up. Homeless shelters received much needed donations and charitable organizations that were nearly defunct due to high demand were given hope for tomorrow.

But, nearly a year later, some of those donations and food drives have slowed. Due to the economic recession and the war, our nation is facing times some are comparing to the Great Depression. That is why the Blanket America charitable organization was formed. The Patchwork Heritage quilt was created with the idea of uniting America under one blanket. Blanket America has come up with the perfect response to the presidential call to action.

When Obama said, "we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness," Mesh Gelman and his design crew created the Patchwork Heritage quilt to benefit charity. For every quilt sold, a new fleece blanket is donated to charity. Gifts in Kind International, one of the largest charitable organizations in America, is acting as an intermediary to distribute the donated blankets to Americans in need. Their goal is to help one million Americans in need throughout the next year. To learn about how you can help, visit http://www.blanketamerica.com

How to Make a Commemorative Quilt

Since our nation's infancy, commemorative quilts have been a part of our national conversation. From American flag quilts to double wedding ring patterns, quilts have been used as a platform to make a statement. Quilting declined after the 1960's, as women entered the workforce and their spare time was eaten up. Since the Great Recession began in 2008 though, sewing of all types is on the rise. Our nation is once again picking up an old American tradition. Unfortunately, quilting is no longer taught to us as children, so it is up to us to learn as adults. If you follow these steps you can begin to learn the intricacies of quilting.

1)      Choose a quilting pattern that commemorates the life event, political statement or holiday that you are trying to memorialize. There are dozens of websites where free quilt patterns can be found. Fabric stores also carry patterns.

2)      Choose an appropriate fabric. Most quilts are made from quilting cotton, but other fabrics can be used too. Crazy quilts, for example, are often made from satins and velvets. You will want to choose a fabric that will not fade or shrink and can stand up to normal wear and tear. Don't forget to buy batting and fabric for backing. The thicker the batting, the warmer the quilt. Your backing material will need to be at least 4 inches larger than your quilt face.

3)      Cut out your quilt blocks. Be sure to cut out enough blocks of each color to complete your quilt. The more colors you choose, the more complex the pattern.

4)      Iron your blocks and crease the edges with a 1/4 inch fold. Be sure that the fold is straight. Sew your blocks together in strips. Set your sewing machine to 1/4 inch seam allowance. Most beginners don't realize there is a difference in the seam allowance of clothing and quilting. The 1/4 inch seam allowance will ensure that your quilt has a smooth surface. Now sew your strips together to form the face of the quilt.

5)      Lay all three layers of your quilt out on top of each other. The backing material should be laid down on the bottom; your quilt face should be laid face down on top of the backing and the batting material on top.

6)      Sew together your layers using a sewing machine. Sew three sides of the quilt together completely, but on the fourth side, leave a two foot opening. Turn your quilt right side out and finish the edge by hand.

7)      Sew the layers together using matching or contrasting thread. Begin in the middle of the quilt and work your way out. You can do this by hand or by machine.

The Patchwork Heritage quilt is an excellent example of a modern day commemorative quilt. To learn more about the Patchwork Heritage quilt and how it helps charity, visit blanket.  http://www.blanketamerica.com

Blanket America Continues Tradition of Patriotic Symbolism

Showing patriotic pride has been a part of American tradition since our country was founded. American pride has been expressed through music, quilting, style of dress and even through food. Our national monuments, like Lady Liberty, the Washington Monument and dozens of war memorials all express pride and support for our nation. During war time Americans express an especially fervent national pride. Tough economic times also garner much support and patriotism by the people. When Martha Washington created our first flag in red, white and blue with 13 stars and 13 stripes to represent the 13 original colonies, she began a tradition that is still going strong today. Before women were given the right to vote, sewing was their political platform.

Before the industrial revolution, fabrics were considered precious and no scraps were wasted. From women's scrap bins, patchwork quilts were born. During war times, red, white and blue scraps were sewn together in order to show national pride. For wealthy families who could afford to buy fabric in bulk, their quilts were sometimes exact replicas of the American flag. It is incredibly symbolic that, during times of war, people wrapped themselves in American flags for warmth and comfort.

When pioneers began westward expansion and states were added to the union, women began designing and creating a quilt for each state. Much like state flags, state quilts became a part of the national conversation. Colors of the state flag were used and an appliqué of the state could be sewn onto the face of the quilt. Sometimes appliqués of state birds and state flowers, monuments and animals, such as horses and buffalo, have been added to blocks for added flair.

Political movements were also reflected through needle and thread. Quilts with national maps showing red and blue states were created. Political polarization can be tracked through some quilts. When labor laws were finally enacted in America, union members wives sewed hundreds of red, white and blue quilts in celebration of such an important event.

The Patchwork Heritage quilt commemorates our national unity. Barak Obama's presidential inaugural address is printed on the backing while lady liberty stands proudly in the background. The words "we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness" are highlighted. The face of the quilt is comprised of 13 different fabrics which represent our 13 original colonies. In true American wartime tradition, the quilt colors feature hues of red, white and blue. The quilt is being sold as part of a buy one, give one charitable project whose goal is to donate one million warm blankets to charity. To learn more, visit charity.  http://www.blanketamerica.com

Patchwork Heritage Quilt Reflects Current Times

American quilting tradition has always included a reflection of current events, whether it is in the maker's personal life or the nation as a whole. Quilting has been a past time and necessity of women for hundred of years. As immigrants made their way from their old countries to the new world, their traditions of quilting followed them. Eventually, these separate styles and traditions melded together and eventually evolved to form a new American tradition: patchwork quilts.

Historians and collectors alike can track American political and economic histories through quilts. Fabric types, colors and patterns can tell us whether or not the nation was prosperous and whether or not there was a strong political movement the maker was involved in. before the industrial revolution changed fabric production, every scrap was precious. All homes had a scrap bag. It is believed that this is how patchwork pieces used for quilts came about.

In the beginning, patchwork was haphazard in design. Most times quilt were sewn together with no real pattern, only warmth, in mind. Soon, though, different patterns evolved.  Life events, such as marriages and births, were recorded with the needle. Landscapes and gardens, family traditions, holidays and even states were celebrated described in quilts, much like hieroglyphs or murals described events and stories for other cultures. Political events, such as presidencies, wars, and unionization were commemorated with quilts. Before women's suffrage gave women the right to vote, quilts were their political platform. 

Styles in red, white and blue, much like the Patchwork Heritage quilts used today were sewn in celebration of political pride. Most people think of quilts as just bed coverings. But to so many before us, they were a way to make a strong and lasting statement. In fact, the words spoken hundreds of years ago through quilts are still heard today.

The Patchwork Heritage quilt created by Blanket America is carrying on the tradition of America's commemorative statement quilt. 13 fabrics represent our 13 original colonies. Barak Obama's presidential inaugural address is printed on the background with the words "we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness" highlighted. The Patchwork Heritage quilt is part of a buy one, give one charitable project with a goal of helping one million American poor get a new, warm blanket this year. To learn more visit poor.  http://www.blanketamerica.com