The Seventh Day of Christmas

The end of 2016 is upon us! I hope it’s been a blessed year for everyone!

I wish sewing machines and longarm quilting machines came with something like a vehicle’s trip odometer! I know tractors have hours run time, so why not the machines? I may look into adapting something like this in the coming year! I know I could use a stop watch and write down the time spent, but I’ve been there, done that. It doesn’t work out very well for me!

Sometimes I look around my sewing room, and various fabric and material stash places I have throughout the house and my garden house, and I don’t think I’ve accomplished anything through the year. But, because I’ve kept a daily journal for almost two years now (such a huge help), I can go back and at least indicate the projects I’ve worked on in 2016!

Progress Report for 2016:

27 quilts created –

            10 were for Veterans!

            3 are still WIP (work in progress)!

NOTE:  Only one quilt created and finished was put up for sale in my Artfire shop. At this time, it’s still available.

The others have either been donated,

offered as a raffle fundraiser, 

or in the holding stage waiting for the perfect donation.

11 quilts quilted for others –

8 were for Veterans

2 were for Cancer Patients

1 was to wrap in love and hugs

8 Action Quilts (aka Fidget Quilts)

5 Prayer Flags

3 Pocket Prayer Quilts

An Apron donation for silent auction fundraiser

8 Blessing Bags

4 Kennel Quilts

It has been a busy year!

So much yet to do!

So many more Veterans to cover!

So many things to create!

Fabulous Support Group

As 2014 comes to a close, I’m thankful it’s been a great year of discovery, of finding like-minded folks! In October, I created a “closed” group on Facebook, the Lone Star of Texas Quilts for Others. The membership is full of supportive and encouraging people sharing the same goals as we journey through creating quilts for national and community based service endeavors.

The collective group creates quilts to honor and comfort our Veterans and Active Military, for children and adults in need of a hug, and even Veteran Service Dogs who are instrumental in the emotional wellness of our veterans.

Sometimes we have questions, or someone is looking for something specific…

Like this morning… I had a longarm stitching question… wondering what I was doing wrong writing with the machine and within minutes, two members explained what I was doing, and what I needed to do!

I can’t recall how many times someone has requested specific print fabric needed and someone else has it in their stash – ready to mail it out if it will work!

Oh, and don’t forget the math questions…

And, the wonderful tips to make a quilt design easier…

And, oh, all the creative ideas that runneth over!!!

I’m thankful for this fabulous support group!

Are you like-minded? Join us!

The Veteran Request Process

If you know me, or have read this blog or my Facebook posts over the past several months, you know I am creating Quilts of Valor (QOV). The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to “cover all combat service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.”

If a “boots on the ground” veteran, how do you, or a family member, or someone you know, receive a Quilt of Valor? The Veteran request process is simple. Go to their website and you will find the link located along the left side: “Request QOV”.

On the new page, click the box that reads: “Please Select Request a Quilt For”

You’ll have the options for:

     Myself

     Someone else

     Group Presentation

Complete the form, then click submit!

That’s it! The Veteran is now on the list!

We are working as fast as we can to get them all done!

Personal note: It's an amazing lifetime award to give, especially for our Vietnam Veterans, and to let them know ~ finally ~ Welcome Home!

What Can I Do?

Thursday I went to a meeting. While waiting for all to gather, the lady sitting next to me began sharing how she was part of a volunteer group that spent the day before helping a family displaced by a house fire. Everyone got out safely, but the fire totally destroyed the home. Long before the large emergency agencies arrived, her group saw to it the family had the basic needs – a place to stay, food, and some clothing. My heart and prayers goes out to this family. My heart swells with love knowing this group quickly took care of them.

What can I do?

I can make quilts!

In between creating Quilts of Valor for our Veterans and Wounded Warriors, I can make quilts to wrap around those facing unimaginable loss. Yes! I can help fill the trunks of first responders with quilts of all sizes and colors.

I made this quilt, then realized the size doesn't meet QOV minimum requirements.
It's tied, which is also unacceptable for a QOV. It's somewhere in my sewing room.
I'll take it apart and quilt it once I have a long arm machine!
Someday, it will be perfect to wrap around someone's shoulders needing a hug.
Until then....

Creating a quilt top is cutting out fabric then basic sewing with a sewing machine. It’s the quilting process that gets tricky. The process of tying a quilt is okay, but it will not last for generations. I physically cannot hand quilt, and is why I need a long arm quilting machine.

Folks experienced with long arm quilting machines report a queen size quilt takes maybe 8 hours to complete. Lap quilts would take much less.

Although I couldn’t be at the heartbreaking scene, a quilt would give them my hug of comfort. That’s what I can do.

Will you help me help others? Please, consider donating any amount to my funding campaign for a long arm quilting machine!