In case you haven’t been reading my blog long enough to know about the condom quilt, here is a brief summary:
- A couple of years ago I wanted to make a quilt from a QR code in such a way that the entire quilt top could be scanned to open the target website. Since I was going to be putting in a lot of effort, I wanted a QR code that had some meaning for me.
- At that time I was working in public health, spending much of each day helping patients cope with various problems that might have been prevented by appropriate use of condoms.
- When I looked for a condom-related QR code, I found that Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and Hawaiian Islands (PPGNW) had developed a QR code to be placed on their condom packages. Scanning the code linked to PPGNW’s “Where Did You Wear It?” site. The goal was to encourage safer sex through condom use.
PPGNW graciously agreed to let me use their QR code in my design. I colorized their code and made my quilt, checking after construction of each section to be sure the whole thing still scanned correctly.
This is the finished quilt. That tiny embedded QR code leads to my blog.
I showed the quilt anywhere I could. (It isn’t just younger people who need safer sex.) That included guilds, quilt shows, and the folks in my office. After a year of showing it to anybody who would listen, I donated the quilt to PPGNW to be used in any way they wish.
I was very pleased recently to receive this picture of the PPGNW management staff with the quilt. That funny looking guy is their condom mascot.
The folks at PPGNW report that the quilt has sparked discussion, especially about the interaction of traditional crafts and technology. I enjoyed this quilt from start to finish and I’m glad it is now in its home.
Zippy Quilts 
You are amazing! What a brilliant way to spread an important health and life saving message. I admire your leadership and service to people.
Thanks. Planned Parenthood needs support now more than ever.
I remember reading about this before! It looks like you sent it to the right place. Hmmmm…. I have never heard of a walking penis mascot wearing a condom, you couldn’t pull that off in very many scenarios. I wonder if the mascot is male or female!
Hahaha! I, too, wondered who was under that costume 🙂
This is brilliant! It’s beautiful and it sends a very powerful message. Thank you for thinking outside the box and encouraging others to do the same.
Thank you, and thanks for your email 🙂
As always, you are amazing! What a great idea and I’m sure PP was thrilled to get the quilt and the reason for it! Congratulations for such a great plan! 🙂
thanks! I was happy to promote Planned Parenthood.
What a great idea! And it also made an attractive quilt.
thanks. It’s one that was turned down for QuiltCon, as we were discussing earlier.
Mary, that is such a great idea and a wonderful quilt. Thank you for what you do to help others.
Hi, it’s good to hear from you. From what I see on Katie’s Facebook, you are way ahead of me on grandchildren!
Yes, Katie has them all. I don’t know how she does it. I may be ahead of you now, but I think that is where they will stop, including from her brothers. I am trying to get back into sewing. For the past 3 years I didn’t do too much from my illness and now that I want to, I have lost a lot of my abilities. I buy fabric and read lots of blogs. Had our old group over my house on Thursday. Now to clean out the room and bring some order. So then I just have to sit down and do it! Nice to hear from you.
Oh my goodness – so creative! And encourages people not to get “cooties”, etc. 🙂
thanks, Tierney!
Great way to integrate technology with quilting. Your subject matter was obviously near and dear to your heart. I worked in a military recreation center one year when we had AIDS awareness day, and the health folks were passing out literature and “free” condoms to anyone who walked in. Back in the early 90’s we were just becoming aware of the AIDS situation. Having your beautiful quilt hanging in the office must really spark discussions. No long “taboo” conversations thankfully!!
Such a fabulous quilt! I could see high schools here in California using it in their sex ed classes! Congratulations on a great concept and a great cause.
Hi, Ann! Thanks. It’s great to hear from you 😀
I’m a new visitor to your blog. Every quilt tells a story and your is a life-saving one. I also like the way you’ve introduced quilting (esp. modern quilting) to non-quiltmakers.
Hi Nann! Thanks for visiting and commenting 🙂
Awesome and imaginative!! Very good use of ur wonderful talent!!!
Thanks for visiting!