Dear Friends and crafters across the globe – I am organising a quilt block drive for a project very near to my heart and to my family. With a nephew with Cystic Fibrosis and a mother-in-law involved in the CF foundation in Australia, I have been thinking of a project that I could organise to help out. The 65 Roses quilt is that project. 65 roses day is named after a folklore story – and raises awareness of Cystic Fibrosis.

Would you like to make a block and send to me to be used in this quilt? All the details and the pattern can be downloaded from THIS PDF – the pdf also has 2 rose applique designs and 3 rose embroidery designs – however you can use your own design as well.

Its a simple block, comprised of 4xfive inch charm squares – one of which you will embroider/applique a rose design onto, the other three squares can be comprised of vintage/found/floral bits of lovely fabric – you can make one block or more and send to me to be made up into the 65 roses quilt.

The quilt – comprised of 65 blocks will be auctioned at the CF Australia annual gala auction event in Canberra in September 2010.

Please contact me with any questions [whipup at gmail.com] – and I will be keeping whipup posted on progress on this project.

PS. If you want to take this idea and run with it – using this pattern to make a community quilt for your local CF foundation then please do – would love if it if you told me about your project – but there is no obligation to do so … ADD YOUR IMAGES to the 65 roses quilt flickr group.

pps. you can download the graphic and link to this post if you would like to help promote this effort.

Host an ‘Exchange for Change’ party. Exchange for Change runs 1-30 September 2009. It is a new fundraising event which asks women to host clothes swap parties to raise money for those less fortunate. Women get together anytime or anywhere across Australia throughout September to swap clothing items that are no longer loved, wanted or worn. Voluntary donations from the events will go directly to Oxfam Australia’s invaluable work both in Australia and overseas.

get the instructable for this knitted lip warming moustache here via SandBLondon on twitter see more Knit and Crochet Moustache Patterns patterns for Prostate Cancer.

Daniel sent in his link to free/pay-what-you-will pattern for knitted Brain Coral – you can download the pattern for free or make a donation to the breast cancer charity, the Young Survival Coalition, which works with women diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 40. Check out Daniels blog here.

Knitting for Good!: A Guide to Creating Personal, Social, and Political Change Stitch by Stitch by Betsy Greer published by Trumpeter (November 11, 2008).

A heartwarming and uplifting series of essays on knitting from craftivism activist Betsy Greer. Betsy writes a series of refreshing and inspiring essays, all about knitting, with topics ranging from craft as therapy, using craft to connect with others, craft for charity, and knitting and activism.

Dotted throughout are interesting anecdotes and crafting memories from various people who have used craft in positive ways. Such as Felicity Ford from the Mississippi radio show who crated the walking stick cosy competition to challenge perceptions about disabilities. Diane Gilleland, church of craft minister and broadcaster of the popular crafty podcast craftypod. Faythe Levine, author and film maker of the indie production ‘handmade nation’ and lots more.

There is also a range of simple yet stylish knitting patterns in the book – designed especially for giving to others, meditation knitting, learning and teaching. Such as the striped hat for the homeless, cushion cover to knit for the elderly or bedridden, knitted toys for children and a rather nice asymmetrical vest.

Congratulations Betsy – a must read for crafters and non crafters everywhere.

The Quilters of South Carolina have created one-of-a-kind bras for Breast Cancer Awareness. The forty-nine unique and entertaining bras will hopefully increase public aware of breast cancer and to help remember those lost to the disease as well as to honor the survivors. The bras will be auctioned at the end of the touring exhibition.

Found via extreme craft – the bras are at once poignant and humorous and as Garth points out – not exactly practical and may potentially put off would be suitors.

Amy sent in this “Please think about this family today and say I love you to those you do. Life is fragile.” :: Amy’s Auction :: Design mom Auction (275+ opportunities to help Nie recovery - All of the auctions are being run independently and may have different rules and different end times.)

Spoonflower update: updated and improved shopping cart :: Lower shipping rates :: 3-Yard Limit On Fabric Items (reduced printer mistakes on larger pieces) :: now you can cast your vote for a second type of fabric to be offered ::

a giveaway at craftactually

ILLUSTRATIVE Art festival together with a Young Illustrator’s Award competition :: Deadline for submission fee: 31st of August 2008 :: Deadline for submission works: 31st of August 2008

Mind bites: video instructional contest ‘The Baby Formula’: launches September 3. (instructional videos related to babies and parenting) :: $1500 of cash prizes :: they are working with ‘Any Baby Can’, a charity that helps children to reach their potential through education, therapy and family support services :: crafty submissions in the parenting/new baby genre might include: knitted or crocheted blankets/clothes/toys, quilts, baby book scrapbooks, appliqué, embroidery, breastfeeding necklaces, stroller toys, pacifier clips, baby announcements, etc.

A charitable pattern from Designedly, Kristi. Inspired by her mother’s experience with two Seeing Eye Dogs™, this sock pattern celebrates the independence and freedom assistive animals bring to their owners’ lives. 100% of the profits from the sale of this pattern will be donated to an organization furthering independence for the visually impaired.