Bushfire Quilt Blocks

Australia has been hit hard by the fires, which many of us here in California, found to be horrifying as we have lived this reality before. The Wollongong Modern Quilt Guild have put out a call for quilt blocks, describing their situation:
“Our NSW communities have been ravaged by fire since August 2019. In particular, the South Coast of NSW were devastated by bushfire on New Year’s Eve. Our state has suffered enormous losses. Families have lost loved ones, others their homes and all their belongings. Farmers have lost livestock, others their livelihood, not to mention the extensive loss and damage to our native flora and fauna. Unfortunately, it is only the start of our fire season and immediate forecasts predict worsening conditions, and anticipate further loss and destruction.”

Also from their Facebook page:
“We have decided to make tree blocks. The tree is a symbol of growth and nourishment. A tree symbolizes the generations of a family; a tree sprouts from a seed, the roots provide strength and stability, and whilst the new sapling is young and vulnerable they are protected by the other trees until they grow and flourish. In time the branches spread and then create new fruit that gives life to the next generation. There is no restriction to one type of tree block. We would love our quilts to be beautiful and diverse just like our wonderful communities ….. If you would like to help, please make a tree block of a generous 12.5 inch square using a low volume / white or pale grey background.”

Many quilters have made blocks and are sending them to Australia, but we can now mail them to:
Austin Modern Quilt Guild
P.O. Box 82445
Austin, TX 78708
I imagine they’ll send all blocks off after QuiltCon in two weeks, so please hurry.

Mailing Instructions:

1. All blocks must be received no later than FEBRUARY 15, 2020 

2. Please mark ‘Bushfire block’ somewhere on the packaging.

More information can be read at Ace Camps Travel Company, including more photos of #bushfireblocks.