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Whether we like it or not, pursue it, or avoid it, there have always been quilts and quilters that express political views and ideals. Jacquie Gering made her “Veer” quilt in 2016 to express her concerns over the direction the country was moving and her disappointment in its leadership. It also reaffirmed her commitment to political and community action and to be part of the solution.

Jacquie’s quilt inspired her “Mend” fabric collection from Michael Miller Fabrics. The quilt design is featured as the foundation of the collection with supplementary prints derived from the design of the flag’s starfield and its red and white stripes.

Jacquie’s original quilt speaks to the impact that citizens have on the direction of our country, the responsibilities and obligations of citizenship, and the ability of our country to grow and change for the better. Jacquie added the word MEND to the original design of the veering stripe to encourage all of us to work together to foster the values of compromise, collaboration, and problem-solving. We are sewists and quilters and mending is our superpower. Jacquie wants the collection to provide an opportunity for our community to show the pride we have in our country and the power of its citizenry to work together.

Blue Bar Quilts would like to offer a challenge to our quilting friends to create in the spirit of the Mend message.

Rules:

• Your quilted piece must incorporate one of the small Mend panels designed by Jacquie Gering, available at the shop or online here. The panel may be used whole or partially, but must be identifiable in some form. Use any other fabrics, threads, and embellishments that you would like.
• Must be a quilt with 3 layers (top, batting, backing), using any machine or hand techniques that you would like.
• Your piece must measure no larger than 30” square. Smaller and non-square pieces are allowed.
• Each entry must include a short artist statement including inspiration, sources, materials and techniques.
• Please label the piece with your name, city, email address, and any social media handles (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) if applicable.
• One entry per person.
• Deadline for submission is April 30, 2021. Entries can be dropped off at the shop or mailed but must be received by 4/30/2021.
• Winners will be announced on Monday, June 14 - Flag Day.
• All entries will be returned to participants after June 14, 2021. Those that were dropped off at the shop may be picked up during regular business hours. If your entry was mailed, please contact the shop via email or phone to pay and arrange for return shipment.

Prizes:

1. First Prize Winner to be chosen by Jacquie Gering: $50 Blue Bar Quilts Gift Certificate & 30 minute personal ZOOM chat about walking foot quilting with Jacquie, author of Walk & Walk 2.0!
2. Viewers Choice: $30 Gift Certificate & Shot Cotton 12 Fat Quarter Bundle
3. Staff Pick: $20 Gift Certificate & In the Navy 6 Fat Quarter Bundle

A note from Gael:

We are so thankful for your continued business. This international health crisis is going to be a rough patch for so many small businesses and that worries me for all of us in that boat. On the other hand, it has heartened me to see how local communities have rallied in support of their friends and neighbors. May we all remain united in the face of adversity and come through this healthy and happy.