The National Quilt Project

The National Quilt Project is a grassroots effort to gather enough18" quilt squares from makers all across the country to cover the National Mall in 2030. I was skeptical about it at first, but I put together a square and sent a photo to the website and was told to deliver my square to Ithaca NY. Well I was going to be in Ithaca for a family reunion anyway, so I delivered it in person, which is how I met Mary Milne. She's one of the coordinators of the project and told me about the 1985 Ribbon project; a nationwide demonstration for nuclear disarmament. The goal of The Ribbon was to create enough fabric panels to surround the Pentagon. The finished ribbon wrapped around the Pentagon, crossed over the bridge of the Potomac, and stretched over 15 miles up the entire Washington Mall to encircle the Capitol building. I was inspired! And convinced that the National Quilt Project is totally achievable. You can learn more about The Ribbon here https://thepeaceribbon.org/the-peace-ribbon-2/ I recommend the video. It's an amazing story, full of hope for the future, and the power of ordinary people, which is desperately needed these days.

Squares displayed in DC for the project launch July 2026

I made my square out of leftover pieces from my Storm at Sea wall hanging, which you can read about in another post. The words Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Happiness and 1776-2026 are embroidered in gold thread, and I titled it Inalienable Rights.

I am delighted to know Mary, and was privileged to view the many fabric art pieces displayed in her home. I'll be collecting more squares to take to her before the big reveal in Washington DC in 2030. If you are interested in creating a square (no sewing necessary), use this link to submit your entry form and photo https://nationalquiltproject.org/. There's also a digital gallery of the squares that have been submitted that will be updated as more squares are received.

Me with Mary Milne and my National Quilt Project square

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