Quilts of Valor - Notice of Request

11 years ago

I received the following email message from the Quilts of Valor group. They are in need of quilts so if any of you have any red/white/blue fabrics laying around that you don't know what to do with, here's a great opportunity. They are requesting quilts in those colors at this time, but any design will do. Simple and fast works just as well as traditional and detailed. This is about the soldiers and their families, not about the war so it's not a political organization.

If you have questions, you can get all the information you need from their website. www.qovf.org

Kate

__________

Here's the email:

More Wounded Means More QOVs Needed

This is an urgent message to all!

June Moore

Executive Director

QOVF

509.346.9332

509.989.2960

Afghanistan-NO, the war is not over!

Just a heads up that the fighting in Afghanistan is very fierce right now leading to a substantial increase in the number of wounded. As such, the number of quilts requested by the standing weekly destinations has increased from 65 to 105 EVERY WEEK in just the last month. The increase by 40 quilts a week includes the addition of the ICU unit at Landstahl in Germany (15 quilts a week), the addition of the medical unit at FOB Shank-East in Afghanistan (20 quilts a week) and doubling the number of quilts going to the multinational medical unit at Kandahar Air Field in Afghanistan (to 10 a week). These quilts all go to front line wounded service members. There is no concern about whether they have already received a QOV or not.

Sadly, we will fall far short of meeting this need since the 65 quilts a week wasn't even being fulfilled. These destinations request patriotic/RWB (red/white/blue) only. I'm not asking for a debate here about RWB vs generic/branch specific/feminine. I'm just telling you what the Points of Contact have requested.

If you would like to help meet this need, please request a destination at http://www.qovf.org/req-destination.html.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (16)

geezerfolks_SharonG_FL
11 years ago
Wouldn't it be great if we, as a forum, could complete a few quilts? If I were at home, I'd cut up some strips and make a couple 1600 inch tops and some hearts to scatter across it. It's easy for me to say right now as I'm sitting in an easy chair looking out at sunshine with no machine in sight, but this has struck my heart! I'm not a good quilter, but I can SITD....the only thing I'm anxious about is the label. Anyone here want to make up a few labels???

I tried to post the FAQ link for QOV, but my message was rejected. Let me try it this way:

FAQ

SharonG/FL-IN
mary_c_gw
11 years ago
Well, I have fabric on order for backing and sashing for the May lotto blocks, and I will be sending 2 quilts to the foundation. I also have another done but for the binding.

This will make quilts number 28, 29 and 30, in 6 years. Many members here have donated blocks over the years, and I appreciate it so much.
Related Discussions
What do you quilt?
Q
Comments (30)
Hi Geezer, I wish to say Sharon, pls. don't apologize for offering this: "sew what speaks to your heart" ... listen to that "still small voice". It's only an opinion or suggestion, nothing to apologize for. Further, it's a lesson a lot of people miss & can be both important & a productive creative source. I am a great one for doing artwork intuitively. I will often make something w/out knowing where it's going or why, but being a lifelong artist, I KNOW to just do it & eventually its purpose makes itself known. Well, once again, it just happened! Couple of months ago I made a small envelope-type pouch or case from some left over quilted scraps on which I was testing a Greek key design on two different prints to see which colored threads show off the stitching best. Well, I finished the pouch, tossed it aside thinking oh, cute, that came out nicely & promptly forgot abt it. Last wknd, I was given a digital camera by my Patron St. of Quilting. Super exciting, since I've never had one, & really been needing one. I've just begun to learn how to use it, posted pix to my new Quilt Blog (karenthequilter), etc. I noticed the camera doesn't have a case; couple of nights ago, I realized the camera fits perfectly in this little pouch, snug as a bug. So as I read this thread, I realize, oh, oh, oh, I just need to put some trim on it to finish the raw edges & make a button closure & viola, I've got me a new camera case! Didn't mean to post so long, but moral of this post is yes, pls. DO follow that little voice inside, especially when you don't know where it's going. If you practice & work it, you'll build confidence like I have to trust it enough to follow it blindly & it can take you to unknown places which can be VERY worthwhile. I need new batteries, but will try & post a pic of my charming little camera case when I can. That's a wise insight Sharon, please, DO NOT apologize for it & thank you for sharing it. Your doing so helped prompt me into realizing another great idea -- thank you! (PG) Karen
...See More
QOV Foundation requesting 200 quilts
Q
Comments (8)
Kate, this is a great thing to share with us! And for those of you who are looking for patriotic fabrics at a reasonable cost, I'd recommend fabric.com. Look in the quilting fabrics section, cotton prints under $5/yd, abstract & geometric quilting fabric, patriotic collection. Everything there is under $5/yd and if you order $35 or more, shipping is free. They also frequently run specials for even more % off, so shop freely and with confidence. The quality is first rate. I am no affiliated with them, but a VERY happy customer. This link might help: http://www.fabric.com/quilting-fabric-cotton-prints-under-5-yd-abstract-geometric-quilting-fabric-patriotic-collection.aspx Odessa
...See More
Does anyone really notice your quilting????
Q
Comments (13)
I used to agonize over the "quilting" part of making a quilt, which would cause me to procrastinate, thus ending up with a pile of un-quilted quilt tops. But this past spring I went to a retreat and met a gal who had 3 colorful, cool looking and machine quilted quilts that she brought to sew the bindings on. She also machine quilted one while she was there. When looking closely, I noticed that they were not quilted as neatly as I would've done, but the were still great quilts. Not only that, but they would be finished quilts by the time she left! That was more than I could say for my pile of perfectly pieced tops. I'd say that she finished as many quilts that weekend that I have in the past 2 years! So since then, I've machine quilted and put bindings on 2 of my quilt tops and plant to keep at it and not get hung up on worrying about it whether or not my quilting will be perfect--I just try my best. I guess my answer is--yes, some people will notice, but I'd rather have a little less than perfect quilt to show, than have to say "Well, I'm working on a beautiful quilt--but, it's just not finished yet" That, and I'm finding that each quilt I machine quilt looks a little better than the last.
...See More
Pics Requested by.....brutuses....
Q
Comments (19)
Thank you, everyone, for all the compliments. It's extremely rewarding to be able to participate in something which is enjoyed by more than two people. To worthy, I've treated this whole house project as a hobby, kinda. Not only did we get to try our hand at designing a truly custom small house, but I (we) also did much of the work myself, including the plumbing. I hate bad plumbing, and there was only one way of making sure I wouldn't need to revisit that department in the future. I did the entire layout of the bathrooms and the kitchen. The tub surround 'box', and the intallation of the Jacuzzi, including the tile,.... took me forever,.....but I'm sure it will be there longer than 'forever'. The code sez that the Jacuzzi pump, and related plumbing, has to be readily accessable, and that's what led me to use a couple of cabinet doors that snap in, for allowing this quick access. The reason there is no shower enclosure is that my wife insists that it be of 1/2" 'frameless' glass. Needless to say, the quotes were quite high, and I'm still waiting for money to 'come in'. Meanwhile, we use the handheld shower head, and we get by OK. My wife 'soaks' in the tub a couple of times per week (therapy for her back, of course). Speaking of DW (the interior decorator), she finally found just the right settee for our small entry/foyer:
...See More
littlehelen_gw
11 years ago
As a wife of a army vet I'll do what I can to whip out one over the weekend. Open to fast and simple design...any thoughts?
V.
mary_c_gw
11 years ago
Red/white/blue rail fence is quick and lovely.

Do check the website - they spell out all the parameters, size and such. They like to have a letter to the recipient, possibly a journal kept, a presentation case (I use a plain pillowcase which I machine embroider).

I quilt my own, but if you make a top, you can contact the organization to find a long-arm quilter to do the quilting. They usually give it back to you to complete the binding.

Honestly, the extras are nice, especially the letter. But most important is doing a quality job on the quilt. These are NOT charity quilts! It's time for your pointiest points and best sewing.

(Sorry - pet hobbyhorse of mine! I did have a very few people send me what were clearly blocks they wouldn't use in their own quilts.)

Here is a link that might be useful:
K8Orlando
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks Mary! That's a great design and should go together quickly while still making a quality product. There are some contemporary designs, like the column quilts, that could be fast and beautiful too. I haven't had a chance to look through my fabric yet, but I'm working on a couple ideas.

Kate
Robbi D.
11 years ago
I so wish I had the time to dedicate to something like this! I'm with you guys in spirit (while slaving away at work!).

Robbi
K8Orlando
Original Author
11 years ago
Work does get in the way, but without the work I couldn't afford all the fabric! It's a vicious circle, isn't it?
mary_c_gw
11 years ago
Yeah - that work does get in the way, LOL! I was very lucky to be able to retire early, and I appreciate that every day.

I should have said before that these are 2.5" strips. made into a r/w/b strip set, then cut at 6.5" to make a 6" finished block.

I'm also delighted to still see interest in the Quilts of Valor project. It is near and dear to my heart.

Here is another lay-out of the same rail fence block - also very simple and graphic.

The first again, since I zoned out on how to post photos.

Here is another with just 2 colors - I can see it in red and white with a blue border:
rosajoe_gw
11 years ago
I have made 2 using their Patriotic Log Cabin pattern. If any one is making one for the first time please check out their instructions - they have specific instructions to make a QOV.

My nephew's unit is on their way home!!!
Rosa
dawnp
11 years ago
Did anyone see "CBS News Sunday Morning" today? They were carrying a wounded soldier on a stretcher - probably being transferred to a different hospital- and he was covered with one of the QOV.

The story was about a lady who basically has given all her savings and has raised money to provide items to soldiers.

If she can do all that, I can make a quilt.
K8Orlando
Original Author
11 years ago
Good for you, Dawn! Seeing a quilt in the hands of a wounded soldier makes it so real.

Littlehelen said she finished a QOV top this weekend. I didn't even get mine started but that gives me a project for the 4th of July! I may have to buy some fabric... my stash of reds and blues is low.

Kate
magothyrivergirl
11 years ago
Another quick QOV Rail fence - slightly different than Mary's.

Here is a link that might be useful: QOV Rail Fence
geezerfolks_SharonG_FL
11 years ago
Saw this on FB and traced it to her blog. It's too big for QOV and she doesn't mention it but it sure looks like a nice pattern for one.....and, she gives her how-to!

SharonG/FL-IN (still machineless)

Here is a link that might be useful: r/w/b stashbusting
K8Orlando
Original Author
11 years ago
These are all great patterns. Too bad we don't have our FAQ - we could keep a set of patterns there for quick and easy quilts.
geezerfolks_SharonG_FL
11 years ago
Guess we aren't that important, Kate. @:(
musicteacher
11 years ago
Even though I am not really a quilter I got all excited about doing this, and picked a fairly simple pattern and Moda's prairie paisley fabric -soo pretty- and then added it all up - it is going to cost about $100 to make, and may not turn out all that great to boot. Wow, run on sentence. I might be better off just to buy one on Etsy!!!! Is there a cheaper place to find fabric? I really did love the PP though!

Quilts of Valor - Notice of Request

Comments (16)

geezerfolks_SharonG_FL

mary_c_gw

Related Discussions

littlehelen_gw

mary_c_gw

K8Orlando
Original Author

Robbi D.

K8Orlando
Original Author

mary_c_gw

rosajoe_gw

dawnp

K8Orlando
Original Author

magothyrivergirl

geezerfolks_SharonG_FL

K8Orlando
Original Author

geezerfolks_SharonG_FL

musicteacher

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Quilts of Valor - Notice of Request

Comments (16)

Related Discussions

K8OrlandoOriginal Author

K8OrlandoOriginal Author

K8OrlandoOriginal Author

K8OrlandoOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

K8Orlando
Original Author

K8Orlando
Original Author

K8Orlando
Original Author

K8Orlando
Original Author