I Agree

Leo C. Rosten said:

I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be honorable, to be compassionate. It is, after all, to matter: to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all.

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!

National Sew Day

This Saturday, the First of February, is National Freedom Day. I agree with the folks over at the Quilts of Valor Foundation when they decided it would be a great day to host its first National Sew Day! Sewists around the country have pledged to work on Quilts of Valor – all day long!

Some are gathering together, combining efforts to create bunches of quilt tops in one day. Others, like me, will be working hard in their own sewing spaces. I decided time spent simply sewing rather than traveling 60 miles (one way), is better for me. I will miss the social aspect, but will make it up on another day!

I cannot express the emotions I had when presenting Quilts of Valor to three Vietnam Veterans last Sunday. The first gentlemen, I had never met before. It was my first presentation. His wife had requested the QOV through the website. “Things” fell into place for me to make the presentation.

He was overwhelmed.

USMC Gerald Cornwell

I was blessed with having the honor.

The second and third Quilts of Valor presented Sunday, I designed and created the tops, all the while knowing and praying for the Veterans who would receive the lifetime award.

US Army, Joe Stephen Kerr
Quilted by Steve Rowe

USMC James T Chiles III (with wife, Karen)
Quilted by Laura Winckel

Before the weekend, the website showed 95,756 awarded quilts.

Less than a week later, as I write this, it shows 96,607!

It’s been a busy week!

However, this number, compared to what is needed, is only a drop in the bucket.

Will you participate in National Sew Day? Make the pledge and register on their website!

Make the “10th Anniversary” block (or two or three) and send to me! I’ll combine with others and make a Quilt of Valor!!! (Email me for my address when you're done! lanettascreationstx@gmail.com )

Happy Sewing!

The Answer

Yesterday I wrote an article, asking a question regarding the quilting requirements for a QOV. I posted a link to the article on the Quilt of Valor Facebook group. It was there I received my answer, the explanation as to the “why”.

I’ve copied and pasted the conversation here, in case others – not members of the group – are interested in learning the answer. It was a great, positive discussion:

Valarie - glad you asked-I wondered also when I read this requirement "no" list.

Lynn - Can you stitch in the ditch? I might start making a few of these.

Lanetta - The "requirements" say you cannot, Lynn! That's why I'm asking WHY NOT?!!!

Valarie - I honestly don't know-I don't see why not. I've only recently joined the QOV group-prior to that Mom and I have just been making the quilts and giving them to various members of the military without any group input. I'm curious to see how your question gets answered here.

Sharon - I'm interested also. As a longarmer and a prior hand quilter, I have always felt that SID makes a quilt and it's blocks stand out more.

Jean - If your blocks are large and there is no quilting in them, the batting will shift over time and look bad. In addition to the SID, a simple X or other simple thing in the middle. Does not have to be fancy. A star works great. I think most battings recommend a maximum of 4 inches between stitched areas. Remember, these receive a little different treatment. May have to be washed on a more regular basis and may not be done gently.

Lanetta - I understand this, Jean. However, I read the "Do Not" for SID is period, i.e. must have a design of some sort rather than simply SID (which is not all that simple!).

Lanetta - Sharon, I would think the term used "domestic machine" means a home sewing machine, not a longarm machine - which would be okay.

Lanetta - Jean, this 9" block is strictly SID. According to the requirements, it's not acceptable. I'm just trying to figure out why... I really doubt any batting will shift... (this is a work in progress, quilt as you go - the end of the panel). Center square is 3".

Jo - Lanetta: Perhaps someone with more authority in the organization can answer your question more fully, but I will try as I have been making tops almost since the beginning of QOV and remember what Catherine Roberts had to say in her original writings to us. It was her desire that these quilts be "heirloom quality". I'm sure that there is a variety of opinion as to what makes a quilt heirloom quality. But as the Founder, she had certain standards and she wanted to communicate that there needed to be more intricate quilting than just SID. In the quilt world, SID is considered very utilitarian. It gets the job done if the piecing is close enough (as I see in your piecing, your top is very lovely and the quilting is close enough so that there are not huge gaps) but that is not the "look" that Catherine originally envisioned. That is why the pairing of the "topper" and the long arm partner was set up. I think she considered that the long arm quilting would be done by quilter's who had businesses and they would use patterns they were familiar with and had experience doing. In this way, the quilting would be more intricate and give the look she was envisioning. She frequently stressed the heirloom quality being of primary importance. Hope this helps some.

Lanetta - Thank you, Jo! I understand that this organization (like all) have certain rules - you either accept, or don't and move on. Understanding the why, and you've shared her original thoughts/desires that I was unaware of because I'm new to QOVF, makes sense! I didn't realize SID is considered "utilitarian" as I like the way it pops the detail. Again, thank you!

Nancy - I think it said do not only stitch in the ditch. They expect more than that. Only is the operative word

Lanetta - Well, must re-think what I can do...

Jo - A further comment and a shout out to all our long armers. I am constantly amazed by how the long arm quilting makes my piecing work into something brilliant. It is like Christmas every day I receive one of my tops back from the long arm partner and open the box. A special 'Thank you' to all our long arm quilters who make our tops 'sing'!!

Nancy - Lanetta, it looks like you have plenty of stitching to keep the batting from moving about. Maybe a star in the middle of the small square to meet requirements. I think they are concerned about those of us who may put a panel and borders around and just stitch in the ditch with less stitching than you have

Debby - As with most rules this one probably came about because in the beginning, there were people who slapped 2 pieces of fabric together and tied them with yarn, so some standards for quality had to be implemented. Or as someone else mentioned put a panel together and ran a line of stitching around it and called it good. That being said, I have received quilts back from longarmers that have been quilted in an overall medium stipple with nice spacing and even stitches and it looked just fine. It's all about quality. I also myself did a gorgeous quilt as you go pattern called fun and done. The criteria is, IMHO, is if it is lovely enough to be an award, it's fine. These are not charity quilts and getting that across to people in the beginning was a challenge.

Karen - This is an excellent question and very insightful answers. Jo gave an excellent "background" answer. I'm sure you can agree that the "DO/DON'T" list had to be brief because of space. When we started, 10 years ago, very bad, quick SID was what was popular and for most quilts, did not add a thing to the look. With the "modern" look and even over-the-top quilting, it can be very effective. If you know of some way to say "SID is OK if it is close enough, adds to the design and is actually "in the ditch" to our list, so that everyone understands, please suggest it. Most SID I have seen isn't in the ditch and looks terrible. And serpentine makes the blocks look wavy. Well done SID can be very effective. So if you can go that, please know it is acceptable. You can also ask this type of question directly to the QOVF people by writing to INFORMATION@QOVF.ORG Thanks for caring. Karen (WI state coordinator)

Karen - Lanetta, your quilt is beautiful and any veteran would be proud and honored to have it!! Some quilt tops have enough beauty on their own (like yours) without being "overwhelmed" by excessive top-stitching by a computer. And yours was made with your "heart" -- not a computer. The QOV rule was likely made for people trying to take shortcuts, and therefore does not apply to you. JMHO

Holly - I am a long armer, and SID on a long arm is really considered custom. When I quilt, I think of how to showcase the quilt to the best advantage, and some blocks, Like log cabin, really should be SID because it just makes the cabin look pristine. I can see your work is beautiful and I believe in the spirit of the instructions on the website. The finished project should be a beautiful piece and if the SID makes it that way, then personally I think that is the spirit of the instructions.

Linda - These Quilts of Valor are National Service awards, so the intent is to present beautiful quilts of honor. By finishing them with more creative quilting designs, they become quality works of art fitting for our combat warriors. For a better answer, please contact information@qovf,org

Linda - oops, typing from my little tablet's keyboard, sorry... to get better answers more quickly, contact information@qovf.org

Jacqueline - When I learned about QOV, I read the rules & requirements and decided that I could agree to them. I didn't start the organization, I'm just playing a part in it. Long Arm professionals are available so that solved an quilting issues I would have had.

Susan - I would consider Lanetta's quilting to be heirloom quality. I believed that what we were striving for was beautiful handmade quilts that demonstrated quality all around. That is what this quilt does. I love the longarmers in this community. I have received several quilts back that had much less quilting than this project demonstrates.

JoEllen - I agree with Susan your quilt is beautiful and the SID doesn't take away anything from your QOV. I know someone that received a QOV back from the long arm quilter and it was horrible and had to be taken out. Catherine wanted QOV that showed our appreciation to our military..the only thing she didn't want was tied off or rag....I don't believe anyone would not be happy with their QOV

Sandy - please continue-your work is beautiful

Sandy – Linda, I believe you need to take in the overall quality of the quilt.I have seen some quilts with with less than "creative quilting designs" but they were the best the person could do-made with love and appreciation for the veteran who will receive it. If all the quilts had to meet very high quilting standards then I am afraid mine would not meet the high standards.

Susan - Nor mine. Even though I make them to the very best of my ability.

JoEllen - And that's all we can do... From all the pictures I've seen they are all beautiful quilts... I'm not the best quilter but I try to do the best I can.

Need to Know

In my quest to make Quilts of Valor without using a volunteer long armer (because there are so few among the many piecers), I did research on the “quilt as you go” method. I decided to try it and practice on a wall hanging size quilt before tackling a full size QOV.

Pleased with the way the wall hanging is turning out,

I went back to the QOVF website, to double check the minimum/maximum QOV size requirements. While there, I noticed a “Do Not” requirement under “Quilting” …

Do Not

1.     Tie.

2.     Do only stitch in the ditch on a domestic machine or use giant meander.

3.     Do not use high-loft batting.

I get #1 and #3 … but need to understand why #2 is listed as a “Do Not”.

I really need to know. I need to know why it’s not acceptable.

2013 - A year of ups and downs

My goodness, 2013 has been a whirlwind year of ups and downs.

Since January 28^th ~ the night the Lord called Daddy home ~ life has not been the same. It never will be again. It’s different, and that’s the way life goes. To say the least, finding the new normal for us left behind has been challenging. I know time heals. I’m sure once we get through all the “firsts” the dealing of our new life will get easier.

I spent the month of February and a bit of March away from the studio, helping my mother. Although I had temporarily closed my ArtFire shop, I received a special order request via email for four “cupcake” half aprons. It was a timely Godsend distraction. I was so grateful to work, to create something, to sew, to think about something other than missing my Daddy, and what my momma must be going through after almost 66 years of marriage.   

Upon my return home, and back to my studio, I was able to focus on something I’d never done before! It was certainly an “up” moment! I had been invited to give a book review of my first novel, Where Forever Begins, A Simple Love Story!

Available for Kindle, too! 

Amazing! Folks said I did a good job. I don’t remember much as it’s a blur!

I did sell and sign quite a few books (a good thing!) and someone invited me to speak for another group in 2014!

Then, Momma's refrigerator started leaking & flooded her kitchen floor... so, back to Dallas and my sister & I spent Easter Sunday replacing her flooring!

I think we did a pretty good job!

Looking back over this blog, I didn’t write much this year. Things kept happening and it was hard to stay positive, upbeat, and inspirational.

In March, I remember working on a quilt kit my sister had given me, and wrote a bit about it. It was great sewing therapy for me as I didn’t have to come up with my own design… simply follow instructions.

Then I found out my baby niece had melanoma.

(I’m happy happy happy to report after surgeries & treatment, she’s doing great!)

 

2008 - at her PhD reception! 

It was hard living miles away from her, during this discovery, surgeries, and healing time. I wanted to make something to give her, to give her hugs, to comfort her. A long time ago, she turned me on to working Sudoku puzzles. So, I made her a mini quilt wall hanging depicting a completed Sudoku. To help me stay focused and positive, I wrote a tutorial how I designed and created the wall hanging.

In April, Momma came to the country for a nice visit...

Love when she uses her watercolor pencils and creates a lovely picture!

And, she's able to relax!

And, begins to sew again!

And, examines the Keyhole Garden!

I was “up” again when planning for the Lampasas Spring Ho Parade and making all the dolls new clothes to wear!

This was during the time momma went to Hawaii, joining my oldest niece for a week in paradise!

And I managed to design & create an apron to enter in the Lampasas County Fair, as well as the State Fair of Texas.

Then ~ July 9^th ~

Momma slipped attempting to get on a massage table... ambulance ride to the hospital…

Back to Dallas to help…

After spending a few days in the hospital after surgery to repair her broken femur, then to a rehab facility, I did make a quick trip back home for a few days and participated in the Lampasas Spring Ho parade.

We did win 2nd place in our category!

(NOTE TO SELF: Walking a parade route, pulling a garden wagon – July in Texas – must re-think next year!)

Back to Dallas... 

The neglectful rehab facility almost killed her… four days without the ability to swallow, take meds of any sort (especially pain medication)… we got her out of there and to her gastro doctor. He sent her straight to the out-patient clinic for an upper GI Endoscopy and found the obstruction, got it taken care of, then another one several weeks later for check up – meaning three doses of general anesthetic within two months… not a good thing for anyone, much less someone 84 years young!

Well, we got through August. After spending ten days at my sisters, Momma & I came back to her house for continued at-home therapy and recuperation time... 

and, that's when I started my first Quilt of Valor quilt while she and a friend worked on their drawings...

Because September is National Sewing Month, and in between caring for Momma, I forced myself to write an article per day… it was such a struggle to stay positive, hopefully share something of interest.

When I got home in October… back to the studio… I managed a few more articles, and sewing projects that I had previously written about – trying to stay focused and positive.

It’s then I can see my priorities changed.

Lanetta’s Creations ArtFire shop will remain open, praying the inventory of aprons, doll clothes, and other items offered will eventually sell. I can’t see making any new items for my shop.

I just don’t have it in me any longer to market like I should.

I will gladly do custom orders, or special requests for items in specific colors and sizes.

This doesn’t mean I won’t be sewing! I love to sew! It’s my stress reliever! It’s the way I keep sane. My dream has changed a bit, yet the focus remains…

In 2014 and beyond, I will sew to help others, to bring them comfort, to offer warmth and joy.

Thanksgiving was held here, at the country, with Momma, Bud, and my girls...

And we had a very nice Christmas at Momma's

Especially because my sister & I decided to focus totally on Momma this year...

Then the next day, baby niece & her husband, one of her son's (tallest), and his friend, came over to celebrate another day of Christmas! Before the festivities began, the boys escorted Momma across the street to deliver homemade cookies fresh from the oven to our dear neighbors and friends. (First time Momma's walked across the street since before she broke her leg!)

We had a great extended Christmas this year. We missed Daddy terribly, but we found great comfort knowing he was spending his first Christmas with Jesus.

I am thankful for my loving, sweet momma,

who taught me to sew, how to love unconditionally, and for her never ending support.

I am thankful I had a loving, kind, gentle Daddy for almost 60 years,

who taught me courage, gave me strength, and love of my country.

I am thankful for a loving and supportive husband,

and the beautiful daughter he brought into my life.

I am thankful for my sister,

especially for giving me two sweet dear nieces

I feel as though they are my own daughters.

I am thankful for my extended family,

and the friends I have in my life

- past and present!

I am thankful for my two girls, Beth and Anna,
for the joy they bring to my life.

And, most importantly,

I am thankful I know God.

Through all the ups and downs, I am blessed.

May you have a fabulous 2014! 

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. 

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!

New Thanksgiving Experience

I read so many heartwarming stories and well-wishes on Facebook over the Thanksgiving holiday. It’s been wonderful to read through them all. Although several of us had a totally different from “traditional” experience, I’m grateful an abundance of gratitude resonated across my online community.

In my home, some traditions stayed the same…

Someone always takes a pinch from the rising yeast rolls!

Anyhoo…

I’m part of the Facebook group, Quilt of Valor, and over the past few days, a member shared what her family did over Thanksgiving. She said it’s a new family tradition - a "Thanksgiving Collaboration" - started this year. I thought it was such an amazing project that I wanted to share with you!

Three generations contributed to the endeavor. They made the quilt blocks, then they assembled the top, sewed it together, created the border, and then she loaded it in her longarm quilting machine! One of her last entries stated the quilt was DONE (meaning QUILTED) before “time to get the dinner on the table.”

Thank you, Lori K. (Washington), for letting me share your pictures!

“We” – Momma & me, with my husband "supervising" – worked on the border for one of the three quilts Gail and I assembled from the blocks created by Lori and Dona (sent from California). It's one quilt from the "Just One Block" Community QOV project. We had a grand time while creating a new Thanksgiving experience.

Next year, I will have a longarm quilting machine and Momma will see a quilt TOTALLY finished while she’s here visiting over Thanksgiving!

Have you wondered?

Steps toward making one QOV:

1. Purchase fabric for top, backing, and batting
2. Pre-wash/dry/press fabric
3. Cut out
4. Sew pieces together making blocks
5. Assemble blocks, attach border
6. Load into quilting machine
7. Quilt
8. Bind
9.  Label
10. Wash/dry finished quilt
11. Create presentation case to hold the quilt (a pillowcase)
12.  Have quilt blessed during church service
13. *Present Veteran with quilt

One week worth of work, that’s it, to do #1-12.

At least 52 quilts per year!!! And, that’s only if I made the quilt top myself! If others make them and send them me to quilt, I could do so many more in one week/month/year! How wonderful would that be!?!?!

*Number 13 may be a few weeks, or a specific future time with multiple finished quilts when many Veterans receive quilts at once, like during an American Legion special event, or to answer a call-out. For example, my Region 4 coordinator needs 50 quilts before February 1-2, 2014, for presentation to Naval Reservists Returning, RWW Honor Banquet in Austin.

Without having a quilting machine, the minimum time to create a quilt from start to finish is 30 days. That’s only 12 per year, if I’m lucky!

This is why I started the funding campaign to help finance the long arm quilting machine…will you donate a dollar?

Thank you!

QOV Community Update!

Head over to the So Sew Etc blog and read about our Community QOV Project! I'm so excited! You will be, too!

Quilt blocks created and provided by Lori & Dona from Auburn, California!