UPCOMING MODERN HERO QUILT PROJECTS
Here are the next three hero quilts we will be working on, along with simple quilt block instructions for each. You can make blocks for all three of these heroes, or one or two of them, your choice. All blocks are due to me by April 4, 2026, and you can mail any you or your group makes together in the same envelope. Please share this with others whole would like to participate in these hero projects. Also, if you would like to write a personal note to any of these heroes, be sure to include them with your quilt blocks and we will deliver them along with the quilts. Keep an eye on this space and I will let you know when we have enough blocks. Any extra blocks will be used to make charity quilts.
Chef José Andrés
Source: https://www.neh.gov/about/awards/national-humanities-medals/jos%C3%A9-andr%C3%A9s. Subject to copyright
Why are we making a quilt for Chef Andreas? As a Spanish immigrant and an American citizen, he is a visionary and a humanitarian, who established the World Central Kitchen in 2010. This important non-profit organization provides meals in response to humanitarian, climate and community crises. The scrappy quilt blocks we will make him will feature a 4" finished and 8" finished squares that are made of only 2 fabrics. Choose either size to make. Select a background tone-on-tone fabric that contrasts with a novelty fabric depicting food. Please make your own templates by tracing a circular object and adding a 1/4" seam allowance to each template. For instance, to make a 4" finished block, start with a 4 1/2" square of paper. Trace a quarter circle in one corner, using something round, like a cup or a saucer. The size of the background arc will depend on your quarter cycle. The round section should resemble a quarter-round plate of food. Cut and trace your pattern onto the wrong side of your fabric, remembering to add the 1/4" seam allowance. Assemble your block using appliqué or by machine. For general instructions on how to piece a simple curve, here is a short video to check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvvJxsnZNg4 Ignore the sizes on this video and use the measurements above. Thank you to Nancy Adams for these instructions. If you haven't pieced curves before, you can do it! Due date for your block: April 4, 2026. Mail quilt blocks to me at:
Donna DeSoto
Modern Day Hero Project
4916 Gadsen Drive
Fairfax VA 22032
Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/mark-kelly-gabrielle-gabby-giffords-relationship-timeline-2021-1
Joshua Lott/Getty Images. Subject to copyright
Why are we making a quilt for Mark and Gabby? Gabby is a retired politician and gun control advocate. She served as a member of the House of Representatives from 2007 - 2012, when she resigned because of a severe brain injury she received during an assassination attempt. Her husband, Mark, is an outspoken senior US senator and retired astronaut. He champions many reforms and efforts especially focusing on national security, aerospace technology and economic development. We are grateful for their dedication to the greater good. We are making them a quilt of string-pieced blocks. Here is a chance to use up fabric you already have. Any colors, any prints. The block consists of diagonally-placed strips of fabric, varying between 1" to 2" wide, to make a 10" unfinished block. Please do not sew them onto a fabric foundation. I like to use newsprint paper or thin paper from a cheap sketchpad to "build" the blocks. Here is a nice little tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbCX4eQDsGE Vary the strip widths, and make sure strips contrast with what they are next to. Thank you to Nancy Adams for her help with these block instructions. The due date for your block: April 4, 2026. Mail quilt blocks to me at:
Donna DeSoto
Modern Day Hero Project
4916 Gadsen Drive
Fairfax VA 22032
Why are we making a quilt for Michael Fanone? Michael was a D.C. Policeman who retired in late 2021, due to severe physical and emotional trauma and a subsequent heart attack, from defending the U.S. Capitol during the January 6 insurrection. He remains active as a public speaker and advocate for law enforcement and democracy. Michael loves nature. We've decided to make him a quilt of simple 9-patch blocks, using various tone-on-tone shades of blues, greens and/or browns. Aim for contrast. Use 2 1/2" squares, sewn together in a 9-patch formation that will measure 6 1/2" unfinished. Here are some directions: https://www.epidastudio.com/nine-patch-sampler-week-seven-bonus-make-any-sized-block/ Thank you to Arlene Wagner for her help with these instructions. The due date for your block is April 4, 2026. Please send to me at:
Donna DeSoto
4916 Gadsen Drive
Fairfax VA 22032
Thank you so much for all of your help!