FreeSpirit Fabric: One Million Pillowcase Blog Hop with Annette Tatum

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

One Million Pillowcase Blog Hop with Annette Tatum

During the month of September, the good folks at American Patchwork & Quilting magazine are hosting a One Million Pillowcase Blog Hop. As a sponsor, FreeSpirit was lucky enough to be asked to participate. So, we turned to Annette Tatum and asked her to make pillowcases and share with us what it means to give back through her fabric and talents.

Annette Tatum

Annette chose to use the Basic Pillowcase pattern to really highlight her new fabric, Tailored. Here is waht Annette says about the One Million Pillowcase Challenge and why it is near and dear to her heart.

"Over the years I have had the most rewarding experiences when I give back to the community. Recently my husband and I helped to remodel a shelter for women and children. I have to say that the person who walked away with the biggest gift was me. When FreeSpirit asked me to make pillowcases for my favorite charity, I felt the soft, shabby chic look of Tailored would offer the handmade love of patchwork while carrying a small piece of home for any child and my charity of choice Conquer Cancer LA.

I know that it is especially difficult for children who are ill to spend time in the hospital. A pillowcase made especially for any child helps to bring home into the hospital. Small reminders of home offer hope to many who are ill. For a long time I have wanted to find a way to use or recycle our bits and pieces of scraps from our production. There are lots of fabric pieces that are large enough to patchwork small comfort items such as pillowcases, pillows and blankets. I would love for each child while they were in the hospital to be able to go home with a "pillow made of love".

I encourage every one to pay it forward by joining the One Million Pillowcase Challenge and donating pillowcases to a local hospital or organization. If you don't sew, volunteer your time. Sharing whatever knowledge, talent or love you have only benefits us all. That feeling of making a difference in someone else's life is incredible and I always walk away wanting to do more."

If you want to learn more or just want to follow the Blog Tour, here are a list of other participants to inspire your creativity and love for giving from your hands and of your heart!