Bailey, CO: Three Park County Sheriff’s Department officers were wounded Wednesday while serving an eviction notice on a man who first motioned the officers into his home, then opened fire. Corporal Nate Carrigan of the Park County Sheriff’s Office injuries were fatal.

Master Patrol Deputy Kolby Martin is in serious condition with multiple gunshot wounds and Captain Mark Hancock was grazed in the ear, treated and has been released.

The community of Bailey Colorado is in mourning [Denver ABC News 7 story here]. Carrigan, who grew up in the close-knit mountain town, served also as the baseball and football coach at Platte Canyon High School.  He leaves behind his parents Melissa and John, siblings Jamie, John and Alicia, his girlfriend Melissa and countless others who will miss seeing him in town, on the field or at the Cutthroat Cafe.

Yesterday a group of three beginning quilters began discussing how to create a quilt for Carrigan’s loved ones.

A few years ago, our daughter received a tied fleece blanket from Project Linus. It comforted her and is part of her healing. I’m hoping a quilt we all work together to create can help those closest to Nate. It will also help us as makers to remember to be grateful for officers and their families. I’ve spent a great deal of my life in Bailey, it’s like my second home.  I’ve many friends and family members who live in and are active in the community. I’m just hoping we can be of comfort to those hurting.

“We as a family know how it feels to have to grieve a loss that should never happen. These guys work hard for us. Let me know the colors,” said Michelle Holiday, whose family has also lost members serving in law enforcement.  Michelle will be making the center medallion for the quilt.

“A quilt signifies warmth. It is something that brings comfort,” said Michelle.

“I am a police officer’s wife and my heart sank when I read of this news yesterday. I am actually designing a quilt for my son made from this line [Blue Bird by Cotton + Steel] right now …  I am ordering my fabric today. When do you need the squares by?” said Stephanie Leigh, another beginning quilter.

{February 26, 2016 UPDATE BELOW: Important Block Prep Info & Keeping you in the Loop …} 

Quilters of all levels are asked to participate in the creation of the Carrigan Comfort Quilt. It is hoped enough blocks can be prepared to provide two quilts; one for Nate’s parents and one for his girlfriend.

Here’s how you can help.

1. Pray for Nate’s loved ones and for the healing of his fellow officers. Please also pray for the safety of all first responders and their families and those who have lost loved ones in law enforcement.
2. Commit to making a block (or more). Please notify me in the comment box below as to your ability to do so and how many blocks you can make. Ideally we need 32+ blocks for one quilt (64 if we’re looking to do two quilts). Send such to me:  Janelle Jones 9974 Clairton Street, Highlands Ranch, CO  80126 by March 15, 2015 or earlier.
3. If you’re on or near the Colorado front range and would like to assist with assembly, please let me know.
4. Please feel free to include a short note of gratitude when you send your block/s. Nate’s parents’ names are Melissa & John Carrigan, his siblings are Jamie (also an officer in another Colorado community), John and Alicia. Nate’s girlfriend is Melissa Patterson.

Block Specifications (Pattern) & Color Palette:

1. Palette: Predominantly navy blue and complimentary blues; White (a white that goes well with your fabrics); Gold and complimentary yellows. Sashing lines within your block should be white. Stephanie and I will be using fabrics from Cotton + Steel’s Blue Bird line. Feel free to do so, or use fabrics you feel will be calming, uplifting and comforting within the palette. Michelle’s medallion will also feature birds.
2. Block Pattern: From Moda’s Ruby, Peal & Opal FREE Quilt Pattern by Corey Yoder. Instructions here.

God created, sew should we.  [Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.]  Our stories as makers are valuable. [Life is humbling. Sharing our journeys is uplifting and productive.]

 

UPDATE: Important Block Prep Info & Keeping you in the Loop February 28, 2016 … 

*  Block/s Preparation & Sashing:  Thanks to those making multiple blocks. We are REALLY hoping to make two nice sized quilts. Please prepare and send your multiple block as individual blocks;  do not sash such together. The assembly team will add top and bottom sashing and vertical sashing. Thank you so much.

* Internal “Sashing”: The vertical and horizontal lines within your blocks should be a white that compliments your other fabrics. If that’s a white on white, or cream on white, or bright white, no worries. We’re going to pick a blender (white on white or a contrast for the overall sashing. Do what looks best on your block. Again, please do not add the top and bottom sashing. To keep things uniform, we will add such during assembly.

*  Keeping in touch. It would be good to be able to keep in touch with everyone over the course of this project. Many have indicated a willingness to provide more blocks if need be, a few have offered to make contributions for materials such as batting and backing and assembly help and other great things, etc…. The good way to keep everyone in the progress and needs loop is via our newsletter. Please keep the subscribe box checked near your “Reply” OR utilize the subscriber box if you did not do so in your initial correspondence.

 *  Please REPLY … as you’re committing to making a block, please let us know below so that we can get a rough idea of how many blocks will be sent. When you reply, if it is your first time replying on Sew God, your post will not automatically show. This is a protective measure to make sure comments posted are appropriate and even more so, that we are not spammed by robots (for real). Please be patient. I try to reply and approve frequently. Thank you.