As many of you know, Iowa and many other parts of the midwest were hit with some horrific floods last month, just a few short weeks after I visited quilters from the Eastern Iowa Heirloom quilters guild in Cedar Rapids, IA. Cedar Rapids and 
the surrounding area was hit very hard and many of the gals that came to my lectures and classes had their houses flood. Most of them lost all of their quilting supplies, stash, books, patterns, machines and even award winning quilts and many are still displaced, have not been able to move back into their homes. This is such a great group of ladies and it has really touched me to watch the devastation and just imagining loosing everything in an instant like that. As many of you know, quilting is such a therapy for us, when things get hectic or hard, you can just sit down and sew and instantly go to a very happy place. 
I feel that this is exactly what these ladies need to get back to as soon as possible so my mission now is to gather fabrics, books and patterns to donate to the ladies in need. 
I am cleaning out my stash and will also be sending some fabrics from my fabric lines, lots of my books and patterns. I would just love it if any of you have fabrics that you are not going to use or anything else quilt related, that you would be willing to donate to this cause. If you are bloggers yourself, I would love it if you could spread the word on your own blog. On top of that, I am sending each person that donates to this cause, some quilting goodies in return, a free book and a pattern! If you post about this on your blog and let me know about it, you will also get the goodies!! I will be posting on the progress as the donations come in, and who knows, maybe we could help other communities that suffered from the floods also if we all pitch in.
Here is the adress to send the donations:
GE Designs
1435 Bethesda Circle
Chanhassen, MN 55317
I talked to my friend Merry, who is the president of the guild this morning and also owns a great quilt shop, Merry's Stitchins in Jesup IA, and we would like to shoot for delivering all the goodies at the guilds august meeting which takes place at the end of the month. That would mean that the donations need to be here by august 15th so we can organize them all and deliver.
Send me a note in the comments if you want to donate or if you post on this project. Thanks so much in advance, I know quilters have the biggest hearts of all, so I know this will be great.
I found your site when checking out Celine's blog. I have a group that is gathering tomorrow for a "Sew and Share" day out here in Henderson, MN (south of Belle Plaine) to make items for those affected by the floods. I will add your blog to my personal blog which is at http://alegacyofstitches.blogspot.com/ and a note that you are collecting quilty things. From that blog you can click on the Sew and Share blog or the direct link is http://sewandshare.blogspot.com/
I am a former member of the Prior Lake quilters but moved recently to "the country" and love it. I will be posting lots of pics of items that have been donated over the course of this weekend so take a peek and see what we achieve for our first event (we plan to do this more than once).
Posted by: Sandi Andersen | July 11, 2008 at 09:45 PM
This is a good idea... I don't have a huge stash, but I do have a few things I won't use. I will get them out as soon as I can (probably after payday). I will also post it on my blog too!
Posted by: Kim West | July 11, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Gudrun,
I just returned from the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area in eastern Iowa last night. The flood damage is extensive and I cannot imagine how difficult it has been for the people there.
You can count on my support!
Celine
Posted by: Celine Perkins | July 12, 2008 at 10:26 AM
I will donate, and I will post it on my blog - http://giraffedreams.blogspot.com
Posted by: Carol E. | July 12, 2008 at 10:16 PM
I am delivering about 300 yds of fabric, patterns, mags and notions to the Pine Needles quilt shop in Cedar Rapids IA on Monday, 8/14.
Posted by: colleen | July 13, 2008 at 06:59 AM
I belong to a quilting bee in NH. I just emailed everyone your site. is it ok if we send all of our donations in one big box? thanks shannon
Posted by: Shannon | July 13, 2008 at 08:02 AM
I am very happy to donate fabrics, books, thread, and patterns which I will mail this week. Thank-you for coordinating this effort to let these quilters know we care!
Posted by: Barbara Williams | July 13, 2008 at 09:51 AM
I belong to two online groups in Canada, The Mapleleaf Quilt Guild and Canadian Quilt Swappers I will post your web page on both the groups. I am sure my fellow Canadians will step up and help our fellow quilters in America. I am also forwarding to my friend in Newfoundland that owns a quilt shop. I will go through my stash tonight and have a package ready for mail tomorrow. For myself sewing has gotten me through some rough stuff so I will be glad to help you out with your great idea.
Posted by: Gale Lavers | July 13, 2008 at 12:48 PM
I have posted the link to an online group and will send a money donation as postage is so high. I think they could use money too!
Marilyn
Posted by: Muffin | July 13, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Hi, I recently donated most of my stash to my Bosnian friends that quilt for charity. But I have a few pieces I can share. Count me in. I can only mail a letter size envelope from Sarajevo where DH works for the US embassy. Quilters have been so kind to us here in SJJ as we have no quality quilting fabric.....I would love to play it forward.
Nikki in Bosnia (saw this posted on Heartstrings Yahoo Group)
Posted by: Nikki Moshier | July 13, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Sounds like a really great idea. I got you addy from a member of Canadian Quilt Swappers. I will post your note and addy on my blog at: www.butrfly2200.blogspot.com
I will also look here and try to get a parcel ready to go to you. Good luck with the journey.
:)Carol
Posted by: Carol McNab | July 13, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Those of us in Iowa thank you for your concern. I live 20 miles from Iowa City and 40 from Cedar Rapids and cannot believe that the water could have ever gotten so high. I took a bunch of stuff to one of the sewing shops that is offering replacement machines to those flooded out and they will be distributing the stuff to them. We really appreciate all of the concern shown our state after the tornados and floods that have devestated parts of it. There are many other towns that could also use your support - New Hampton, Columbus Junction, etc. that are not getting as much press, but we do thank you for caring!
Candra Sowder, Williamsburg, Iowa
Posted by: Candra Sowder | July 13, 2008 at 03:23 PM
I have an on-line group "Yahoo Quilters Thread" They are a wonderful bunch of ladies that always seem to rally to a cause. I asked for QOV blocks and was able to make 10 quilts for the cause. I will post the info for them today. Having survived a flood last year I know how devestating it can be..May your heart continue to be filled with generosity.
Hugs to you and all like you,
Kate
Kate
Posted by: Kate | July 14, 2008 at 10:05 AM
This is a wonderful thing to do Helping quilters. I am at work now, as soon as I get home I will see whats in my stash to help.
Posted by: Johnnie McGee | July 14, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Your needs were posted on the Quilt in a Day Community Forum. I will be sending some of our books and rulers to you to help out. I will also go through my stash at home and pull fabrics to send.
Quilter's love to help quilters!
God bless,
Linda
Posted by: Linda Parker | July 14, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Of course we'll help! Received in the mail today some lovely rich red cotton, wondered what to do with it - voila! ~ it shall be passed on to those who need it.
Best wishes to those affected from Canada.
Posted by: Deb | July 15, 2008 at 12:19 AM
Wonderful idea! Comes at a great time as I am down sizing my stash and other things. Will get a box out. Also will post your info on my blog.
Hugs to you,
Lola
Posted by: Lola | July 15, 2008 at 10:53 AM
I think this is a wonderful idea! I have gone through my stash and found some fabric, kits, thread and patterns that I will send to you via UPS later this week.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the people that are dealing with the flooding.
Posted by: Linda W | July 15, 2008 at 04:12 PM
I am new to blogging and not very many read my blog yet, but I posted about your mission on there anyhow as I do have a few readers and thats all it takes to get the message around. I will go through my stash tonight and send some out on the weekend to the address you have provided.
Good Luck
Posted by: Jocey | July 16, 2008 at 07:18 AM
Hi Gudrun,
I posted about your initiative today. I hope you get lots of donations. I can only imagine how upside-down the lives are for those affected by this.
Michele
http://quiltinggallery.com/
Posted by: Michele | July 16, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Good Morning,
I just read your blog and I will get a package out this week. I can't imagine losing everything I have, my heart goes out to those who have. I have been blessed with so much that I will pass some blessings on to others. Thank you for giving me a place to send these blessings.
Carol in Indiana
Posted by: Carol | July 16, 2008 at 08:59 AM
I will send a box from California- a few books and some fabric. I'd send a lot of books, but they'd be sooo heavy! I'll do what I can,
Bless you!
Posted by: Barb | July 16, 2008 at 08:52 PM
I can send fabric and books. Thank you for doing this.
Posted by: Rian in California | July 17, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Hi there - I have a big stash of fabric I have been wanting to give away - I will send it as soon as I can get it packed up! Thank you for providing this opportunity to help fellow quilters in need.
Posted by: Pam Matthews | July 17, 2008 at 12:18 PM
I also have a small stash of fabrics to be donated, and I'm sure I can find some quilting books to "de-accession" as well, to send you. This is a wonderful idea, thanks!
Posted by: Suzanne | July 17, 2008 at 12:52 PM
I'll be sending off a box this weekend and tonight I'll share this information with my guild!
Hopefully the recipients will feel our love packed in with the goodies and our best wishes that our little contributions help them get to feeling a little bit on the 'back to normal' side after this disaster.
Posted by: Roni | July 17, 2008 at 02:53 PM
Hi! Just found out about your request for donations on Pat Sloan's blog. Wanted to let you know that Leisure Arts will be sending you a box of our quilt publications. I'll mail it out on Monday.
Posted by: Merrilee | July 18, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Hi! Just found out about your request for donations on Pat Sloan's blog. Wanted to let you know that Leisure Arts will be sending you a box of our quilt publications. I'll mail it out on Monday.
Posted by: Merrilee | July 18, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Hi, So glad to be able to help someone else in need. I lost everything in Hurricane Andrew and it is hard. I am passing the help forward. God Bless you for doing this.
Posted by: Jean Stokes | July 18, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Hi - Saw your request on Pat Sloan's blog. I have a stash that I can send. I will get this in the mail. Such a kind jesture. I'm sure everyone will appreciate the donations.
Posted by: Tami in California | July 18, 2008 at 09:51 PM
I read about the donations on Pat Sloan's blog. How wonderful! I too feel that sewing/quilting brings calm and solace. I will be sending out material and probably books as well.
Posted by: Rene | July 19, 2008 at 10:20 AM
I'd love to send some fabric and other stuff. I will also pass the word on my blog. Blessings, marlene
Posted by: Marlene | July 20, 2008 at 09:12 PM
I received many items from a friend who was downsizing to move to a much smaller location. She did not want to have to deal with selling them or having people sort thru her "stuff". I already had many of the items. I will clear it out and send some tools, and who knows what else I will find. I also did not want to sell and wanted to give the items to someone. This is perfect. I know how devestated I would be if I lost my quilting/sewing supplies.
Posted by: Cindy C | July 22, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Hi Gudrun,
Read about your Quilting Care Packages on Pat Sloan's site. I will post a note on my blog and since all my quilting things are packed in order to move I will get a check in the mail to you so you can use it to fill in where needed with supplies. I had wondered if anything was being done for the midwest quilters and I am glad to see that it is.
Anita
Posted by: Anita Owen | July 23, 2008 at 02:12 PM
i just saw your blog tonite. i am from iowa ~ how wonderful this is!! this will mean soo much to ones who have lost so much in the state with the weather tragedies. i am a quilter/fabric-sewing collector that would love to donate, plus would love to post about this on my blog. i am new to the blog world, so may need a how-to on the info to put on my blog. hugs & blessings, vikki ♥
Posted by: vikki tucker | August 04, 2008 at 12:05 AM
I will be getting a quilt package out in the next few days from my stash --- so glad I came upon this site!!!
Posted by: Sharon | August 06, 2008 at 01:29 PM