Merry Christmas to those who celebrate Christmas

May your family gatherings be full of some great memories. Blessings to you and your family. This group is a wonderful blessing for me and hopefully for others. Many thanks to all who have shared in the pleasure of covering our returning troops. This year was such a success, I can only imagine what next year will bring.

Rita

QOV Newsletter

The December QOV Newsletter is up: http://www.qovf.org/content/newsletters.html

Another good read and we definitely need to weed out some of the pink and florals from our stash! Marilyn is involved with a group from Canada who makes quilts for cancer patients and I have started pulling the pinks for that cause. Christmas prints have gone to those who make stockings for the troops and kid fabrics go to those involved with the Linus project..kids with cancer.

Rita

A QOV story to share

I've been wanting to share this story with you from our very own Karen!

Dear Readers,
I made a Stack-n-Whack quilt for Quilts of Valor and the soldier who received it called me on a Sunday night in October. He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio and he and his wife liked the quilt so much they decorated there entire room around it. I was so very excited to hear from him. In fact, they have a bed and breakfast and John and I are going to stay there during the International Quilt Show in April. So ladies, our soldiers really do get the quilts we make and it does make a BIG difference in the quality we put into them.
Sincerely,
Karen Lamboley
Montgomery, IL

Marine Sings Merry Christmas from Afghanistan

http://www.allproudamericans.com/Marine-Sings-Merry-Christmas-from-Afghanistan.html

A Thank you from our soldiers!

I just got this thank you note forwarded to us:


Vicki,
I just wanted to thank you again for all of the hard work you ladies
put in for our Soldiers! They are so appreciative and the little note
on the quilts is perfect. I've heard numerous Soldiers talking about
the quilts and they ask me questions about who you guys are etc... It's
is such a blessing to have people like you women! Thank you again and
have a very Merry Christmas!

Amanda

Tuesday's QOV sew-in

Whew, coming up for air and remembered I hadn't written anything about our sew-in. I think I counted 18 people---filled the house again! We were back with the X-block this month and will probably be finishing those up next month.

A few tops were dropped off for quilting and some went off with Edith (thank you, Edith); and had some quilted tops dropped off and those went with people to do the binding (and I can't remember all who took those). So, I have some here that need labels and WOW, you make my job a little easier and easier each month. Thank you.

We had a visitor as well. Ty, the recipient of our presentation this past Sunday, came by to thank US for OUR service. The thank you's go round and round...we thanking our vets and they thanking us. As I've said before, if it weren't for our vets we wouldn't be able to do what we do and it's a hobby! But your words were very inspiring and Ty, you can stop by anytime.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.

Rita

Sunday's Presentation Pictures

A note from Tina: Rita, we didn't go inside the gym because it was standing room only for relatives and friends. It was a wonderful turn out.

The quilts were all laid out on tables and someone was supposed to announce that the soldiers should go to our area for their quilt, and a card from a Daisy group! The announcement was never made, so we had to round the soldiers up ourselves. We have many left over, but what a start for the next return. I got a couple pictures, Jim got a couple, and Vicki said that Rays camera was really good, so hoping he got good pictures. It was a very good first time for me.

From the pictures taken at the returns you got to go to, they were much better. But hey, it was all good.

Tina

...and another note from Vicki: A lot of adages enter into this past evening - when given lemons make lemonade, old age and trickery will win out every time, and the best laid plans of mice and men.

The plans were all in place, we arrived at Hampshire High School early to help with the set up. The Patriotic Guard helped my husband with the quilts and several of the Reservists helped get the rest of the quilts out storage (Rita took her quilts on Friday before the storm). So the quilts are all arranged on the tables out side of the gym. While we were waiting a mother and her little girls approached us saying her dad, the little girl's grandfather was returning with the troops and her Daisy Troop (Youngest Girl Scouts) had made Christmas cards and could she stand at the end of the table and give the men each a card. Well of course we said she could what a treat for us to see her light up every time she handed out a card. The families were ushered into the gym and Tina, Alberta, My friend Mary, Myself and our husbands were allowed to stay in the commons area where I had been told the men would come into. We saw the fire trucks, and buses arrive - we knew before the families that they troops were home. So we waited, and waited - well you know they had a lot of gear to take off the buses and it was a long ride and some of them well you can figure that out. So finally they started to file into the commons area between the Patriotic Guard and into the gym. Oh my gosh, the families were so excited. After everyone was in and Commander Bennett took the podium he gave his very nervous delivery of the 485th Engineering Company History and some other words, they retired the Company flag that had traveled to Iraq with them, I must say it needed to be retired and they replaced it with a new one and then said in his biggest voice -DISMISSED - well the families were out of their seats.

BUT WAIT - he forgot to read the message about the quilts - what were we going to do - some of the young soldiers started to file out of the gym - some actually got away - we could not capture them. So I made my way to the doors and grabbed a couple of the young soldiers who had helped us earlier - they stood at the doors and got the men in our direction. Well you know it worked and the four of us actually got to talk to a lot of the young men & women and wrap them in their quilts as the families looked on. That then got the attention of others and slowly but surely we got the majority of them. They were so surprised but they really loved the quilts and I myself got to tell several of them about the labels and were to put there names and how I hoped they would be able to pass these on to future generations. I have never met a sweeter bunch of men and women. They ranged from the very young to one man that was 58 years old. What a treat for me and guess what I kept so busy I did not have time for any tears to fall. There was one quilt in the bunch that I had pieced and quilted and bounded and I had held that back for the Commander (I was being a little selfish). I finally found him collecting his gear - he apologized for missing the announcement and said he was just very nervous - I told that was obvious and he laughed. I hand him his quilt and helped him removed it from the pillow case and wrapped him in it and he was so taken back and so pleased. I got another big hug and that made everything right with the world. Things don't always go as we want or as we hoped but in the end it usually works out. All in all it was a great evening and I was so proud to represent Land of Lincoln Quilts of Valor.

PS>

Rita - I brought back 21 quilts (as I said some of them just plain got away) and Alberta took three of hers to send to her sister in Colorado to take to a Military Hospital). I gave my card to the Sergeant, who was kind of in charge and asked him to check and see if everyone got a quilt the next time they were together. They have a location in Rockford for it will be easy for me to make sure they get their quilts. So I will get back to quilting probably in a few days and I will hold onto the quilts until such time that they are gone or you need them. Thanks again for all of your support and God bless each and everyone of the girls that cut, sewed and quilted and bound the quilts this would not have happened without all of us working together. There is will be an article on the interest tomorrow about the troops and will include information about LOLQOV. I talked to a reporter and she called me today to verify some information so I will send the link tomorrow.

--
And now back to my quilting,

Vixanna "Vicki" Robbel

PS we made the newspaper:
http://couriernews.suntimes.com/news/2711411-417/hampshire-quilts-welcome-iraq-members.html

Presentation at the Craft show!

While we await news on how the quilt presentation went last night, thought I'd tell you about yesterday at the craft show at my church, Holy Angels, Aurora. Again, being able to just let people know what we do was rewarding along, of course, sitting among a couple quilting buddies! We also had the honor to present a QOV to a fellow parishioner and I hope he doesn't mind my posting his thank you:

I am very grateful for the fantastic quilt of valor, which you so graciously presented to me at the St Anne's Society Craft Fair at Holy Angels Church on Sunday, December 5, 2010.

It will forever be held in high prominence in honor of my 36 years of military service, in the U.S. Army.

The efforts of your Quilts of Valor Foundation are a true visual testament to the appreciation and support currently provided to our service personnel. I am certain that your example of gratitude will leave a lasting impression upon the lives of the many service personnel blessed to receive a QOV.

Again, God bless and thank you very much for the tangible recognition of my military service.

Thanks for the privilege of having served...

Ty Simmons
CW4 (Ret.)
U.S. Army, AVN

PS If you have access to facebook, check out his speech given at a local HS: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1579078408781
Rita

Ceremony

Anyone planning on attending the ceremony at Hampshire High School located 45W345 Big Timber Rd, Hampshire, IL?

What they're going to do is, they are going to set up tables out in the lobby and when the men exit the gym area WE will give them their quilts. If you are, find the tables and look for Vickie and introduce yourselves and you can help hand out the quilts. Please take a whole bunch of pictures and get back to me as well!!


Here is a newspaper article written about the event:
http://couriernews.suntimes.com/news/2674235-418/hampshire-soldiers-welcome-unit-event.html

Rita

Delivered!

I did deliver 93 (50 coming from our Rockford group) quilts to the school. The janitors came out and loaded them up on carts and skids...I said, oh good, now I can drive legal (see out my back window)! I feel like an expectant "grandma" waiting and waiting! I hope some of you will be able to attend and send me pictures.

Job well done my friends!
Rita

485th Engineering Co Army Reservists

We have enough quilts!! There are a total of 170 that came home, but 27 are going directly home; we 'only' need 143 and we have them!!!

So, the ceremony is Sunday night at the Hampshire High School at 7:30 pm. Now, would anyone be interested in going? We need to get the quilts there.

Thank you for getting it done!!

Rita

Returning Heros

We are awaiting word on 170 soldiers returning home this weekend. Some of you want information on these ceremonies and what I have right now is if the ceremony is held on Sunday, they are trying to get Woodstock High School to hold it. If it is on Monday, it will be at the Sears Center. More than likely, it will be Sunday.

Again, if you have any tops completed, or just need binding, let me know as we are close to our goal but not there yet. We thought we had another month but they're coming home and that's all that matters!!

Rita

QOV Newsletter

http://www.qovf.org/Pdf_Files/2010/nov.10.newsletter.pdf

Check it out. It's a nice read and in there they ask for ideas on what we do on a local level. You know I've been thinking about writing in what we do and how it all started and how we've progressed! I truly believe it's just: great people who work wonderfully together. And to tie that in with Thanksgiving.......I am so thankful for everyone who has stepped up.

These last couple months have been "trying" for lack of a better word. Our usual request for the January RWW Program was compounded with a request from Rockford for 170 quilts for 3 returning troops to be welcomed home in January as well. Can we do it? That's 250 quilts! Well, you know what......we're VERY close and I think we can. Been doing a lot of binding and I'm thinking December will have its fill as well and we'll have a ceremony to go to in January and be very proud!

It's been mentioned to me, "are we just giving quilts to everyone now?". Well, I'll quote from the QOV Newsletter: ARE YOU AWARE: Armed service members undergo tremendous stress to leave family, friends, career and country when they are deployed, stress that is beyond civilian capacity to comprehend.
Remember, we give quilts to our heroes who not only have been "injured" physically, but mentally as well.

Rita

To our Machine quilters

I have approached some of you and don't want to miss anyone. Most of you are in business and if you would like to have your name/business in the form of a website or email addy posted on this blog, let me know. Your work is awesome and you've been so good to us (thank you)...I'd be happy to refer tops your way. You'll be listed under: Some of Our favorite QOV helpers!

Rita

QOV's can be viewed at the Winnebago Public Library

These are the quilts that are currently on display at the Winnebago Public Library in Winnebago, IL . I was asked by the library board to put them up for Veterans' Day and then they decided they should remain in place until this Saturday. I was honored to do so and please to show off our quilts and get details out about Quilts of Valor.
And now back to my quilting,

Vixanna "Vicki" Robbel

American Valor fabric coming in March

If you go to the QOVF blog (on the side under blogs to follow), and then under: Preview of American Valor Fabrics, check out the new fabrics coming soon. Hope we can get some of that, huh!

Rita

Veterans Day

I was trying to come up with something to say in honor of Veterans Day. I received this yesterday and am passing it on:

Bravo to that teacher

A lesson that should be taught in all schools and colleges: Back in September, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies school teacher at Robinson High School, did something not to be forgotten.

On the first day of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all of the desks out of her classroom.

When the first period kids entered the room they discovered that there were no desks.

'Ms.. Cothren, where are our desks?' She replied, 'You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn the right to sit at a desk.'

They thought, 'Well, maybe it's our grades.' 'No,' she said. 'Maybe it's our behavior.' She told them, 'No, it's not even your behavior.'

And so, they came and went, the first period, second period,third period. Still no desks in the classroom.

By early afternoon television news crews had started gathering in Ms.Cothren's classroom to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room.

The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats on the floor of the deskless classroom, Martha Cothren said, 'Throughout the day no one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done to earn the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to tell you.'

At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it. Twenty-seven (27) War Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk.

The Vets began placing the school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand alongside the wall... By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place those kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how the right to sit at those desks had been earned.. Martha said, 'You didn't earn the right to sit at these desks.

These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. Now, it's up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don't ever forget it.'

By the way, this is a true story.

LEST WE FORGET - Wear a Poppy to show your respect on Remembrance (Veterans) Day

Donald H Weston MMM CD

Ready for binding

Some of you asked if I had quilts ready for binding. I will have 8 or 9 ready tomorrow morning. I must keep a couple for myself cause I, too, like watching TV in the evening with a quilt over my lap and some handsewing---tis the season afterall.

Rita

Thank YOU

Going to take this time to thank you for your fabric donations. Sometimes I don't get a phone number of email address when you drop off fabric at the shop, so thank you! This past week I've picked up fabric at Willowbrook, McHenry and am headed out today for another pickup of quilts. Illinois supports our troops!!!**and we've had help from Wisconsin as well--thank you!

Behind the scenes---we have a new block for future kits. Working on the Churndash and we'll have bricks soon. Anyone find a good price on those plastic bags, let us know. I know most of you are returning the bags for refills---that really helps.

Rita

PS AND thank you for the pillowcases!! Anita, Donna, Arlene and Marilyn (I'll thank you in advance). Keep healing, Marilyn.

20 +

I came home with 20 quilt tops(need quilting), 2 quilted tops (needing bindings and labels) and a couple partial tops. Here are some of the tops made today.

I know I counted how many ladies were there today and I know it was the most we've EVER had! AND the food-----------the best ever!!

If everything comes in that's out there (kits/tops being quilted), we will definitely reach our goal. We have eager people looking for binding jobs, so as soon as the quilts come in I'll post.

Thank you.
Rita

Nice surprises come knocking!

Told myself that I was staying home and going to clean and just get caught up. Well, what a day! First Margaret came over with the "winter raffle quilt" top. See picture. Next came Barb from Elmhurst Piecemakers with a completed QOV quilt. Anita came by with pillowcases and a fabric donation! And Julie came by with a completed top and took home 5 kits. So, moral of this story is I ought to stay home more often and see who comes knocking!!

Hope to see everyone at Prairie Shop Quilts, Batavia, on Tuesday.

Oh, and I know you're out there. I get remarks about our blog all the time that you're following us! Hi Ray---Even my brother, Ray, from Vegas told me he reads this! So, don't be shy....would love to hear from you.

Rita

PS...oh, I did get some cleaning and sewing done as well.

Ready for quilting!

This morning Dorothy and I made up the backings for the 10 (I corrected the amount of tops we have from the sew-in on Saturday). Thank you, Dorothy, for your help.

Thought we were going to get a peek at the Christmas quilt to be raffled...soon...........

Rita

More pics from yesterday's sew-in

Most Productive and a NICE treat!

We had a very productive day today. I haven't fully unpacked, but I believe we have 10 finished tops (need backings and ready for the quilters) and I know quite a few went home for finishing. The treat was 7 completed tops came in the door from the Elmhurst Piecemakers!!! They were beautiful and the quilting was awesome as well!!! Thank you! It was a great show-n-tell. NOT to forget the lunch provided by Quiltfabric.com! And thank you Kay as well---over and above the top!!

I hope to post pictures tomorrow cause tonight I get to babysit my new little granddaughter!!

Thank you ladies. It was a pleasure AGAIN!! We do Make a Difference!!!

Rita

Sew-in on Saturday October 23rd

We're gearing up for the sew in this Saturday at Quiltfabric.com in Willowbrook. Been cutting and cutting (thank God for the Accuquilt Go!). I like to give choices on what you can work on when you come to our sew-ins. We've got kits made up...getting more fabric in as well!

So, if you can come and give a few hours, we'd love to have you.
Quiltfabric.com, Willowbrook, IL, 10 AM - 4 PM.

Rita

Thought I had a lead on lunch but that didn't happen... So, we can either bring in our own or order from the pizza place next door. Our usual course of action is to bring a dish but this is kinda late in the game, but if you're feeling ambitious............

QOV at Prairie Star Quilt Guild Show

Very nice quilt show! New site for our show and I like that it's all in one building! Hope to see the rest of the quilts today. What I've seen so far is wow---we sure do have a lot of talent in the guild. Thanks for stopping by and saying hello. Hope to see you at the Make a Difference Day Sew-in at QuiltFabric.com, Willowbrook, IL next Saturday. We have quilt tops waiting to be quilted if you'd like to pick a few up at the show!

Rita

Prairie Star Quilter’s Guild Quilt Show October 15 & 16

October 15th, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. and Saturday, October 16th, 10 am to 5:00 pm. The admission is $6. It is at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 West Manchester Road, Wheaton, IL.

Plan to buy tickets for the raffle quilt designed by Caron Carlson. To view the raffle quilt, go to www.prairiestar.net.

There are 17 vendors showing a wide range of items including fabrics, patterns, kits, books, long arm machines, featherweights, quilt tables, threads & notions. QOV has their very own booth--stop by and say hello.

Rita

WelcomeYouHome USMC Jake Tannenbaum & Richard Boschsero

Last night I had the honor of being a part of a welcome home ceremony for USMC Jake Tannenbaum & Richard Boschsero in Naperville. To describe the feeling you have among a crowd that night would be: enthusiastic, privileged and LOVE! As the crowd grew larger and larger, the enthusiasm did as well. We assembled at a church, given the route and instructions on what to expect and we were off. I might be wrong on the assembly line, but there was of course the police car, fire trucks, the limo to pick the two heroes from their home, lots of motorcyclists, "cages"--enclosed vehicles.

The Marines were picked up at the home of Jake Tannenbaum and escorted to the VFW where another crowd awaited. When we came onto the grounds of the VFW there are people holding flags on either side of the road---gotta love those colors! Donna Morsovillo, founder of Welcomeyouhome.org has a wonderful program for these returning warriors with lots of presentations and of course we gave them each a quilt! If you ever get a chance to attend one of these ceremonies--DO IT! For more pictures of the event, go to www.welcomeyouhome.org and under Gallery you find their names. It was one great turnout.

Rita

Report from Batavia

Had a great sew-in yesterday. Came home with 4 completed tops; 5 tops just needing labels; a few needing binding and labels and 12 tops (added to the 13 I already had = 25 tops waiting to be quilted!! THAT my friends is awesome. You know someone once told me "we don't have enough piecers making QOV's in Illinois"...Heck we don't! We filled the house again yesterday. I might have to bring along a couple chairs next month :)

Also, we need pillowcases. If you want to come over and pick up some fabric to make up some pillowcases, please do.

We'll be having a booth at the Prairie Treasurers Quilt Show at the DuPage County Fair Grounds on October 15 & 16th. (10 - 8 PM Friday and Saturday until 5 pm). Anyone wanting to help man the booth let me know.

Don't forget to save October 23rd for Make a Difference Day. There's a QOV sew-in at Quiltfabric.com in Willowbrook from 10 AM - 4 PM. We provide the pattern/fabrics ---just bring your sewing machines, basic quilting tools, thread and filled bobbins!

Rita

A Post from Beloit

Vickie wanted to share what she was up to last weekend:

I wanted to tell you about the quilt show that I was invited to participate in. It was at North Boone High School in Poplar Grove, IL and was sponsored by the Booster Club. This year they decided to add a quilt show and asked my friend, Lee Ward to coordinate it. It was kind of short notice for her so she asked me if I would like to bring my Quilts of Valor stuff and then asked another friend for quilts. So three of use provided about 33 quilts and wall hanging. I had the front area right inside the door, so people would see me first which was very nice. We had a very nice attendance. My friend Lee gave me a quilt for our project and then another older couple who had a booth in the craft show - donated a quilt. Also in attendance was the Vietnam Veterans of American, Inc - Chapter 984 from Rockford. They were selling raffle tickets as their fund raiser to send boxes to send boxes to the troops and for the supplies they use each time a plane lands at Chicago-Rockford International Airport to re-fuel. Anyway the men from the group came down and looked at the quilts and John Sommer with the group came back and gave me a donation toward fabric. (now we will have some red/white/blue).

So met lots of nice people and hopefully some of them will come through with quilts but that will be a wait and see project. .... Did meet someone who works at one of the local quilt shops and she said she would share the information with the owners of the shop - so we will see.

I did get another quilt dropped off at the house today so right now I have 11 quilts to do for QoV and about that many for other people and I think that Tina said she has about five more right now for me to do.

Tomorrow is only their 3rd sew-in and I wish you a successful sew-in.

Rita

A tough one!

Picture from last night's fundraiser---Marine Cpl. Yuryi Zymsly being wrapped with a Quilt of Valor. This is my 3rd year with this fundraiser and I have to say, a tough one... Not to take away from the generous people in attendance. What a story!

www.thewoundedsoldierfundraiser.com raises donations from lots of people. The annual event begins with a fun filled golf outing (rain or shine as yesterday proved), followed by dinner.

Rita

Two QOV's going to....

Tomorrow I am attending a fundraiser and presenting two quilts to: (http://thewoundedsoldierfundraiser.com/)...call me if you're interested in coming along.

Marine Cpl. John Peck. A 2004 graduate of Antioch High School, Cpl Peck joined the Marines and was deployed to Afganistan. He was wounded by a roadside bomb on May 24, 2010. He was recently moved our of the intensive care unit of Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland to continue his recovery. Cpl Peck lost all four limbs, fought infections, pneumonia and has come out of a coma.

and
Marine Cpl. Yuryi Zymsly. After surviving two war zones in Iragi, Yuryi Zymsly suffered severe brain injury following appendicitis surgery at the Marine base. Yuryi would likely die or remain bedridden in a nursing home for the rest of his life, unable to move, see or speak.

Fiancee Aimee Pierog refused to believe it and when word came from Washington the Yuryi was declared "medically retired" from the military and the government wouldn't continue to pay for Yuryi's care, Aimee moved to her parents' living room to care for him there.

Aimee imitated the type of therapy Yuryi was getting at the rehab institute. In late 2006, Yuryi's father was killed in a care accident, his mother committed suicide and his Shelty was hit and killed by a car. Amiee persisted in Yuryi's care. They were married in a small ceremony. Today Yuryi is able to see light and color; can communicate with grunts and nods; and can walk in a herky-jerky motion.

and as Vicki always signs off: "and now back to my quilting"

Rita

SAVE THE DATE: Make a Difference Day, October 23rd

On Make a Difference Day, October 23, 2010, we are having a LOLQOV sew-in at: quiltfabric.com, 888 75th Street, (NE corner of 75th Street and Route 83), Willowbrook, IL 60527, from 10 AM - 4 PM.

Plans are in the making---we have a possible food vendor! So, I'm going to have to have an idea on possible attendees!

Leave some feedback or contact me.


Rita

September Sew In

Ya can't beat it...sewing together with friends and new friends. I love it when people walk in, put their purse down and dig in! I haven't counted all the finished tops I brought home and I know some went to get borders on them and we pieced a whole lot of blocks for our next sew-in.

Our next "commitment for quilt tops for the RWW program is around the 15th of January. Again, 80 are requested but the count will change if they have cancellations. Have a request from Rockford, IL, but the amount is not final yet.

Here are some pictures Wanda sent in.

Rita

Anniversary of 9/11

As the anniversary of September 11 approaches, and our troops are coming home from one battlefield and digging in deeper into the other, I pray harder for the safety of our troops. Nine years! Again, I thank you for your continuing dedication and support for our mission to cover these men and women touched by war.

Rita

Nice Job!

A few of us drove up to Beloit, WI yesterday and we cut till we dropped. Tina, thank you. You have a nice large room for future sew-ins. Show 'n Tell was also a great treat! The sew-ins are scheduled for the first Wednesdays of the month.

Rita

We're Expanding!

Trying to start up a QOV group in the Rockford/Beloit area. Join us Wednesday, Aug 18, for a "cut-in". We're bringing our rotary cutters and AccuGO cutters to make kits for future sew-ins.

Rita

"Great Sew-In"

Heard this remark from a few of the ladies who attended yesterday's sew-in. We had a full house. Welcome to our newbies but by the middle of the morning, couldn't tell them apart. The sewing machines were all a-humming.

We had guests...we like our guests! David Walgenback (Batavia) and his mother were there. If you remember, David is the recipient of one of our quilts and we wish him a good healing from his wounds. Also joining us were the gentlemen from Great Lakes. They presented us with a very nice plaque which will be kept at Prairie Shop Quilts for all to be able to see. The Commanding Officer explained what our quilts mean to the Warriors at their RWW Program and really had our attention on other details they shared with us. Ask us why the uniform includes bell bottoms and how many snaps/buttons!!

Came home with 6 completed tops and I know several took their quilt tops to be finished at home. Four were left with Bonita, Prairie Shop Quilts, to be quilted on the new machine expected to arrive soon. So, yes, it WAS another great sew-in.

Last but not least, we had a nice lunch compliments of AppleVilla. Thank you, the food was great and it was VERY generous of you.

So, after a lot of mingling with the ladies, the men left with 46 quilts and that's what it's all about.

Rita

QOV being delivered to Melrose Park Family this weekend

I received a quilt with a request it go to a Marine. Lance Cpl. Frederik E. Vazquez, 20, of Melrose Park, Ill., died July 24 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Vazquez wasn't even old enough to buy a beer and yet he gave his life to our Country to keep us safe.

Rita

Another nice donation

Met a new quilt shop today....Sunshine &Shadow Quilt Shoppe, located in McHenry, IL. Thank you Sandie for the nice fabric donation. We're always grateful for nice "go-withs"!!! A very nice fabric shop specializing in reproduction fabrics and vintage patterns.

Rita

Quilt given to a local this weekend

Donna from WelcomeYouHome.com presented a quilt this weekend to Megan and Scott. USMC Scott had 4 months left in his IRR; but, as a scout sniper, has been called back to service. He is a Marine who spent 4 years in Iraq and was shot twice. Scott and Meghan have decided to get married. They had two weeks to prepare for this wedding.

Booth at Batavia Quilt Show

Check out the booth we had at the Batavia Quilt Show (thank you Cheryl for the great posters). Day one went pretty well. We had quite of few possible new piecers/quilters show interest in joining us. A few people picked up kits and will drop them off when complete, as well as quilters picked up some tops for quilting. I'll be bringing more tomorrow.

Another Full House at the Sew-in!!

I tell you not, "just ask and they will come" is what it's all about. We had another successful sew-in yesterday. Came home with 15 tops---10 that I know of were made up yesterday. I'll get the backings ready so they will go out to quilters. It was nice to see a couple faces from the Winfield sew-in and hope to see you back!

We had a guest, Donna Morsovillo, founder Operation Welcome You Home, NFP, www.welcomeyouhome.org., which will make another destination for some of our quilts to local Heroes.

As soon as some of these quilts get bound (have some bricks and string quilts that need to be shown), pictures will be posted so you can see some end results.

Rita

Show N Tell

Cheryl and I met up with Sarah, Vickie (and Ray), Alberta, Tina and their friend last week to pick up and drop off quilts and batting. Just had to share our "inspection" out in the parking lot...

Rita

More pictures from Saturday night

Pictures from RWW Milwaukee 6/26/10