KiwiQuilter

New Zealand is mourning the loss of 29 Miners from Pike River Mine. We were all hoping for a miracle but it was not to be.

If you haven't heard about it go here http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/new...pe-of-survival to read about it. Pike River Mine.

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 Shirleys blog http://shirleygoodwin.blogspot.com/ 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.

PS: I think its nice to sign the blocks with a name and town or country, so the families can see people from all over the country & world are thinking of them.

earthwalker

We Aussies have a long association with our New Zealand neighbours....This was a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to our Kiwi mates and the families of those lost. Thanks for posting this link...will get busy on some hearts to send.

jemma

lets all get onto this quilts do give comfort

Deecee

Will be sending some also.

mamahippychicky

Thanks for putting this here Kiwiquilter. The South Island has definitely had it's share of disasters this year, but we have proved that we can pull together. I know what I'm doing today now, and I love doing hearts!

amma

I am so sorry to hear of this :(
I am sure you will get some hearts from us here in the USA too (((HUGS)))

KiwiQuilter

I completed 4 heart blocks today. This was my first attempt at hand applique.

mamahippychicky

They are gorgeous Kiwiquilter. Well done. I'll post photos when I get batteries for the camera!

Couldn't believe there was a fourth explosion yesterday. Makes me wonder what they will find if they ever manage to get in the mine. So sad for the community.

tslowery

I would like to contribute also...

KiwiQuilter

I had hoped that they would have been able to recover the bodies, so that the families would be able to bury their remains.

Sadly, after all the explosions - I don't think there will be anything left.

The whole situation is very tragic for their families and friends.