Winning Essay

My wonderful HQ16 and I are a successful partnership. I tried several different brands and asked questions of many quilters. I never hear a single person say they were sorry they chose the HQ16.

I am mainly a charity quilter for our local Hospice and Quilts Of Valor. I am a prolific quilter and can do tops quite fast. Then I became bogged down in the quilting process. It took over 2 hours just to do the pinning. Then I had to wrestle a big quilt through the arm of my sewing machine. My shoulders would ache with this effort. I can load the top and have it finished in about 2 hours. This is a quilt about the size of a twin bed.

I do free motion from the front of the machine and have just the best time. It moves easily and I feel like I am painting with thread. I just finished stippling a quilt that I will use as a sample for a local Quilt Class I teach through our County. It is beautiful and may bring me into the process of quilting for others for pay. I hope to be able to do this soon to help pay for all the charity quilting and fabric buying.

My quilts have traveled to Iraq and Germany to comfort the wounded military. I am now entering into a program with a Major’s wife. I am going to be sending quilts to the families of those killed in action. We all know how much comfort a quilt can be and I want to wrap the families in love and let them know we are a grateful nation.

And here is why I love this machine-------------

Dear Eileen,

I am writing to express my gratitude to you and your friend, Betty , 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