Life is not without it’s worries and as a mom of men who have gone to war….well…let’s say there was always a prayer on my lips and in my heart. I now have a nephew going to Afghanistan and what a worry to our family. This is his fourth time going.
So….to make aware and encourage all of you to make a QOV quilt we are doing this blog hop. I know some of you are already involved in doing this and I know it is so appreciated by those receiving.
Time has been few and far between….so I chose a pattern from this book. Just one block and you are done. This was one of the few books I took with me to Samoa and actually used.
Looks like the swoon blocks doesn’t it? This one measures 50”x50”. So fun and easy. I will have to say that I starched the dog out of the triangles to keep them from distorting.
Did I hear some gasps???? Yes, I use starch like crazy and I know some of you would never.
The suggestion in the book was to open all of the seams. How many of you do this? It is a lot of added work and I find that it is easier to match the seams if they are not opened up, you can just butt the seams up nicely when they are folded over. That is just my thought on that.
Since this quilt is not big enough, I cut out borders, after they are attached the quilt will be 68”x68”, the desired size is 55”x 65”, if you submit a size smaller it will be sold and the proceeds will go towards backing or batting for more QOV
This is the backing….not happy with how the picture came out but….once again…this is a QOV, they only want red white and blue fabrics for the front and back as well.
One more guideline I was told about and that is emblems, please no emblems…..
“This is a country specific blog hop as this is for the USA QOV organization. The QOV mission statement states "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. This foundation is not about politics. It's about people." (note that I discovered that there are also QOV organizations in Canada and the United Kingdom.) (FROM GENE’S BLOG)
That said, everyone is welcome to visit and comment. We love all our worldwide friends.
Trust me, I do so love my international friends and sure hope you understand and support this cause as well.
Now for my prize:
This is what I will be giving away, Wednesday I will pick a winner. I just want you to tell me about yourself or someone you know that has served our country.
The big prize of the Go Baby and five dies will be given to those who actually made squares, a top, or whole quilt and submitted it to QOV.
PLEASE IF YOU ARE TRULY INTERESTED GO HERE FOR THE MUCH NEEDED INFORMATION on who to submit it to and the guidelines.
This challenge goes from APRIL 1 TO MAY 31ST.
Thanks so much for coming by....have a fantastic day.
46 comments:
My son-in-law while serving with the Marines was single and would volunteer to go to Iraq in a married Marine's place. Jon said he couldn't stand the thought of the father/husband having to leave his family. Semper Fi!
I have family all the way back to the Revolutionary war. But at the moment my neice and husband are stationed in S. Korea and my nephew is in Iraq.
Don't count me for the prize - I use starch for some things. It certainly helps me get better rotary cuts.
My father (Army), three of my half brothers (Navy), and my father-in-law (Army) have all served. None of them are currently serving. I will have to whip up some stars. I think this is a great project.
Good morning Barb, my prayers are with you as my son is going back over in June. will be glad when this one is done but then there will be another one.How are you coming iwthyour move to Texas? Was so hoping I owuld get to see you in Va. Well blogging will have to do. Have a great day my friend! Hugs and prayers, Marie
Barb, My prayers are with you and your nephew. The fourth time...Wow! I love this challenge and what you are doing. I can't promise with all that is going on in my life right now, but I will try to at least make some blocks. I made one last year (a star) and will try to make more of those. Thanks for all the links.
Lovely quilt, Barb! This reminds me of my dad-in-law, who was a veteran of WWII. He served in England as part of what was then the Army Air Corps....now it's the Air Force! Such a special man, and he is missed so much now. Thanks for your contribution to the QOV hop.
Lovely, Barb! :) I love the QOV project.
Beautiful quilt and such a wonderful project! My husband served in Desert Storm back in the 90s and was recently deployed as a Reservist to Afghanistan and to Iraq (two years later). Many people have sacrificed so much and I am grateful for the QOV program to show that the hardships are appreciated!
My father served in the USArmy post WW2 as part of the occupying force in Japan. He picked up a one Japanese phrase while he was there - "shut the door" - and a silk kimono that I am fortunate enough to now own.
I love Aurifil thread and use it for all my piecing.
We do many QOV through our guild and the letters we receive from the families are always touching. I will be keeping your nephew in my prayers.
I agree that opening the seams is crucial for perfect matches in a pattern like that. I have been using sizing instead of starch since someone told me that bugs love starch???
My DH is a vet from the Vietnam era.
Barb, my husband served in the Navy, both of my brothers served in the Air Force. I had two uncles who served in the Army, I believe. I have a nephew in the Marines at this time. There is also a friend of my son who just left a couple of weeks ago to go to Afghanistan. This is his fourth tour of duty either in Iraq or Afghanistan. My heart hurts for each one who goes over there and to see the ones coming back missing limbs, eyes, etc. breaks my heart. I am so thankful for each and every man and woman who gives of their time and sometimes his/her life to serve his/her country. Thank you for my freedom as a U.S. citizen. God Bless you.
I love this organization and participated in making blocks for one of the chapters last year. I am currently (such as just yesterday) working on a QOV for my brother who is a Viet Nam veteran. He was a Marine so I am using fabric with some of their emblems. Your quilt size block looks great to me. It's one of the best causes ever.
I have my fabric ready to cut for my quilt. I have several family members who served in Desert Storm and Afghanistan.
Prayers for you Barb and your family, my cousin is in the Navy and has been serving for many years.
My dad served at the end of WWII. He was staioned in the Philipines. Never having been away from home, he was quite homesick for his country home. I love the Aurifil thread!
My dad was army and my uncle a marine. I have a nephew who in in the army and has served in Iraq. I think QOV is a great idea and will get busy on my quilt top ASAP
Vail in tn
Grandfather and dad were Navy, husband was Army and my BIL is Air Force and was in Afganistan most of last year. I've made three QOV thus far. One is traveling this with the Original Sewing & Quilting Expo promoting QOV at their shows. So glad this Hop is promoting such a worthy cause. One thing I'd like to add is that every QOV is presented with a presentation bag (a pillowcase). If you make a QOV, consider making a presentation case to go with it. You can use left over blocks, left over fabric from the quilt or add to a purchased pillowcase.
My Dad was Army and my son-in-law is Army now. I am planning on making a QOV, but I'm not sure it will be done in this time frame. Thanks for the information though. I will go check it out.
Barb,
Love your quilt and the layout of your fabrics.
Where to start?
Father-Army WWII, Father-in law- Army WWII, 2 Uncles WWII- Army, Navy & one killed, 2 Brothers in law-Army Korea, Ex-Husband Army, Viet Nam, 2 Nephews - Marines, Iraq Afghanistan, 1 nephew - Air Force 20 yrs in Reserves, 1 Nephew - Army now, 1 Nephew - Coast Guard now.
Thanks for doing the QOV Blog Hop, and sharing with us.
What a great cause. I have several relatives who have served and/or are serving......Marines, Army, Coast Guard and Navy!
I think QOV is a wonderful cause....I want to join in.
sao in Midlothian, VA
Barb, god bless you. I would never try that block. It looks so hard to make. My husband and I both served in the air force. You are giving away my favorite thread. Thank you for the chance.
I have several friends who have served in the Army overseas - Vietnam & the current wars. God bless them all. I have made several QOV's over the last 8 years & hope to do a few more this year. I've gotten several letters or emails from those who received them - they are always so appreciative.
My grandfather, father, two brothers, father-in-law, husband, one son, and I were all in the military, either army or navy, except for one brother who went air-force. Go figure! I'm making quilts for American Hero Quilts, which is counted under QOV for quilts-made totals. They probably won't wind up counting, because I'm sending them to Washington to Sue Nebeker, but I was making them anyway, so that's okay. =) I love Aurifil thread! So, of course, I'd love to win this prize. I'm trying to find the embroidery thread someplace locally, and am not having much luck.
The Quilts of Valor organization here in Georgia is very active. I was lucky enough to attend a ceremony at Ft Benning where Quilts of Valor quilts were given to some very deserving AND appreciative soldiers. We've received letters from those who have received our quilts in the hospitals in Afghanistan and in Germany.Thanks for this Blog Hop and the chance to reach more and more quilters who can join in with a quilt or a block or two. Almost 62,000 quilts have been presented since QOV was started in 2003. Quilters are the BEST!!
Hi Barb I was involved in making a QOV up her in Canada when one of my dear friends son went to Afghanistan for a year. What a stressful year that was but he did come back safe and sound. I am doing a H2H quilt right now or I would help out. I don't have a lot of time to quilt these days but I do try to do a couple of charity quilts ever year. Lots of luck on your quilt I know it won't take you too long. I will pray that your nephew will come back safely. Blessings sandra
My husband has been in the Air Force for 27 years and my son will be commissioned on May 25th. As a military wife, I couldn't be more proud of my husband and I will support him 100%...but I know it's going to be harder as a military mom. I still think of him as my little boy.... I've been quilting QOVs for our guild and encourage everyone to get involved! :)
Of all people I know, you certainly have a houseful that have/are serving their country well. But, I'm sure it must be stressful on you at times.
I love the quilt that you are making. I've always wanted to make this design. I have some fabrics picked and and looking forward to giving it a try. I'll definitely use starch. Hadn't thought about pressing the seams open, but I'll give it a try. The back of your quilt looks great!
SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
My son has served in Iraq twice and my nephew is currently in Afghanistan. We are praying for his safe return home. I am trying to get one made, not sure if I will be able to finish it in time though.
All my charity quilts are going to the vets this year. Blessings to your family for a safe return.
My middle brother completed boot camp a few months ago and is stationed stateside. In June, the son of one of my lifelong friends is entering the Navy. We'll be holding them both close in prayer.
Before my throat cancer I was the leader of the youth group at church and now my children are grown. One of them, Chris, made the decision to serve his country. He is now going to Afghanistan. He is a tall, strong, handsome, confident young man now, but he will always be my sweet, shy, embarrassed young teen who had to be talked into everything. He is God's child and I know that God will be watching over him. Thank you for being so generous and I plan on working on some quilt blocks to be donated.
I have taught kids to sew and we made little blankets for the cat cages and dog kennels in our local Humane society. Thanks for giveaway.
My husband served as a medic for almost 2 years in Vietnam and is proud of our vets today. During his era they did not get praise for serving, it was a sad time.
I also made a quilts for valor once and I hope to do it again.
It seems like almost everyone in my family have served our country: both grandfathers, my father, my brother (and my sister!), my husband is a Vietnam vet, and two of my sons chose to join the armed forces (one in the Air Force and one in the Navy). Currently we have a young friend in Afghanistan and we pray for his safety everyday. QOV is a wonderful program.
I always think of my great-uncle, Troy, who served in the army in WWII, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge in Germany. QOV is such a wonderful cause.
My father-in-law served in WW II. He just recently has opened up about some of the stories of what he saw and did in the war. I have to admit it's fascinating but heartbreaking at the same time. He actually was to be one of the foot soldiers to enter Japan but they dropped the bomb. He was on a ship that could see the U.S.S. Missouri as the surrender papers were being signed. Coincidentally my son was serving on Oahu (mission for our church) on the anniversary of this signing and was aboard the U.S.S. Missouri doing service several times. He's just one of many relatives I have who served our country. My son-in-law is currently in ROTC and then will be serving our country when he graduates college this fall so the tradition goes on.
You did a great job on your quilt. My dad served in the army. He always liked to boast that he attended Harvard because he was trained as a mechanic and the training was held at Harvard. He was in the Phillipines and they grow onions. He said the workers would just pull one up and eat them like apples for their lunch. That is how he learned to eat them and I remember growing up that he ate an onion like that at almost every meal.
Prayers going out for your nephew :) My brother has had two duties as an inflight medic and is now finished (yea), and living with his wife, and new baby boy in Ohio. My 2012 list includes a QOV for my brother, a QOV for my brother to give to a family whose loved one is still serving, and of course, a baby quilt for his little one. I know, why am I on the computer with my list growing as I comment? :) Thank you for participating in the blog hop!
My dad served after WWII, my uncle Gene died in a plane crash near England while on a rescue mission for another downed plane (before I was born). Many friends and cousins served. I'm proud of all of them. I love your quilt! I will be making some blocks, at least, and hope for a whole top. Thanks!
My husband serves in the US Army. He is my best friend and my hero, he to is gearing up for a "business trip" (that's how I refer to deployments). Thank you for being part of this, it is truly inspiring.
My son come from 2 families of service men! My father, was WWII on the beaches and 2 of my brothers in the army. Then my husband's side: His dad was in Panama (army), My husband was in during the Cuba crises, his brother was Navy, and a niece is Army now. My son was Army and was in Iraq. I'm very proud of all of them!
I think this blog hop is so good! I have a son in the Marines, my Dad-Army, my Uncle was a POW in WWII. I am so proud of my son! I organize a BOM for our guild and we always do R/W/B blocks for July and donate them to a member who belongs to the QOV organization here. She makes them into a finished quilt. It is so touching to see these quilts that are extra pretty and nice and to know where they will be headed someday. :)
I love this pattern! What an awesome looking quilt! I'm going to have to try to find this so I can make one, too! :) My brother-in-law has gone to Iraq and Afghanistan a total of four times (he and his family are in South Korea now) so I know some of the worry that your family is going through right now. I always say a prayer for our soldiers so your nephew will be included in those prayers and watched over. Hugs!
Hi Barb, I'm just flitting about catching up on a few of my favourite blogs to read (yes, you're on that list my friend...whether you like it or not!) Anyhow, I was reading about the QOV stuff and thought I'd let you know that there's a similar thing here in Australia too (http://aussieheroquilts.blogspot.com.au/)
Jan-Maree has posted stats up there of what she and the rest of us have achieved in the last few months....and there's plans of aiming for far more quilts in the next mailing period in time for Christmas.
Hugs
Naomi
Dear Barb
Since this quilt is not big enough, I cut out borders, after they are attached the quilt will be 68”x68”, the desired size is 55”x 65”, if you submit a size smaller it will be sold and the proceeds will go towards backing or batting for more QOV
This is a bit of a miss statement. It is the Quilts of Valor policy that QOVs are not to be bought or sold. We do our best to see to place all quilts made to honor and comfort in the hands of deserving warriors. Size requriements and guidlines are posted on the QOVF web page www.qovf.org
This is a wonderful blog and have enjoyed reading it a lot.
Lori Kutch
Deputy Director
lori@qovf.org
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