Fun with Fall Wallhanging

I found a pattern for this in the latest Fons and Porter magazine. Whittles (one of my favorite online shops) had the panel for only $3.00. I changed one of the borders so it would not take so long to get done. It was fun to work on and a nice break from red white and blue.

5 more days until UTAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trouble Sleeping?

SLEEP LAST NIGHT?


Bed a
little lumpy...


Toss and
turn any....

Wish the heat was higher...

Maybe the a/c !
Wasn't on...

Had to go to the john......

Need a drink of
water...


Please remind me not to complain so much.

Quilts With Hugs

I just sent out a bunch of quilts for the families of a Hero who gave his life for us. There are numerous children involved in these families. I wanted to make sure each one got their own quilt.
So here are the pictures of the ones they are getting.





This quilt is for his wife who is excepting a baby soon.



This quilt is for his 6 year old son from his first marriage.



This quilt is for his 9 year son from his first marriage.



This quilt is for his 2 year old son.



This is for his unborn baby that is wife is carrying.

I was a young person during the Vietnam War and remember how the military was treated during that time. A very shameful period in our history. We have learned from our mistakes and are doing a much better time now. This is just my little way to help these families. I hope they wrap these quilts around themselves and feel the love.

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

I Won A Big Contest

I am so excited. I entered a writing contest at HQ (the company that makes my quilting machine) and I am one of the winners!!! I used that wonderful letter about the recipient of one of my Quilts Of Valor.
______________________________________________________________

Congratulations! Your HQ Story has been chosen as one we will feature in an upcoming Handi Quilter magazine ad. This is your invitation to attend the HQ Story Retreat in Salt Lake City!

I’d like to invite you to attend the HQ Story Retreat at the Handi Quilter Studio in North Salt Lake, Utah, on September 27- 29, 2009. You must plan to travel to Utah on September 27, arriving in time for our 6:00 p.m. dinner together. You will return home the afternoon of September 29. Some who fly home to the east coast may need to stay overnight, September 29, and fly home the morning of September 30



What We’ll Pay For

Handi Quilter will cover all of the following expenses:

1. Roundtrip airfare to Salt Lake City (or fuel reimbursement if driving)

2. Ground transportation while in Salt Lake City

3. Double occupancy hotel accommodations while you are here (up to three nights)

4. Six meals (9/27 dinner, 9/28 breakfast, lunch, dinner, 9/29 breakfast and lunch)

5. HQ Story Retreat, including all materials used during the hands-on retreat in the Handi Quilter Studio



Retreat Classes

The HQ Story Retreat will include the following classes (suitable for all machines)

1. TNT : Threads, Needles and Tension. Learn the basics of operating your Handi Quilter machine. While this will be a review for some, we promise that even the veteran machine quilters will learn something new.

2. Threads. How many different threads do you use for quilting? We’re going to show you to how deal with many different weights and types of threads. When you leave, you, too, will say, “I can use ANY KIND of THREAD on my HQ machine!”

3. How to Quilt It with Suzanne Hyland.



Other Goodies

In addition to the educational opportunities offered at the retreat, here are some things to look forward to:

1. Dinner at CEO Mark Hyland’s mountain home

2. Handi Quilter gift bag

3. Shopping at one of our favorite SLC quilt shops

4. Show and tell with the other winners


WOW is all I can say. I will post my story that won tomorrow. They want to feature Quilts Of Valor in my ad.

Scrap Happy

I am not a scrap quilter at all. I usually give away my scraps to either my guild or quilting friends. But I have made up a pattern to use all the wonderful red white and blue scraps from my Quilts of Honor. That is what I am calling the quilts for the families of those killed in action.

I spent alot of time cutting up scraps and have a nice box full of them. The top goes together quite quickly and is fun to make.

I am working on quilts for a family of a young man who lost his life in the war. There are several family members who will be receiving them. When I know who is getting what--I will do a blog about that. There are 5 quilts for them.

Baby Shower Quilt

One of my co workers where I used to work---darn MD state budget cuts--is having a baby. It was a wonderful day and she got lots of lovely presents. It is her first and a girl so can I say PINK.

Here is the quilt I made for her. Quick and easy but just darling. I just love these Coverstory panels.

Another Camp Quilt Finished

I am so glad I decided to do the quilt class projects in red white and blue. This one had to be made quite a bit bigger. It was fun to do but I doubt I will make it again for QOV. It is too fussy and takes too long.

I will be sending this to the family of a soldier killed in the War. I just hope they can feel the love when they wrap it around them. We all know that a quilt can help in the healing process.

Have YOU forgotten

Darryl Worley, Have You Forgotten?

I hear people saying we don't need this war
But, I say there's some things worth fighting for
What about our freedom and this piece of ground
We didn't get to keep 'em by backing down
They say we don't realize the mess we're getting in
Before you start your preaching let me ask you this my friend

Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going thru a living hell
And you say we shouldn't worry 'bout bin Laden
Have you forgotten?

They took all the footage off my T.V.
Said it's too disturbing for you and me
It'll just breed anger that's what the experts say
If it was up to me I'd show it everyday
Some say this country's just out looking for a fight
Well, after 9/11 man I'd have to say that's right

Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going thru a living hell
And we vowed to get the one’s behind bin Laden
Have you forgotten?

I've been there with the soldiers
Who've gone away to war
And you can bet that they remember
Just what they're fighting for

Have you forgotten all the people killed?
Yeah, some went down like heroes in that Pennsylvania field
Have you forgotten about our Pentagon?
All the loved ones that we lost and those left to carry on
Don't you tell me not to worry about bin Laden
Have you forgotten?

Have you forgotten?
Have you forgotten?

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