Quilt Of Valor Letter

I have posted this before but throught is was time again for new readers. This is why I do what I do. Now I have my own quilting machine and no longer have to send them out.

The picture is not of the soldier in this story. It is one from the website.


Dear Eileen,
I am writing to express my gratitude to you and your friend, Betty I., for the beautiful, patriotic quilt you sent to the 332 EMDG (Expeditionary Medical Group) in Iraq. I want you to know how much those quilts mean to us. Yesterday evening six of our Nation's very finest soldiers were flown in by chopper after a suicide bomber attacked their foot patrol. I cared for one of those young men last night. (I'll call him Sgt C.). Sgt C is a young American soldier from Utah with a wife and two small children at home. He is one of the lucky ones. His burns and bruises will heal. His ruptured eardrum will heal. Yesterday he earned his second Purple Heart.

As is customary, the Chaplain or his assistant bring the injured troops a quilt and we cover them with it, either in the ER or on the ward. If they are alert we read them the cards from wonderful Americans like you and tell them that someone from home made that quilt for them. We save them for very special days, like yesterday; for an occasion when a touch of kindness and love from home is exactly what is needed. As I write these words my eyes fill with tears. I have watched many young soldiers receive their quilts of valor and I want you to know that it touches them deeply. It touches all of us deeply. I couldn't read your card out loud to Sgt C because I was crying as I read it. Trying to hold back tears, I held it for him and he read it himself. I can tell you that a strong soldier fought valiantly to hold back his own tears. I don't know if he will ever write to thank you, though he says he plans to, but I wanted you to know how much your kindness means to these young troops, and to those of us who care for them. This is no exaggeration…everyone who passed by Sgt C's litter last night commented on how beautiful your quilt was. It was truly one of the most beautiful quilts we've seen.

I firmly believe that the Lord puts us where he needs us. Right now I am needed in Iraq, caring for those in harms way. I was placed with Sgt C last night to tend his wounds and was blessed to read your message and admire your quilt with him. Of all the quilts that were given last night I was especially touched by yours. You see, I have left behind a husband and four beautiful children in Damascus, MD. As I read the inscription on your quilt I was even more moved by the fact that it was from one of my Maryland neighbors. I told Sgt C that I was planning to write to you and when I return I hope that we can meet for tea and chat. I will share my pictures of Sgt C and his quilt, adorned with his Purple Heart.

Thank you, again, for your kindness and patriotism. I guarantee you truly touched the lives of many last night….through one beautiful quilt of valor. I know that Sgt C is anxious to return home and show that quilt to his family. It will always serve as a reminder to him of his victory last night and of the love we share as Americans. God bless you and God bless America!
Sincerely,
Major S.
USAF

Tote Bag for the best daughter in law

I just love these charm totes. When I was in MA in June, I found this beautiful lime green, black and white fabric in fat quarters. Of course a couple had to come home with me. I stayed with my son and his wife and she said she loved mine.

I finished hers the other day and think I will just mail it off as a surprice gift to her. She is the very best wife I could imagine for my son.

Perfect Charity Quilt

I just finished the Couch Potato quilt I learned how to make at camp. I want something that has the WOW factor but does not take 200 hours. Well--here it is.

I am going to make one for my daughter in horse themed fabric. I do not have enough of the same so will just use what I have. I am NOT buying more just so it is all exactly the same.

This will be fun to quilt on my HQ with varigated RWB thread I bought a long time ago. I have a baby quilt on the frame but this one will be next. I LOVE my HQ and am so thankful I found a reasonably priced used one.

If you see a mistake---don't tell me. It is for a non quilting hero and will not care.

Quilt Guilds

I belong to the most wonderful quilt guild on the planet. The President worked with me in my wonderful job that I lost due to budget cuts in the State. I have heard some horror stories about others and am grateful for this wonderful bunch of ladies. It would be nice to have some guys and maybe I better go search them out.

We will have our monthly sew in at the library and I will bring along my camp projects to work on. They are all nicely bagged up and all cutting is done. My sweet little Featherweight will come along.

These are the little matching bags I made. One is the Charm Party tote pattern and the other is a Lazy Girl pattern I tweaked a bit. Both are well written patterns by talented designers.

Quilt Camp Nirviana

I just returned from 3 wonderful days at the Quilt Camp. I met old friends and new ones. It is just a wonderful place to be and wish it was twice a year.

Enjoy some pics of projects. My new favorite quilt for QOV will be the one called Couch Potato. I will also make a couple to sell at the craft show I hope to do this fall. 25 per cent of what I sellwill go to QOV--maybe more.

Quilt Camp

I am ready to attend the Quilt Camp in Emmittsburg MD. This is a fun 3 day event held at a college. I am making all 3 quilts in Red White and Blue for Quilts of Valor. Then I KNOW I will finish them.

I am meeting 3 online quilting friends there and expect to have just the most fun.

This is a picture of a sunrise the other day. It is soooooooooooo beautiful and tells me that no matter how bleak things may seem---GOD is up there watching over us.

Quilting for charity

I received 3 tops from my quild. This was the first project I did without make the top myself. I have decided that I will put borders on any top missing them. It gets them all squared up right and makes it easier for me to quilt.

I pieced the backing which takes time but uses up fabric from my stash. Look how beautiful they turned out.

Thrift Store Lamp

I used to stop at out local thrift store a couple of times a week when I was a teacher. BUT, I am very anti clutter in my home so I do not go there much any more. I do take donations and then cruise through the store.

I found a wonderful lamp I have seen many places. It is clear glass and you can fill it with anything you want. I chose to use yo yos I had been making for a discarded project.

I also got a small shelf to house thread. A great day at the store. And a bag of clothes out of my closet.