Q: Wait, so how does this work?

A: Well, in theory, it’ll go something like this…

1. I make quilts. 
2. Each quilt will be paired with a progressive organization (think national and local places like We Need Diverse Books and Equal Justice Initiative and All Square … and more to come). I’m not working with the organizations in any formal way, I’m just matching each quilt to an organization for the sake of spreading the love ($$$) around. So bid on a pattern you like … or bid because you want to support a particular progressive organization … the choice is yours. 
3. You will bid on the quilts via an online auction service. This service will simply manage/track the bidding process … it will not handle the money.
4. Once the auction has ended, and I notify you that you’ve won a particular quilt, you will have a set amount of time (48hours? A week? TBD) to make a donation for the amount you bid directly to the organization associated with the quilt. Then, you will send me e-proof of that donation (screen grab? Forwarded e-receipt? Whatever makes you comfortable).
5. I send/deliver you the quilt.
6. Everyone wins!

Q: But I want to donate to a cause of my choice, not a cause of your choice, and still get one of your quilts.

A: Yeah … that’s not how this works. [smiley emoji]

Q: Wait, so I have to send you proof that I donated to the organization?

A: Yeah, fair is fair … I need to see that the transaction actually occurred before I send/deliver the quilt. I originally was going to have you Venmo me the money and I’d make the donation, but the more transparent thing to do is have you make the donation directly … then you know 100% of your contribution went right to the organization and you get the benefit of the charitable giving for your taxes etc.   

Q: How big will the quilts be?

A: They’ll be about 65-70ish inches square. They won’t fit perfectly on any particular bed size, but they’ll work just fine on a twin or a queen. They’ll also look great draped over the back of your couch or a big squashy chair. 

Q: How much will bidding start at?

A: Each quilt will contain at least $150 worth of fabric, batting, and thread. And each quilt will take at least 25-30 hours to make (likely much more…I don’t really keep track). While I already have all of the fabric that will go into the tops of the quilts (20+ years of scraps!), I’ll be buying new fabric for the backing and binding fabrics. I’ll also be purchasing the batting. As such, I think it’s fair to start the bidding at $250. I know that’s no small chunk of change, but it’s important to me that the donations to the organizations are remotely commensurate with the “value” of the quilts. That’s part of my rationale for getting the word out about this earlier in the year … you have until the end of the year to sock away a little extra bidding money!

Q: When is this taking place?

A: This will take place in early November of 2023, wrapping up in time for Give to the Max Day in Minnesota. That way, your donations might even be able to do a little extra good. Watch this blog and social media for final details!

Q: Who is the auction open to? 

A: I don’t know … you wonderful people … my dear friends and colleagues … and whoever else? I’m not in any way trying to drum up an audience or widely promote this or anything like that … just hoping my friends/colleagues are interested. And maybe the folks you share it with, should you choose to do so? I’m not trying to turn this into a Big Thing … just us working together to do a little bit of good in the world.