Taking inspiration from some other fan message boards, we've decided to ask for YOUR participation. We'd like to have everyone contribute a patch of fabric that will be sewn into a decorative quilt and be given to Toy for Christmas. In exchange for your participation, we've been given a big box full of goodies to send to YOU in return. We don't want to say exactly what these goodies are - then it wouldn't be a holiday surprise! But just know that you won't be disappointed, as they were sent from Toy herself!
Here are the guidelines for the project:
- Patches MUST be 8 inches by 8 inches (20.3 centimetres) in size. No bigger, no smaller.
- Decorate your patch however you like. But please keep it tasteful, as vulgar patches will be discarded. You may sew or glue anything you like onto your patch, as this quilt is decorative and not meant to be used or washed. Use your patches to convey your connection to La Toya - something you admire about her, your favorite song or album, something that will make your patch unique. If you need ideas, remember - Google is your friend! You can also discuss it with other Toy Soldiers on our message board.
- Please do not use any stretchy fabric as it may look distorted once sewn into the quilt.
- All patches MUST be mailed by September 30, 2009. We will allow two weeks for the final patches to arrive before they are sewn onto the quilt. After October 14, 2009 any patches received will be discarded. Please send us an e-mail to let us know when the patch was sent so we can keep an eye out.
If you are interested in participating, please send us an e-mail to churchoflatoya@aol.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false. We will reply soon after with the address to which your patch can be sent.
We will send out weekly emails notifying everyone of the progress of this project and will be posting photos on our forum as things move along.
Lastly, we would also appreciate a very tiny donation from contributors. Not to cover cost of fabric or labor but to help cover the cost of packaging and return shipping on your 'gift' and the cost of shipping the quilt to La Toya. Nothing more than $2 USD, please. We don't want to seem greedy but the cost is coming out of our own pockets and just a little bit helps. It is not required, however.
Please feel free to e-mail or PM Matt with any questions or suggestions you may have!
Have fun and get to work!
Update September 7, 2009:
Just wanted to give a quick update regarding the quilt project. The deadline to send in your patches is quickly approaching (September 30 to be exact) so we wanted to remind everybody who hasn't sent their to get to work.
We've received four patches over the past couple of days. They're absolutely stunning and we can't wait to see what else comes in! You can see them in the photo attached to this e-mail. A big thanks to Lisa Stothard, Chase Gran, Bobby Ali and Sophie Massicor for being on the ball!
If you haven't signed up to participate in the project, it's not too late. Just send us an e-mail to let us know you'd like to take part!
We'll be keeping everybody updated through e-mails and our message board. Remember, if you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to e-mail us.
As always,
The Church of La Toya Team
E-mail Update from Saturday, September 26, 2009:
Many apologies for not getting back to many of you sooner. I wanted to send an e-mail this weekend to let those of you that have not sent in your patches that you have a little more time.
Because I haven't received even half of the patches that were pledged for this project I am extending the deadline by two weeks. The deadline for mailing in your patch has been extended to 15 October 2009. I will accept patches until 31 October 2009 but NOT after this date.
With this e-mail I have included a photo of some of the patches I've received thus far and I must say, they are all stunning! I can't wait to see the rest of them together. If you have sent your patch but don't see it in this photo, please e-mail me and let me know! For those of you who have e-mailed because you've lost the address, I've slapped it to the bottom of this e-mail.
Please send me an e-mail to this address (churchoflatoya@aol.com) when you send your patch so I can be looking out for it! With your patch, please include a slip of paper with your name and FULL address including country. Remember this, because if you forget you might not receive your Christmas gift from La Toya!
You may mail your patch to the following address:
Church of La Toya
c/o Matt Emrick
P.O. Box 4657
Parkersburg, WV 26104
USA
Make sure to check your e-mail and our message board regularly for updates on the project.
Thanks meister! 
I'm glad my best friend helped me to cut the fabric, so i could send something... I just do my best to write lines of one of my Toy's favorite songs. 
