Quilting for a cure

Project supports quest for cure for breast cancer

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Quilting got a new meaning with the Quilt For The Cure Quilt Block Challenge.

Each year, more than 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (1-800-IMA-WARE) strives to find a cure by funding research.

Quilters interested in aiding the quest for a breast cancer cure are invited to create a quilt square and take it to The Thimble Box, 526 S. Minnesota St., New Ulm.

Store owner Toni Laffrenzen had 92 quilt blocks donated as of Tuesday morning. She'll accept quilts for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Quilt Block Challenge until Tuesday, April 20.

Laffrenzen's quilt block collection includes squares from as far away as Big Bend, Wis. which is located near Milwaukee.

Quilters of all ages are invited to create a block with predominantly pink and white fabric that can be used in a quilt. Blocks will be joined to make quilts to be auctioned off in a fund-raiser in October 2004. All net proceeds will be donated to the Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Blocks should be 10 inches finished squares, (10 1/2 inches with seam allowances), using 100 percent cotton fabric.

Designs should be pieced, appliqued or embroidered. Participants should include their name, address and story behind their designs. These details often center on relatives and friends.

Local and area quilting clubs participating in the challenge include the Thimbleberries, $5 Saturday Samplers, Prairie Piecemakers, Nooner Club and the Comfrey Quilters.

Quilt blocks can be sent directly to the challenge at Quilt For The Cure Quilt Block Challenge, 1716 Locust St., GA 205, Des Moines, IA 50309.

The challenge is sponsored by American Patchwork & Quilting Magazine. For more information, visit http://www.komen.org.