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The Blanket America charitable organization recently pre-launched its Patchwork Heritage charity collection on a national level. The national retail chain JC Penney has made the gathering on the market on its web site for pre-sales and will begin carrying the collection in its stores nationwide on January 23. Amazon.com has given the charity company Blanket America a big boost by making the providing the Patchwork Heritage assortment for pre-sale on its website. The looking network QVC recently debuted the Patchwork Heritage Assortment with monumental success. All signs are pointing to a success launch of the collection.
The Patchwork Heritage Assortment was inspired by President Barak Obama’s inaugural address when he said “We recognize that our patchwork heritage may be a strength, not a weakness.” Too typically Americans find one thing to disagree about. Political gaps are widening in our nation and unity is at a critically low point. Obama known as our nation to action by citing that though we tend to could not agree, we tend to all have one thing we will contribute in order to assist our fellow man throughout these robust economic times.
Since the recession began in 2008, innumerable Americans have involuntarily been plunged into poverty. It is estimated that over thirty five million Americans were living below the poverty line in 2009. The economy is recovering, though it will take time. Job creation is slow and therefore the market is seemingly growing at a snail pace. With the unemployment rate at 10%, it’s obvious that there has never been a higher time to assist fellow Americans.
The Patchwork Heritage Collection may be a buy one, offer one charity. That’s, for each Patchwork Heritage quilt sold, a replacement fleece blanket is donated to charity. Gifts in Kind International has joined the cause and will act as an intermediary to distribute the donated blankets throughout America.
Lester Holt of the These days Show had Mesh Gelman, the creator of Blanket America, on the show so as to spotlight the growing poverty epidemic in America and to show support for the cause. During the show, Gelman pledged 5000 blankets to charity. Since that time, the project has taken off. Blanket America currently has support on Facebook and thru Twitter. It looks that support for the cause is coming in from all venues. It appearance like Blanket America can be an enormous success.
When our ancestors crossed the oceans to reach the new land, they brought with them not just their families and a few meager possessions. They brought with them their own unique languages, styles and traditions. One tradition nearly every woman from every country brought with her was her own unique quilting pattern, fabric and color preferences. Eventually those traditions, patterns and preferences melded together and evolved into a truly American style of quilt called patchwork.
Soon, commemorative patchwork quilts became a new tradition. Major life events, such as engagements, were memorialized with quilts. With westward expansion came the advent of the state quilt. Political affiliations, union preferences and even wars were memorialized through statement blankets. Before women’s suffrage gave women the right to vote in elections, their preferences were stated through fabric, needle and thread.
Through high times and low times, our nation’s history can be tracked through quilts. During war time, patchwork colors tended to be duller and fabric quality lower. During times of peace and prosperity fabrics were brighter, patterns more intricate, quality of fabrics higher and richer and variety of fabrics greater. During the Roaring 20’s fine linen and silks were used to make crazy quilts.
When the Great Depression stuck ten years later, old flour sacks became the only fabrics available for making quilts. During political strife, strong statements were made. When labor unions became legal in the United States, many women made use of red, white and blue fabrics to show their support. During times of war nearly all women used red, white and blue fabrics when they were available in order to show their patriotic pride, appreciation and support of our troops. Today that tradition is no different.
The Patchwork Heritage quilt brings back many old American traditions from bygone eras. The face of the quilt is comprised of 13 different fabrics in hues of red, white and blue which represent our 13 original colonies. The reverse of the quilt is a subdued creamy beige color and features lady liberty standing proudly in the background. President Barak Obama’s inaugural address is printed on the foreground, with the now famous words “we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness” highlighted prominently. The Patchwork Heritage quilt benefits charity through a buy one, give one program. To learn more, visit patchwork.
The Patchwork Heritage quilt is bringing back an old American tradition of commemorative quilting. Blanket America is a new charitable organization who is implementing an innovative new concept of giving: buy one, give one.
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.
Sworn into office with an inspiring inaugural speech, the United States of America welcomes its 44th president, President Barack H. Obama. Married to First Lady Michelle Obama and a father to two daughters, Obama has made a great impact on American history as being the first African-American president to be seated in office. Set into uniting the people in times of economical and political crises as well as threats to national security, Obama has made it clear that despite all of these problems he wishes for everyone to stand strong and united in order to face each challenge with pride, courage, and dignity as a people. He announced this in his New Year’s message to the people, which was recorded last December 22, 2009 before leaving Washington, D.C.
Obama’s life before entering the scene as president was full of commitment and service to the people. Born with a father from Kenya and a mother from Kansas, Obama was born on August 4, 1961 under the wings of his grandparents. His grandfather was a member of Patton’s army while his grandmother worked her way up to a middle management position at a bank. He was born into a middle class family, worked his way through college with the help of student loans and scholarships, and was able to serve his community after graduation and moving into Chicago. He was known for helping in the rebuilding of communities after the closure of local steel plants and leading a voter’s registration drive.
The latter was successful due to his knowledge and experience in law school. Obama became the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review and, with his experiences, was able to help educate the people in Chicago about voter’s rights, constitutional law at the University of Chicago, and the like. He was an inspiration to many people, which is also why he was able to win a slot in the US Senate. He believed that it was vital that the American people remain united under a noble purpose and was determined to continue serving the country by pushing for reforms, cutting taxes, and providing health care for more American families. Though many still doubt his ability of actually making a difference in the country, only time will tell what the outcome of the Obama administration will bring about.
Visit Blanket America Charity Now, http://www.blanketamerica.com
Quilts are some of the most beautiful and intricate pieces of art that you’ll ever find in a person’s home. They function either as for decorations or for comfort when one wishes to sleep on the couch, bed, or sit among family and friends in front of the fireplace on the floor. Quilting goes back a long way as it has been part of the American culture for many generations, which is why it is still being done today with more innovative designs and styles incorporated in the weaving and production of quilts. If you’re interested in these kinds of crafts and would like to get started on how to make a quilt, this article is for you.
But before going any further, why do people enjoy weaving and buying quilts for their homes and for their loved ones? What’s so special about them? For one thing, quilts are great gift ideas that you can give to special people, especially those who enjoy decorating their homes with all kinds of household pieces and furniture. For example, you can give a beautifully done baby blue quilt to a close friend who just had a baby boy. You can also give a quilt to a friend who just moved in and is looking for items to decorate her house with.
There’s no end to all the possible reasons why quilts make great gifts and items to keep around the house. In fact, because of the attention, care, time, and effort invested on quilt making, people would even pass down quilts to generations as heirlooms and precious memorabilia of the past. So, if you’re ready to get started, here are steps that you can take in making your first quilt:
1. Look at some of your favorite quilts, your surroundings, or anything that gives you inspiration. This is the initial process of making a quilt: gathering ideas for possible designs, colors, and styles for your first quilt.
2. Grab a few quilt-making guide books or read through articles on how to make quilts before buying the materials needed to make one. Materials can be quite expensive, especially if you’re going after the more difficult styles and techniques. If you have a family member who is already an expert in making quilts, you can ask for his or her advice or ask him or her to guide you in the techniques of weaving and sewing a quilt.
3. Once you have enough knowledge on the basics of quilting, it’s time to choose the materials for your quilt. Most quilts are made with 100% cotton as they are strong, natural, and versatile materials. If you think this is expensive for you, you can always use synthetic or cotton mixes as alternatives, but they’ll be more difficult to work with since they normally spongy and pucker and more than pure cotton. The good thing about synthetic materials is that they are available in all kinds of colors.
4. Colors are essential if you want to make a quilt that would stand out. Pick a mood that you would like your quilt to express and choose your colors from there.
Visit Blanket America Charity Now, http://www.blanketamerica.com
Quilting has long been a part of the American culture as a manner of expressing one’s emotions, feelings, and even sending hidden messages through signs and patterns. It’s a fun, artistic, and rewarding activity that anybody, no matter what age and what talent level, will make their own quilts and interact in many quilting projects. What’s additional, it isn’t therefore troublesome to try and do despite the intricate styles and patterns that folks sometimes see in museums, homes, and also the like. All you need are the proper guides to assist you get started, creativity, and freedom of expression to design and weave a quilt of all sorts of colors and patterns.
What rewards does one get from making a quilt? Initial of all, you’ll be able to share your work along with your family and friends. You’ll also build one as a gift for a sick friend or someone who enjoys decorating the house. It will be used as heirlooms, decorations, and several more. Folks who fancy quilting would usually keep several of their masterpieces in order to pass it all the way down to generations or to others since it’s a work made with effort, attention, and love. Thus, if you think you have got the eagerness and can learn the skills and techniques to form all types of quilts then opt for it. There are materials that you’ll simply get from the shop that’ll make up your first quilt and guides and how-to articles that’ll teach you how to create certain kinds of quilts.
But before you get started on weaving and stitching, you need to work out what you want to create out of your quilt. There are thousands of possible ideas for quilts and every one you’ve got to try to to is opt for the design that you think works for you. Here are tips on how to come back up with a sensible design for your first quilt:
* Assume of the function and the situation of your quilt. Do you wish it to be hanged on the walls or used for sleeping? Are you going to put it up as a tapestry or frame it? This will additionally facilitate you choose how large or how little the quilt is going to be.
* Color is terribly vital when making quilts. If you want to form a quilt for an addict who simply had a baby girl, you can select appropriate colours like shades of red, pink, yellow, and also the like. If you’re going to hang it on a space that’s normally filled with folks, you’ll be able to make it stand out by selecting loud colors like yellow, orange, inexperienced, and bright red.
* The chosen vogue of your quilt can conjointly be half of your decision making. Do you always relish making quilts of patchwork or of geometric shapes? Would you prefer embroidery for your quilt? This can additionally cause alternative choices, like how much you’re willing to spend for materials and where you’re going to find these.
* Lastly, look around you and gather ideas for inspiration when creating your quilt.
On January 20th, 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.
Quilting has long been a part of the American culture as a way of expressing one’s emotions, feelings, and even sending hidden messages through signs and patterns. It is a fun, creative, and rewarding activity that anybody, no matter what age and what skill level, can make their own quilts and engage in several quilting projects. What’s more, it isn’t so difficult to do despite the intricate designs and patterns that people usually see in museums, homes, and the like. All you need are the proper guides to help you get started, creativity, and freedom of expression to design and weave a quilt of all kinds of colors and patterns.
What rewards do you get from making a quilt? First of all, you can share your work with your family and friends. You can also make one as a gift for a sick friend or someone who enjoys decorating the house. It can be used as heirlooms, decorations, and many more. People who enjoy quilting would usually keep several of their masterpieces in order to pass it down to generations or to others since it is a work made with effort, attention, and love. Therefore, if you think you have the passion and can learn the skills and techniques to make all kinds of quilts then go for it. There are materials that you can easily buy from the shop that’ll make up your first quilt and guides and how-to articles that’ll teach you how to make certain kinds of quilts.
But before you get started on weaving and sewing, you need to figure out what you want to create out of your quilt. There are thousands of possible ideas for quilts and all you have to do is choose the design that you think works for you. Here are tips on how to come up with a good design for your first quilt:
Think of the function and the location of your quilt. Do you want it to be hanged on the walls or used for sleeping? Are you going to put it up as a tapestry or frame it? This will also help you decide how large or how small the quilt is going to be. Color is very important when making quilts. If you want to make a quilt for a friend who just had a baby girl, you can choose suitable colors like shades of red, pink, yellow, and the like. If you’re going to hang it on a room that’s normally filled with people, you can make it stand out by choosing loud colors like yellow, orange, green, and bright red. The chosen style of your quilt will also be part of your decision making. Do you usually enjoy making quilts of patchwork or of geometric shapes? Would you prefer embroidery for your quilt? This will also lead to other decisions, such as how much you are willing to spend for materials and where you are going to find these. Lastly, look around you and gather ideas for inspiration when making your quilt.
Visit Blanket America Charity Now, http://www.blanketamerica.com
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