The project began in 1999 by Shellie Fischer. The panels represent squares of hope and heart, each making a personal statement and a tremendous collective community statement. At left is Lisa Chadwick with several panels displayed at 2000 International Symposium.

We currently have three Awareness Quilt Panels with squares submitted by the HSP community since the project originated with the HSP community prior to the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation.  We are working hard to complete the newest Quilt Panel, submitted on behalf of members of the PLS Community, to be launched for the first time at the 2003 TeamWalk For our Cures national Conference. 

Here are a few of the first squares submitted for our new Quilt Panel: (Click to see enlarged image). 

We look forward to adding many quilt panels representing the entire SPF community!

Squares can be contributed by anyone - individuals, family members, friends, health care providers. You don't need to be an artist or know how to sew to contribute you square. The fee to add your square to a panel is $20 to cover the costs of materials and construction.

Here's how to make your square:

You'll need a 13" x 13" square of fabric (cotton or felt works best) to decorate. Don't worry about the "raw edges" of your fabric - your square will be sewn right into a panel. (The square will be 12" x 12" when finished.)

If you need help, here are some ideas (you can combine them):

1. Make your favorite traditional pieced quilt square.
2. Felt Squares: Select any color 13" x 13" square of felt. Use other pieces of colored felt to cut out shapes or letters (stencils can help). Attach felt pieces to the square with spray glue and secure with stitches around the edges.
3. Cross-stitch: Sew your cross-stitch design on the square
4. Permanent ink pens: Use a thick piece of fabric for your 13" x 13" square. Write on slogans, names, other writing. Stencils can help.
5. Fabric Patterns: Use patterned squares or other shapes of fabric and sew on to make a design.
6. Ribbon square: pin on assorted colored ribbons.
7. Make a heart block: Directions.

Still needs ideas? Make a photo square!

Send in a photo with your 13" X 13" background fabric and your photo square will be made for you.

How to get your square added to the Awareness Quilt

Please submit your square and $20 check to Spastic Paraplegia Foundation to: SPF Quilt Project, 209 Park Rd., Chelmsford, MA 01824. If you have any questions, please contact Quilt Coordinator.

Reserve a panel for display

If you are holding an event or participating in an event and would like to request an Awareness Quilt panel for display, please contact Quilt Coordinator.

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