In our December 2007 issue, we published Sheila Llanas’ profile of Jeanette Shanigan, one of a multitude of beaders whose commitment to breast cancer research knows no limit. Each year, Jeanette coordinates an effort to collect 1½-in. (3.8 cm) beaded squares stitched in a particular theme relevant to breast cancer. Then, volunteers sew the squares into bead quilts, which are auctioned off at the Bead&Button Show to benefit breast cancer research. Last year, the quilts raised $5,600 for the Medical College of Wisconsin, and Bead&Button Show auction donations brought the total to $22,000.

This year’s bead-quilt project is titled “Life is beautiful like the rose, but beware of thorns,” so naturally roses are the main motif. Thirteen quilts have been completed as of this writing, and the 11th contains contributions from our very own Bead&Button editors. More than 670 squares have been received from 36 U.S. states and seven foreign countries.

If you would like to contribute beadwork to this year’s quilts, visit Jeanette’s Web site, download the project rules, and submit your work by April 1 — that’s just over a week away! If you plan to bid on the quilts at the Bead&Button Show, they will be auctioned off during the Bead Social and Auction Saturday, June 7, 7:30–11:00 pm. Admission is $9 per person.