RWW Nashville January 29, 2011

I just returned from my 2nd RWW dinner which was held this weekend in Nashville. I'll only mention this once----it was in the 60's!!!

Well, I believe each Program has it's own uniqueness. The program was somewhat the same as the one held in Milwaukee this past June. It was nice seeing old faces and meeting new ones. I got to meet Allen Clark. His wife, Linda, came up to me to thank us and offered me a copy of his book. I started reading it at the airport and on the way home: "Wounded Soldier Healing Warrior"...didn't take long to bring tears to my eyes. www.CombatFaith.com

I got more out of the POW MIA ceremony. It's in the program where a table is set where each item on the table has significance. Actually, HMC Matthew Riley told me where I could get all the symbolism. It goes like this: "You may notice this small table here in a place of honor. It is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly call P.O.W.'s or M.I.A.'s, we call them brothers.

They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them.

This table set for one is small... it symbolizes the frailty of one prisoner against his oppressors.

The table cloth is white... it symbolizes the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms.

The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades in arms who keep faith awaiting their return.

The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn on the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting for our missing.

A slice of lemon is on the bread plate... to remind us of their bitter fate.

There is salt upon the bread plate... symbolic of the family's tears as they wait.

The glass is inverted... they cannot toast with us tonight.

The chair is empty... they are not here.

The "wrapping" ceremony was as awesome as ever. You know, it was the best quilt show seeing all the beautiful "colors" wrapped around these warriors.

I will pass on to you some of the many thank yous, and hugs that I received. I tell you, I wish you could all experience this....pretty awesome! "be sure to thank all those involved for my quilt", "I've never had anyone do something like this for me", "this means more to me than you can imagine".

Some came up to me asking how they can thank the people who made their quilt. It was pointed out to them how they can reach us thru this blog....I sure hope we hear from some of them leaving comments right here.

I will be posting pictures taken at the ceremony ...but first I must pack for tomorrow's scheduled QOV sew-in...ohhh, please let the weather cooperate.
Rita
As I remember things, I'll add right here. I couldn't believe the multiple deployments some of them families went thru. There was, I believe one who had 6 deployments!! Amazing we have such dedicated volunteers who are serving our country.

QOV to the classroom

My grandson Tom was studying the Civil War in his 5th grade classroom. The teacher was looking for people to come into her classroom to talk about volunteering. I guess she was trying to get the children to understand how the soldiers volunteered to fight in this war. I quickly volunteered because of QOV and the connection of quilts to soldiers in the Civil War. The children were very interested and were excited that I suggested making a quilt for a soldier. I pre-cut the fabric and brought in my sewing machine. After several hours, each child had made a rail fence block. They were excited. Now I will quilt it and show them their handiwork. It was amazing to me how many children in the class had parents or relatives serving in the armed forces now.
Marilyn

Binding/Quilting

I have about a dozen quilts that need bindings...anyone want one or two or ??, let me know. I also have 10 quilt tops that need quilting..also let me know if you're ready for one or two or ??. We shouldn't be needing these until April.

Probably a good time to make a note of this: When I get a finished top, in order to have accurate information for the label, I have been attaching a little piece of paper with areas for the piecer, donations, and the quilters name. I've received several quilts back without my little "cheat" sheet and I'm at a loss as to who gave me the quilt top and/or who did the quilting. It might be days before I get to making the labels and my memory is not as good as it used to be. So, PLEASE, PLEASE leave me with my cheat sheet cause I'd love to give credit where credit is due. Remember, if the quilt top was completely pieced by you (using your own fabrics and not cut by one of us), your name is the sole name put on the quilt at the "Made by: line"; if you've taken a kit or the fabric is cut by one of us, it's "made by: LOLQOV".

An idea to make up these "journals" to be attached in an envelope along with the quilts would be great. Anyone wanting to tackle this job, let me know. Note that on all the labels I make, our blog is included in case a recipient wants to make contact with us.
Thank you,
Rita

Another Nice Thank you...

I want to share this thank you note I received this past week:

Dear Rita:

I was hoping to contact you sooner, however, our computer was giving us problems the past few weeks. My name is Patrick Weber. A friend of ours, I'm sure you know, Pat Iozzo, informed me about "Quilts of Valor". I had two nephews in Afghanistan and one friend who is still in Iraq. The soldiers names are Mike Smolucha, Jim Smolucha and Lynnea Cameron. The ladies of the local chapter of Quilts of Valor created quilts for all three of these soldiers. I want to take this opportunity to thank you, Edith Hubbard, Pat Iozzo and all the other ladies who were involved in creating these quilts. Absolutely beautiful! My wife and I would like to make a simple monetary donation to your local chapter. Could you provide us an address and check information to accomplish this?

Since receiving all three quilts I am happy to inform you that both Mike and Jim are back in the states. Lynnea is still in Iraq.
God Bless
Pat and Nancy Weber

AND on a personal note: Thank you so much for your thoughts, many notes, calls and prayers for my brother, Rick, and our family. Rick passed away Friday evening. People have been asking me about the arrangements...all I know as of now is that there is a memorial scheduled for Saturday at the Cross Lutheran Church in Yorkville (Rt 47 and Arendt Rd). I don't have the time yet.
Rita

Beloit Sew-in held on Jan 5th

We had a good group on the 5th small but hard workers. Tina and Vicki Cut fabric and Mary, Becky, Peggy sewed. Mary's daughter and granddaughter stopped by and they also sewed for awhile. I brought home three quilts that need quilting. I do have a bit of a back log (did not quilt much in December) but I am hoping to have that completely cleared up by the end of February.
Vicki

More Happenings!

From what I hear, yesterday's "cut-in" went well. Can't wait to see the new pattern ideas---they sound fun. We don't want to get bored!

Some of you say to tell you when I have binding jobs. I am picking up 11 quilted tops today ...so, if you would like to sit and sew on bindings..especially during these football playoff games, do let me know!!

On a very personal note: Thank you for your continued prayers for my brother, Rick. When you see someone you love suffer as he has, you start praying for acceptance and God's will be done.

Rita

PS....looking forward to seeing how our partners in Beloit did on Wednesday.

Keep Spreading the Word...

Going to share a bit from an email from MaryJane: This week one of my patient's came in with her newborn son and her husband is in Afghanistan -- it really hit home for me how important these quilts are -- I told her about Quilts of Valor and she had tears in her eyes and was so touched that so many women would spend so much time making a quilt for someone they don't even know. I told her that we are very proud and committed to making a special welcome home for these people who have served so courageously and that I would make a point of it to remember her husband in my prayers. What a shame that he will miss the first year of his son's life to serve others -- that is a true sacrifice!

AND I'm dying to tell you that Marilyn gave me good news as well. Fingers crossed here, but we might have another group of ladies starting up another QOV sewing day! Will share more information as everything falls into place.

AND can't forget Sarah who called with news of more fabric coming our way!

As I've told you, you make the best ambassadors to this cause. Can't beat word of mouth.

Today, we're having a "cut-in" at Prairie Shop Quilts to make up kits. If you want to join us, bring along a rotary cutter, a ruler (or two), maybe a pair of scissors. We'll be starting around 12 or 12:30.

Rita

January Sew In

We're off to a GREAT start for 2011!! These are 4 the pictures of the quilt tops sent to me by Wanda (I guess I'm only allowed so many per day). I'll try again later or tomorrow to post the other 3.

I love what the borders do to the X-Block tops. What fun.

Today is Beloit's sew-in. Have fun ladies!

Rita

Happy New Year

As I gather kits, fabric and notions for our next sew-in, can't help to think how far we've come! Will be making labels today for two quilts that will be presented to an Batavia couple who have had a couple tours in Afghanistan. It's nice to have quilts ready for when we get a request like that.

If you can't make it to the sew ins and yet want to help, how about taking some fabric from our stash and doing some cutting or taking home some binding or a kit to do at home. Or, say got a quilting machine for Christmas and want to practice on a panto or motif, take a top or two. Seeing you come to the shop on our first Tuesdays just to offer your help to press or set up blocks on the design wall is a BIG help and I thank you!

I wish every one a Happy, Healthy and Safe 2011

Rita