Meet Donna Guzy, Champaign, IL

http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=334102

Good media coverage going on in Southern Illinois! Good job, Donna.
Rita

RWW in Little Rock

Just returned from the Returning Warrior Workshop in Arkansas. Again, what a privilege. They thank each and every one of you who "made their quilt".

Just posted some pictures---I know you like to see who got your quilt.
Rita

Reminder

Be sure to check the "Basic Information" listed on the right side of this blog for QOV requirements (http://www.qovf.org/content/basic-qov-requirements.html). The minimum size of a QOV is 55 x 65 and no larger than 72 x 90. Most of our machine quilters have businesses and are generously donating their time, not to mention thread and sometimes batting. Also know that the need for female quilts are few. I have a few here waiting for a request for a more feminine quilt. Nothing is worse than seeing a 6 foot guy with a pink quilt! The pillowcases as well should shy away from childish prints or big pink flowers.
Rita

Thank you, Cindi

Picked up another set of PERFECT labels from Embroidery by Cindi. If you ever have the need for embroidered tee shirts, or monogramming, give Cindi a call. (cwaisath@sbcglobal.net) Her machines are humming!
Rita

Sewing Expo March 22-24

As mentioned before, we are going to have a booth at the Sewing Expo this year in Schaumburg. www.sewingexpo.com We could use 4 people per day (more if you don't want to stay the whole day) to man the booth. If we could have two people up front with the signature squares and giving out information; and one or two with the sit and sew area that would be great. This also will allow switching off so you can make the rounds at the show as well. I'll forward more information as I get it. So, if you're going and can sit a few hours, let me know which day...or if you've been thinking of going, come on. I'm thinking this might be our fundraiser this year!
Rita

Rest in Peace, Spc Christopher Patterson

http://beaconnews.suntimes.com/10047151-417/thousands-gather-outside-at-west-aurora-to-salute-fallen-soldier.html

and

http://beaconnews.suntimes.com/photos/galleries/index.html?story=9989256

Great turnout last night

We had a great turnout last night at the sew-in. I counted 14!! Welcome to the newbies!! Without a doubt it was agreed to continue to have these evening sew-ins on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Bonita said come earlier if you want, so let's start with February 15, from 5:30 - 8. We had a nice show-n-tell from the Gazebo QOV Quilters from Huntley, IL..thank you and come again anytime.
Rita

In the News

This was sent to me by Donna Guzy, Champaign, IL area. Donna is starting a group and is off to a very good start!

http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=328462

Sew-in Reminder Notice, January 18, 2012

Where: Prairie Shop Quilts, 1911 W Wilson St., Batavia
Time: 6 - 8 pm
Our first evening QOV sew-in. We will be working on a Disappearing 9-Patch pattern with our favorite Red/Whites and Blues. You'll need your rotary cutter, a small mat and ruler.

Another 2012 Challenge!

Got an idea. Got an extra 2 1/2" square (patriotic preferred, but not necessary)? How about 16? If we collect 35 of these (16 patch) and off set them with a snowball block, we have a required sized QOV!

How about it!

Good blog read

http://navymedicine.navylive.dodlive.mil/archives/1355

Awesome fundraising opportunity

Just received this info today from QOVF. What do you think? Think we can take care of the times of the show at Schaumburg?

I just learned that free booth space for QOVF will be provided if there are local+regional groups to set up and man the booth. This is a wonderful way for us to spread knowledge of our mission. Here is the list of the 5 shows I copied from their website: http://www.sewingexpo.com/

FYI

I want to send you the report we get from QOVF on the need and shortage of quilts:

Hello Everyone,

This year I would like to keep everyone updated every week on the number of
quilts being assigned to Quilts of Valor weekly and monthly standing
destinations.

There are six weekly destinations, all overseas, that need 60 quilts EVERY
week in order to cover wounded service members who are either in Afghanistan
or Germany. Last week (1/1-1/7) there were 7 quilts assigned to these
destinations. A shortage of 53 quilts for the week.

There are twelve monthly destinations that need 130 quilts each month (an average of 33 quilts a week). There were 10 available to be assigned to these destinations last week. A shortage of 23 when looking at the weekly average needed. One destination is overseas, four are wounded warrior transition battalions, another four are VA medical centers and the other three treat service members affected in various ways by their time in the war zone.

We also have one new weekly destination that is not yet included in these numbers. The Point of Contact (POC) is a Medevac pilot with the 82nd Airborne deployed in Eastern Afghanistan. He is operating on the Pakistani border and personally transports an average of 5 wounded service members each week.

For the month of December we were 173 quilts short of the needed quantity for the weekly and monthly destinations. ..

Thank you for helping to cover those touched by war.

Marcella Pirner-Cormier, Destination Coordinator

A January 2012 Challenge!

ok, let's see who is reading the blog.... I have a challenge for you. Anyone bringing along a newbie to the "QOV under the lights", Wednesday, January 18---I have a little something for you!
Rita

Successful sew-ins!

Tuesday's sew-in was fun. I hear Beloit's was as well. We worked on the boxy squares and some started another kit of the shadowbox. Came home with 11 completed tops--well, one just needing a label. Beloit must be proud as well--their numbers have increased, which means more and more people are getting involved. Looking forward to hearing about 2 or 3 more sew-in locations.

Not a new location, but we have a new date and time for a QOV sew-in. January 18 from 6-8 PM is the start of "QOV under the lights". Location: Prairie Shop Quilts, 1911 W Wilson, Batavia. We will be working on a Disappearing 9-patch pattern. So, bring your sewing machine, ruler and a rotary cutter.
Rita

Happy New Year---SLOW DOWN!!!

Join me in my New Year's resolution...SLOW DOWN! Yes, we need lots of tops but we want them to be our best. Our best for those who are out there doing their best.

So, have a very Happy, Healthy and Safe 2012
Rita

PS: Just heard about this new series on block patterns along with lessons and the opportunity to ask for help if you need it. It's FREE!
http://www.craftsy. com/class/ The-Craftsy- Block-of- the-Month/ 50

Starting the first day of each month, a new Craftsy Block of the Month segment that showcases either a fresh take on a traditional block, or first look at an original block.

All you have to do is be a registered Craftsy member.