Patchwork Haiti

I picked up a vintage, handcrafted patchwork quilt this weekend at a barn sale. It was made by the mother of the wife running the sale. When she handed it to me after naming her price, she had such a heartfelt look in her eye. She seemed pleased that I showed so much interest in something her own mother had created years ago. Yesterday as I was taking a closer look at the intricate work I thought about how I could help Haiti. It feels helpless to be so far away in my warm home, with electricity running my mac and lighting and warm food in my belly. An idea came to me.

The patchwork quilt stirs up so many different emotions in women. I personally think about community, warmth, creation, family and giving. At the moment Haiti is like patchwork pieces that painstakingly needs to be put together, healed, cared for and looked after for decades to come. So many hearts are hurting with lives that have been tragically lost.

I discovered an organization this morning that has given women in Haiti the chance to earn a living by making patchwork quilts. It's called PeaceQuilts Project and at the moment it appears that, gratefully, most of the quilters are safe. They are asking for donations here where they normally are looking for fabric, buttons and other sewing supplies that are difficult to find in Haiti. Now they are asking for cash donations to help their community of quilters rebuild their lives, homes and health. Please visit their site and read their stories. 

I adore patchwork, hence the fact that I am consistently picking them up as I thrift but do I need them? Not today. Not for awhile.

This vintage Honeycomb quilt is up for auction.
 

Following Indie Fixx's inspiration I'm going to borrow some of her ideas for setting up an auction to help Haiti. If you would like to place a bid simply leave a comment with your desired high bid amount. All comments are visible so that you are able to see other bids. If you bid, please leave:

• your name
• email address
• item name
• your bid amount

If you would like to donate a vintage or handcrafted Patchwork (any medium) item to bid, please email me:  apron thrift girl at gmail dot com with photos and item description or comment and I will contact you. Donation will be shipped from the the person donating the items at their cost. If you are open to international bids please let me know. Email me with any questions.

The winner bidder will pledge to donate the bid amount to either Doctors without Borders or to the Red Cross. I will donate 100% of the funds to either charity. I'll email a copy of the donation notice to all the auction winners.

Honeycomb Quilt

This vintage quilt is completely hand sewn. This is considered a summer quilt because it doesn't have batting. These summer quilts were designed to keep out the chill of the cooler summer nights. It has some stains that I haven't tried to remove. It has a few worn areas that could be repaired or simply enjoyed as is. The edge is somewhat worn but the quilt is solid and beautiful. Size of the quilt 72" x 85". Approximate value $70.00.

Auction will close on January 20th at 11:00am Pacific Time. 

Feel free to take the button and place on your blog or facebook. Spread the word.

Comments

[amy Zimmer]

Very Cool. Great idea Selena! I'm in the middle of sending a check to the Red Cross too. (A bit tricky from Ghana, but I have the call too!)

[This Thrifted Life]

This is such a fabulous idea.

[Jane]

Your quilt is gorgeous and you have a great idea here to raise money for Haiti. Since I have extended myself already with a donation, I hope that you receive some successful bids. How goodhearted you are!

xoxo
Jane

[Cynthia]

I will start the bidding at $75.00 - Cynthia

[Jodi]

love this idea, I will do this as well on my blog. I have a painting that was meant to go to a new home, I can't think of a better way to send it on it's way.

[Alicia]

wow....love the idea and quilt
$85
Honeycomb Quilt

[Cathe Holden]

Cathe Holden
cathe@justsomethingimade.com
Honeycomb Quilt
Bid amount: $100

Selena, I think this is a beautiful thing you are doing. Thank you so much.

[Jessica Star]

$120. Honeycomb Quilt.

I love quilts. And I love Doctors without Borders.

You know my name and e-mail, right?

[Jessica Star]

I just realized what day it is and that I missed the deadline for this. Rats.

[Jan Hall]

Anymore quilts going up for auction?????

[Natha]

What a great idea!

I would send a caution about Red Cross though - not much of their money actually goes to relief efforts. I personally, as well as close friends and family have had difficulties with their bureaucracy (we were/are relief and emergency workers). They are a great idea, gone awry.

There are several more effective organizations out there. One of my favorites is CARE. Check out the Charity Navigator - there's lots of good information there rating the various charities: http://www.charitynavigator.org/

I'm not trying to criticize - you've got a great idea. Just trying to help out...

Thanks again for doing this!!!