How to Contribute to the NYS Ovarian Cancer Awareness Quilts

Everyone affected by ovarian cancer - from survivors to family members and friends - is welcome to contribute a "square" to our third New York State Ovarian Cancer Awareness Quilt. The quilts are available for display around the state. Our vision for these quilts is that wherever they are, they will encourage, inspire and warm people at high risk for ovarian cancer or undergoing cancer treatment.

Make a Square

The quilt is bordered in a teal color so you may wish to choose colors to coordinate. The finished square size will be 12 inches. Your square should have raw edges and measure at least 12.5 inches on each side. Traditionally pieced squares should measure precisely 12.5 inches. If your design permits additional seam allowance (i.e., an appliqued or other non-pieced design), it is preferable to send a 13 inch square including raw edges. Small 100% cotton prints, checks, etc. would be ideal, but velvets, velours and medium-weight upholstery fabrics are also acceptable, especially for applique.

You are encouraged to personalize your square with fabric scraps, photo-transfers to fabric, and other mementos (buttons, pins, beads, embroidery) that are significant to you as a survivor - or, if you're doing a square in memory of or to celebrate someone, of that person. Feel free to add a name (embroidery or permanent ink) to your square ---whatever feels right! Keep in mind that this is a traveling quilt which will be handled a good deal. Paints, inks, or dyes should be permanent and suitable for use on fabric. Avoid using puffy pens, glitter and vinyl. All appliques and dimensional add-ons should be securely sewn in place. Soft sculpture should not exceed 1 1/2 - 2 inches in raised-up dimension. Pellon Wonder-Under may be used to fuse designs prior to sewing.

Tell Us About the Woman Celebrated in the Square

Enclose a paragraph or two about the honored or memorialized woman; these informational paragraphs travel with the quilts.

Send Your Completed Square to:

Isabel Mayer
New York State Department of Health
Chronic Disease Services – Riverview Center
150 Broadway 3rd Floor West
Albany, New York 12204 - 0678

… or call us at (518) 474-1222 to learn more about the Ovarian Cancer Education and Information Initiative in New York State.