Chasing Dreams

The vision was nice while it lasted. I’m awake now. Sometimes dreams don’t work out… that’s life. Move on. Deal with it. 

Late to the Party

I’m always “late to the party” but better late than never! This year, the Quilts of Valor Foundation is in its tenth year. It’s growing stronger every day because of its mission: 

...to cover all combat service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. 

Something in my head clicked a couple of months ago and it’s been such an eye opener for me. It’s something I must help with, especially after reading the various comments left by Wounded Warriors and Veterans, or their family member.

From the eyes of a daughter, it was indeed A Day to Remember.

And, from another daughter, it is wonderful to hear how QOV’s Have An Impact.

Another comment I saw, after receiving his QOV, a Veteran stated:

“The love placed in the Quilt when pieced and quilted is felt.”

I watched Dorsey Winfree's interview. He could have been someone I went to high school with, or my cousin...

Oh, how I wish I could have been there, back in 2009 –

QOV – “1200 Quilts Across America” Trailer

I could go on and on. But I’ll stop, wipe my tears away, and get back to creating another quilt!

I need to do my part in saying, "Thank You for your service."

Community QOV Project

A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog article over on Lanetta's Creations asking for Just One Block. The response has been amazing! I want to share pictures of the lovely blocks others have created ~ somewhere in America ~ and mailed to me, here in the rural Texas Hill Country! I cannot express the joy in my heart knowing so many are pitching in to help with what will make NUMEROUS Community Quilts of Valor!

Becky - Boulder, Colorado

Marissa - Gresham, Oregon 

Lori & Dona - Auburn, California

Kristin - Forreston, Illinois 

Janet - Littlefield, Texas

Susan - Athens, Georgia

Vicki - New Glarus, Wisconsin

Cathy - Edwardsburg, Michigan

Then a friend and I met at her church's Family Life Center and arranged...

All blocks came from Lori & Dona!

Thank you, Lori & Dona 

 and stitched 3 quilt tops together!

Thank you, Gail!

Thrilled Gail taught me a quick stacking trick to sew the blocks together making rows!

For the border on this one, Gail & I decided on a solid red...

Ready to send off for quilting!

Requesting a Volunteer Longarmer today!

I was a bit delayed in getting fabric for the borders and backing. Hope to finish up the other two today - adding the borders and pressing the backing - tomorrow at the latest. I think it's a splendid way to spend Thanksgiving - preparing Quilts of Valor for our Veterans and Wounded Warriors!

Hoping for another group gathering in December to arrange and create more fabulous Community QOV! Several other ladies had wanted to help, but prior commitments prevented them - this time! They all want to help, to do their part in this fabulous National Service endeavor!

Thanks AGAIN to everyone for participating in this group effort to honor our veterans and giving comfort to our wounded!

Hopefully, soon will have my own longarm quilting machine so I can get these quilted and presented without waiting and waiting and waiting! Please consider contributing to the funding campaign!

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Which One?

Sometimes my mind simply goes blank when thinking of what quilt pattern to use for my next QOV project. Today I began a mission to find various patterns and link them here! By sharing with you, we both now can have a quick reference!

At Mary Quilts, among a wide variety of quilt designs, she has specific ideas dedicated to QOV! I wish I could share one of her designs, but she’s specifically requested everyone not repost or “pin”! Trust me, however, it’s worth taking a look on her site!

Here and there, I saw mention of a “zig-a-zag” quilt. Interesting! When looking further, I found Maureen Cracknell Handmade’s excellent tutorial of the pattern she provided on Janome’s website. I like this and can easily “see” it made in a variety of Red White and Blue prints!

http://maureencracknellhandmade.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-decending-zig-zag-quilt-tutorial.html

Quilters Cache is another site I stumbled upon today! I appreciate how one can search for blocks by size (but there’s not a picture you can see until you click on the block name)! So, I went back to the first page and decided my favorite one is the Four Part Strip Block. I like the quick method sewing

Many of the major fabric manufacturers have free quilt patterns!

Robert Kaufman

          I especially like the Herringbone!

Hoffman Fabrics

          I love the Camden Ribbons!

Michael Miller

Northcott

I’m sure there are many others, but this is a nice starter to refer back to whenever my mind goes blank again!

Do you have a favorite quilt pattern?

Call Out for Quilt Blocks

Oh my goodness! Last week I put a call out for Just One Block ... asking everyone who possibly could, would they create and send me just one block to put together for a Community Quilt of Valor. I've heard from so many folks, and have received many blocks already!!!

Becky - Boulder, Co

Kristin - Forreston, IL

Marissa - Gresham, OR

Susan - Athens, GA

I have a hopeful heart many others are on their way!

AND!!!! A group of lovely quilting friends in my local community have offered their help in putting the QOV together with me!

Thank you all!

Lanetta

Thankful for Proof Readers

Thanks to all who are helping me get the wording correct, calling attention to typo's, and offering fabulous tips to get this endeavor off the ground. I appreciate all the help making it the best it can be!

Helping others help others is what it's all about!

Since the first launch, I've added some pictures and a "wish list" showing the different areas that need funding. Because "go fund me" makes the funding campaign select one or the other "wish list" or "reward", I've added, within the description, the reward based on amount of donation! Rest assured, EVERYONE - whatever amount of donation they can make - will receive a Virtual Hug!
    

Lanetta

Funding Campaign Begins!

Okay... I did it! I've launched a funding campaign to turn this dream into reality!

The page is LIVE!

Please donate what you can, even a dollar will help with mailing quilts to their destination.

Thank you so much!