Some very exciting news!
These posts about the Modern Heroes Project caught the eye of Matt Reese, owner of the Road2California and Road2Virginia Quilt Shows. He asked if he could exhibit the collection of Modern Day Heroes quilts at his 2 shows in 2026. I explained that due to the nature of these quilts, as soon as we complete them, we get them to the heroes.
But then I had an idea. What if . . . what if we made a duplicate of each of the hero quilts? They could be shown at these two quilt shows, and then the quilts could be auctioned for a charitable cause. Money collected from these auctions will be donated to World Central Kitchen. Let's do what we can to help in efforts to address hunger in these critical days. For more information about its mission, visit https://wck.org/story
Matt loved this idea, so we are doing this, full speed ahead!
If you have already made quilt blocks for earlier projects, please consider making and sending more of them for this planned special exhibit. If you've not participated yet, it's not too late: please join us now. And please share this information with anyone who might be interested in participating.
I am so grateful for your energy and spirit. Together we have this new opportunity to make a difference!
Block directions are contained under each hero's description. Mail your blocks to:
Donna DeSoto
c/o Modern Day Heroes Project
4916 Gadsen Drive
Fairfax, VA 22032
Let me know if you have any questions at desotomailbox@cox.net. And check back here often for updates about the status and how many quilt blocks are still needed for each of the quilts.
When are these blocks needed? As soon as you can make them.
Please remember to pre-wash all fabric.
Thank you again!
What we need:
***Snowball blocks for the duplicate Bishop Budde quilt.
Choose an 8.5" square of designer Philip Jacobs' fabric. Find one solid picking up one of the colors in the print you choose, and cut out four 2.5" squares out of that solid. Make a "snowball" block. Visit: https://inspired-by-modern-day-heroes.blogspot.com/p/budde-duplicate.html
***Sunflower blocks for the duplicate President Zelenskyy quilt.
For block intructions, visit: https://inspired-by-modern-day-heroes.blogspot.com/p/zelenskyy-duplicate.html
***Crossed kayak blocks for the duplicate Heather Cox Richardson quilt.
For block intructions, visit: https://inspired-by-modern-day-heroes.blogspot.com/p/heather-duplicate.html
***Crossed kayak blocks for the alternate setting duplicate Rachel Maddow quilt.
The instructions for the blocks for Rachel's quilt are the same as the instructions for thr blocks for Heather's quilt, we're just setting them differently, so use the instructions provided for Heather's quilt at https://inspired-by-modern-day-heroes.blogspot.com/p/heather-duplicate.html.
***Various star blocks for Dr. Fauci's quilt and for the duplicate Dr. Fauci quilt. We are making 4.5" unfinished, 6.5" unfinished, and 8.5" unfinished star blocks. Please choose any star block pattern you would like. No raw edges, no fusing, no embellishments, and no light or bright colors. Think of the night sky with low-contrast. Use only dark blues and grays (batiks, plaids, whatever you choose).
***Blocks to be announced for Bruce Springsteen's quilt and for the duplicate Bruce Springsteen quilt.
ALSO!
If you live in northern Virginia and would like to help us sew the blocks into quilts, several work sessions are scheduled. We will bring our sewing machines to the Fabric Place Basement in Alexandria on the dates below. We could use people to sew blocks, sew rows or to do ironing. If you bring your machine, medium gray thread is best.
August 19
September 16
October 14
October 28
Please email me if you are able to come and I'll fill you in on the details!