Pike River - Mine Tragedy

Well it's really late and I'm super tired, but I really couldn't go to bed without sharing with you some info. You may be aware that New Zealand has recently lost 29 miners from the Pike River Mine. If you haven't heard about it go here to find out more.

It can be really hard to think of how we can help in these situations. There are times when we don't have the money, resources, etc to help. But sometimes we can use the gifts and talents we are given to contribute in a small way. So calling all quilters. If you would like to do something to help, you can.

Below is a letter from Shirley Goodwin who is co-ordinating the making of quilts for the Miners families.

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Dear quilting friends,

You may be aware that New Zealand has suffered a major mining disaster at Pike River mine on the west coast of the South Island, resulting in the deaths of 29 miners. Many of these miners had young families. One was soon to be a father. Like many New Zealanders, I am sharing the pain of the families of the miners. And like many, I have thought about what I could do to help.

I am part of Kiwiquilters, an email group for New Zealand quilters. We have a tradition, as do other quilting groups, of making Healing Hearts quilts for members and their families or friends who are suffering personal tragedy or serious illness. I have asked the group, and other quilting groups around the country, to contribute heart blocks to make into quilts for the miner’s families, and I will assemble and co-ordinate these.

Please consider making a block or several blocks for this cause. It doesn't matter that you don't know the people involved - neither do I. The love and support from strangers that is embodied in these quilts is something tangible that the families can get comfort from for years.

Shirley Goodwin

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Here are the block details if you want to make some:-

• Cream background – calico is fine
• 6 ½” unfinished size (so they will be 6” finished)
• Pieced or appliquéd heart or hearts
• Any colours or patterns for the hearts. Some of the quilts will be for children, so children’s fabrics are fine too.

Address to send them to is on Shirley's blog. She is also happy to receive any quilt tops or completed quilts too, so check out her blog as she is updating it with more details all the time.

I made 4 blocks today. Here's a sneak preview.



After I took this photo, I added a small comment and added my town and country.

Off to the post office next week.

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Update (3 December): If you are reading about this appeal for the first time - Shirley has enough blocks. If you have already started to make the blocks, please continue and send them. They will not be wasted.