As of May 15, 2005, more than six months after the hurricane, 29 patches had been created on the site. Most of the patches are personal stories of experiences during the storm, of places destroyed by the storm or of prayers or messages to those affected.

One patch, from a woman living overseas, shares her mother's story: "My mom's boyfriend was trapped for days in a hotel room in New Orleans; we didn't know for a week if he was alive or dead. Thankfully, he made it back to her—20 lbs lighter, but safe. Now comes the second challenge: figuring out what to do now that his life has been turned upside down. This event has tendrils which have affected so many more people than the ones who were physically there."

Another is a memorial to a woman who died in the storm: "Celeste Hingle an 85 year old Alzheimers patient from New Orleans,La. May you rest in peace. From all the volunteers at volunteers2katrinamissing."

Others offer prayers of comfort and blessing to those affected by the storm: "There are no words to describe the heartache that has been felt around the nation for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Yet the outpouring of prayer, generosity, and love should remind us all of the grace of God that sustains us and keeps us during times of distress. May the mercy and compassion of God continue to heal your soul and draw you closer to his gentle side."

And some stories sought to encourage others to share their memories of places now washed away: "Let these people talk to you. Ask them for their memories. Ask them to tell you of their city and their lives. The good and the bad—all of it. Capture the essence. Let us all smell the beignets and coffee, taste the crawfish and hear the music and laughter. Tell us about the families, their joys and their struggles. Do it for those who are too young to know and those who need ease their grief. Write the eulogy of New Orleans. Oh yes, a new city will emerge from the destruction, but it will be just that—a new city. We all need to know and remember the one that was."

Through the patchwork interface, where users could select a fabric image, share their story, and post their words, an alternate history emerged of a community in mourning.