Unity Quilt Block

The internet is such a fabulous communication tool. Last Thursday I learned that there was a group in Israel asking Jews the world over to send a quilt block so that quilts can be made for the families of the three Israeli boys that were kidnapped and subsequently murdered a few weeks ago. I knew I had to make one.
The block needed to be 10" and predominantly blue and white. This was the first block that I made. (It looks quite yellow due to the lighting, or lack thereof. )I thought about how the many diverse pieces of fabric represented all of the diverse people around the world who were mourning for these three young men.

Then I added a heart, thinking about all of the hearts that were breaking for these three families.

At this point I thought the appliqué did nothing to enhance the block and vice versa. The background was just too busy. Contrast continues to be an issue for me.
So I decided to create another background that had a simpler pattern.

And then added three hearts with high contrast, to represent the three young men.

I sent it off to Israel via US Mail and it will arrive in 7-10 days.
I certainly hope these quilts give some comfort to these families. They will feel the love from around the world.


If you would like to participate, here's the blog address:

www.unityquilts.blogspot.com

The deadline is August 15th.  If mailing from the U.S., it takes 7-10 days to get to Israel.

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Wednesday's Wanderings #10 - Childhood Memories

It's interesting what is important to you upon reflection as opposed to what is important to you at the moment. On one of the last days of I\my Israel trip, our group headed to a remote area to plant a tree under the guidance of The Jewish National Fund (JNF).

Kids, as well as adults, in synagogues all over the world have been donating money to plant a tree in Israel. Sometimes it is for a special holiday and sometimes it is to commemorate an occasion. These trees have turned some parts of Israel from a barren wasteland into a forest.

So it was appropriate for us to plant a tree. I have to say it was a little kitschy. The guide from the JNF talked in a disinterested monotone trying to finish his speech as quickly as he could because he had other groups waiting. Our group was given this flat of pistachio seedlings to plant in pre-dug holes.

This week while trying to choose a topic for my WW, I chose this tree planting. The tree planting connected my childhood to my long awaited trip to Israel with my current life. Those dollars we sent helped to make Israel green. I am a part of that country. So the insignificant event became so significant to me in retrospect.

Photos From Israel

I promised more photos and here they are, albeit a bit disorganized. We have been so very busy trying to cram in as much as we can and it has been hard to get on-line. I'll keep at it.



A happy sight after an 11 hour plane ride - Welcome to Israel at the airport.

 

Apartment buildings located on the typical rocky terrain.



Camels grazing on the side of the road.

Pretty skinny!

Surprisingly, this is the desert.  It is rock, not sand.



The Dead Sea.



Safed - a very European looking town.

 

There are soldiers everywhere in Jerusalem, but most of he ones we have seen are in training.  Everyone has to serve in the army .  They usually do it after high school.  Girls serve 2 years and boys serve for 3 years.

 

Two Photos I Had To Share

I am travelling around Israel taking lots of photos.  For some reason I am having difficulties organizing and uploading these photos.  (And the reason is me!!)  But I want to share 2 photos that my Bernina loving friends will get a kick out of.  I took these in the old city section of believe it or not, Jerusalem.

Can you hear him saying "Oy, another seam to rip"?