We are humbled by the tremendous response to our announcement to collect and ship these quilts to Japan.  In the past 2 weeks, there has been some confusion regarding details of Northcott’s initiative.  Bev Rogan of Quilts for Japan in Calgary, AB, has decided that she no longer wishes to partner with Northcott in her efforts to collect quilts for CRASH.  Quilters interested in sending quilts to CRASH through Bev should visit www.quiltsforjapan.ca for details.  Northcott, as originally announced, will be forwarding quilts to Patchwork Quilting Tsushin magazine in Japan for distribution by Unicef and other groups that editor Naomi Ichikawa is working with.  Northcott will accept NEW QUILTS OF ANY SIZE, though large lap/small twin is most needed.   Our initial deadline is end April to receive the quilts, and quilters are asked to forward their quilts to Northcott’s office in Vaughan, ON   (101 Courtland Ave.  Vaughan, ON   L4K 3T5) or to their local shop if the shop is collecting and forwarding the quilts to Northcott.  Canadian company Lapel Stick has posted a wonderful downloadable label that can be included on the quilts if desired (http://www.lapelstick.com/quilts-for-japan).  It is designed by Barb Round and includes inspiring words from one of Singing Quilter Cathy Miller’s songs.

     As a final word of inspiration, Naomi Ichikawa reports “A family who escaped from the tsunami and is living temporarily at their relative's house got a big size quilt to use as a big comforter because they want to sleep all together under the quilt.”  Please keep those quilts coming!

     For the most up-to-date information from Northcott's efforts to send quilts to Japan, visit Patti's blog at www.pattispatchwork.com. Here she will be making regular posts on the Japan relief effort, as well as adding photos of your quilts as they arrive.