A number of designers have put charts on-line to print out and stitch, to remember the events of 9-11-01. Victoria Sampler (http://www.victoriasampler.com) has an Altoid tin pattern you may print out if you join their mailing list. You can stitch a piece with a flat, or one with the verse "Together we shall overcome."
Heart in Hand has a piece called "Freedom" at http://www.heartinhand.com/free.html. Directions for acquiring this free chart are included on the page (along with a picture of the finished project.) Heart in Hand will be releasing a chart to commemorate the tragedy and help victims (you can find this on their website at http://www.heartinhand.com). Lizzie Kate will also be releasing a chart to benefit the victims. You can see a photo and information about this chart at http://www.lizziekate.com.
Shepherd's Bush has a printable chart at http://www.shepherdsbush.net/products/kits/americana/heartsforamerica.html. I have received permission from Shepherd's Bush to print and send copies of this chart out with all orders this month. See above for the supplies you need to complete the design.
WORLD TRADE CENTER MEMORIAL QUILTS: If you haven't already read about these quilts, please take moment to do so. KathieB., the creator and coordinator of this project, has put together a page at: http://www.geocities.com/wtcquilt/ with more information. Please consider participating if your time permits. This is a wonderful and warm way for us, as stitchers, to say "We Care!"
These tips for stitching while travelling come from Cathe Ray from Needle in a Haystack (http://www.needlestack.com):
"For those of you who travel by plane the restrictions placed on what you can bring on board are pretty severe because of the awful events of two weeks ago. The airlines will not allow scissors of any kind regardless of size or sharpness and are also confiscating things such as nail clippers and disposable razors, anything that can be used as a weapon. You also will not be allowed to take things like laying tools (wood, metal, ivory or otherwise) on the plane. Limit the number of needles you are taking and personally I'd recommend taking the smallest ones you can get away with for your project.
If you're looking for something to take on the plane with you for cutting threads we have had reports that the Clover Thread Cutter Pendant ($6.50) has been allowed as part of carry-on luggage. It looks like a large flower and has a circular blade inside with groves around the outside where you can place the thread to be cut. We can't guarantee you can take this on all airlines but so far we have not heard of any being confiscated.
If you want something more disposable you can also find a very inexpensive plastic thread cutter with a needle threader (Dritz & Clover both make one) at most sewing or quilting stores. Many also carry the Clover cutter mentioned above. One of our customers suggested using an empty dental floss container, which has that tiny cutter at the top of it. Dental picks (which are rather sharp items) aren't being allowed but you might be able to take a dental floss container on the plane.
One of our helpers (thanks Sharon) had a suggestion for those who do travel by plane and are not sure if certain items can be taken on the plane. Take a padded self-addressed stamped envelope with you so that if they do want to confiscate something hopefully you can put the items in the envelope and mail it home. All reports so far have been that items confiscated are not being returned but are being disposed of. So either pack items of concern in your checked luggage or take a SASE and perhaps this will enable you to get them sent home (no guarantees about any of this given the current climate)."
More generally, if you would like to contribute money directly to the victims of the attacks, please send a small sum, even as small as $1, to the New York Fire 911 Relief Fund, Attention: IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer, 1750 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20006.
To learn where you can donate blood (and what donation involves), go to http://www.redcross.org/services/biomed/blood/learn/. Or you can call (in the U.S.) 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. Your gift of blood can save up to three lives, and is a worthwhile undertaking any time of year.
It is tear-invoking to witness the sorrow brought upon this country and around the world this month, yet it is also inspiring to see people working together to help those who need it. May God bless us all as we heal and work toward peace and safety for all world citizens.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." -- Matthew 5:3-10
© 2007 Theresa Venette. Articles on this site may be reproduced in needlework group newsletters or other handouts with permission of author and proper attribution. Send questions, comments and suggestions to: xspeddler@yahoo.com