Merry Christmas

I'm sorry I'm late on that.  We had 3 days of family Christmas....it was great!  To see the excitement in kids faces is such a treat.  My wish is that you had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends.  Of course we remember the greatest gift our Servicemen and woman give or have given is the gift of freedom.

A few quilts were presented over the Christmas holiday.  Pictures are taken with the iPad now and I can't figure how to get them downloaded to the computer to post here.  Pretty easy posting them to our Facebook page.  Will have to just take along the camera I guess.  But again, join us on Facebook at Illinois Quilts of Valor.

I'd like to get more feedback on the "First Annual" QOV sew-in on February 1st that is being planned this year.  I could supply fabric and pattern if necessary if you would like.  Any ideas of where if you'd like to gather?  Let me know.
Rita

Two Presentations Yesterday

Yesterday morning was busy for us.  Had the honor presenting of a QOV to Matthew Johnston, a Marine who served two tours in Iraq, one in Fallujah and another in South Sinjar.  Welcome home, Matthew, and thank you for your service.

Sandra A made a presentation at a Welcome You Home celebration yesterday to SPC Joseph Wucka, Army ,  served in Afghanistan.  Hope to get a few words from Sandy...and maybe pictures.  Welcome home and thank you for your service, Joseph.

 And, thank you Sandy for being there and representing QOV.
Rita

A note on Tuesdays sew in

I wanted to share some pictures of our show and tell from Tuesday.  Also, thank you Dorothy for picking up the quilts from the shop.  Came home with 13completed tops!!

Well, I had every intention to post the pictures but am having a problem.  I have posted to Facebook..you can find us at:  Illinois Quilts of Valor.  I don't know if the problem is sending from the iPad to the computer cause I am unable to post pictures directly from the iPad to the blog but am able to send to Facebook??? I welcome any help here :)
Rita 

Met with Elaine Hicks this AM and wrapped her in her quilt.  She was so thrilled!  As she mentioned, Vietnam era folks did not get a happy homecoming.

She was tickled that the pillow case had the Navy fabric. 

 Thank you, Elaine, for your service.

First Ever QOVF National Sew Day - February 1, 2014

Quilts of Valor Foundation has chosen February 1, 2014—National Freedom Day—as the first ever QOVF National Sew Day. Quilters all around America are asked to sew for our combat service members and veterans touched by war. It’s not too early to start thinking of blocks and patterns, cutting fabric, and inviting friends to gather together. Let’s reflect on our freedom and make more quilts in one day than ever before on QOVF National Sew Day.

Let’s Make Freedom Ring on February 1, 2014!

Sew In Reminder and watch for shop closing due to weather notice

Well, jury duty is over for the Pennington family!  Did I tell you Gary had it last month and I had it this past week!  Just doing our duty...all part of the "system".

So, we have another sew-in Tuesday at Sewing Etc, in Yorkville.  If you still have unfinished projects, go ahead and bring them along.  I have a few here that ...well, what happens, and I got to work on this, some people will pick up a kit and work on it day of sew-in and turn it in unfinished!  What's bad about that is all sewing machines are different and some of us do "scant" 1/4" seams and some do "generous" 1/4" seams.  I need to "enforce" that we take it home with us whether we're going to finish at home or just bring back to the next sew-in to finish.   AND if you have an unfinished kit or project, it's best not to take another cause nothing like having a QOV UFO plus what we have of our own, right!!  Plus, it gives me an idea of what's out there and what we need to do in regards to making up more kits. 


Another important thing to note:  If the weather is bad, you can check this blog or I'll post on Facebook whether we're cancelling or not or if the shop is going to close.  i.e., Rt 47 does get drives...as well as Orchard Rd. and Randall for that matter. 

So, hope to see you Tuesday.  Stay warm.  I'm going to enjoy the snow from inside!  I should say, I'm planning to...
Rita

Superior Thread for our Machine Quilters

Superior Threads has partnered with the Quilt of Valor Foundation to provide registered members with So Fine #50 and King Tug quilting thread.  They have offered our membership So Fine #50 at $7.95 a cone and King Tut at $12.95 a cone.  To register go to QOVF.org.  If you are solely quilting for Illinois Quilts of Valor, put that in the notes area.  If they contact me, I will verify.

A registered individual quilter may purchase a total of 6 cones of thread annually.

Three colors of each thread have been chosen to typify the need for patriotic quilts.  They are:  #413, 401, and 431 in So Fine; and 919, 976, 971 in King Tut.

Upon receipt of the letter of Authorization, Superior Threads will contact the purchaser via phone, request credit card information for payment and shipping address verification.

The contact person is:  karen@superiorthreads.com (phone) 1-800-499-1777

Sharing another newsclip...make that two!

check out the quilts on yet another Brian Williams newsclip:  http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x180jml_nbc-nightly-news-with-brian-williams-wounded-soldiers-journey-to-safety-out-of-afghanistan_news

Here's one featuring Eddie:  http://couriernews.suntimes.com/news/crosby/24151427-418/disabled-patriot-i-wish-i-could-do-more.html
if anyone can get a copy of this for me, I'd love it!
Rita

24 FINISHED Quilts, 5 just needing labels and 7 tops

Needless to say, my car runneth over yesterday.  Thank you Mary Jane for taking the overload.  What a problem, huh!!  I'd say we've done a whole lot of finishing of our projects this past month.  We will be back with more ideas for our red/white and blue strips in January.   Thank you Priscilla for taking the strips home and getting some of the strips ready---that's a big job.

It was like a reunion yesterday:  Tina and her friend were here from Beloit!  Sharon was back!  Congratulations and thank you Jane for the 12" stars.  And thank you more for taking the stars home to make up some more tops!!  Nice to see you again, Patty and can't wait to see what you do with the Anniversary squares.  That pattern was the pattern the QOVF had to commemorate its 10 years of existence.

To top the day, we had the honor of presenting a QOV to Steven S, Army--2 tours Afghanistan.  Thank you Steven for your service!!  His Mom brought along a reporter from the Beacon News...always great to have the avenue to spread the news of our mission.  Denise, you are welcome anytime. 

Thank you for the birthday wishes.  As I said, I'm more into celebrating 6 years cancer free and thank you for celebrating that with me.  Thank you, Cheryl.  Have her tell you about the first birthday cake she brought :)

Each month it humbles me to be a part of the "team".  We get newbies each month and you just "do it".  We did have a great show and tell but now I need to get them off the iPad and onto the computer.  You can see them on our Facebook page:  Illinois Quilts of Valor.
Thank you all for what you do.  You make my job so much more easier.
Rita

Presentation at our sew in today

http://beaconnews.suntimes.com/photos/galleries/24149001-417/gratitude-and-comfort-for-a-soldier-with-ptsd.

Huntley QOV Sew-in change

Please note the change of location for the Gazebo Quilters in Huntley.  Beginning in January, they will continue to meet on the first Tuesday of the month at:  American Community Bank on rte.47 in Huntley.  Sorry to hear of the closing of the shop, but so happy to hear they will continue on the mission of covering our troops with quilts.

Rita

Happy Thanksgiving

Eat well, be safe and enjoy your family!

Next Tuesday is our next sew-in at Prairie Shop Quilts, Batavia.  We are having company!  

It's another clean-up sew-in.  If you have unfinished projects, bring them in.  We need sewing machines!!!  It's always good to bring your rulers and rotary cutters as well.  So, fill them bobbins and let's keep comforting and showing our thanks to the troops.
Rita

We continue to getting it done!

The sew-in yesterday, as always, was very productive.  Measured, made some borders, and some backings to get ready for our machine quilters.  Some of us worked on unfinished tops...looking good!

I posted a couple of our string quilt tops on the facebook page (Illinois Quilts of Valor).  I think we're getting pretty creative with the strings.
 

 Reminder:  The star block challenge is due before the December sew-in (first Tuesday in December).  That challenge is:  12" finished star block in red/white and blue.  If you have given me stars and will not be at the December sew-in, let me know as I will be bringing the prizes to the sew-in.
Rita

Pictures

I'm sharing a couple pictures that I've already posted on our FB page (Illinois Quilts of Valor) and has gotten quite a few hits.  These were taken at the Wall last weekend.

More Sharing!

The family of Arthur, the presentation we did in Winfield send us a utube video I'd like to share: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URr9dJhKEeM&feature=youtu.be

 

AND, we got a thank you from another presentation:  

 

Geri,

When the Elgin Library Staff gave me your present of the Quilt of Valor with my picture I was over whelmed with emotion and tears. I was humbled by your gift and the dedication and time Karen D and Chris J put into making the most beautiful Shadowbox Quilt I have ever seen. Thank you for the homemade card from all of the QOVF. I have few words. Thank you for welcoming me home after so many years and for the thoughtfulness of all you Patriots.

Blessings and God's Protection on All of You,

Rob B

Save the Date..Saturday, .December 7

Rockford, IL: Quilters Haven is hosting a QOV Sew-in on Saturday, December 7th.  Quilters Haven is located at 4616 E State St. Rockford. 10 AM -  ??

Another opportunity to Welcome Home a Veteran

Operation Welcome You Home is escorting a Veteran on Sunday, November 17. If you're interested in presenting a quilt to this Veteran, let me know. You can either be a part of where they set up which is at the Home Depot on Rt 59 and they will go onto the AmVets on Jericho Rd. in Aurora; or just be there at the AmVets in Aurora to present. They're setting up at Home Depot at 12:30 and are expecting to arrive at AmVets at 2:30. Andrew (Army) recently returned from Afghanistan in October. These welcoming home ceremonies are also very impressive. Let me know if you would like to do this.  I think I'll be there.

Rita

The rest of the Story... and Sew In Reminder

It took a couple days to recoup.  The past weekend was draining...emotionally and I didn't expect that.  From hearing from a few ladies who helped out at one presentation or another, it was the same.

So, we come to Sunday.  I went to their interdenominational service not expecting to stay, but so glad I did.  There were a couple speeches, a fly over and we had a presentation.  Thank you John A (Vietnam, Marine) for your service.

Monday.  Thank you Suzie for your presentation and your report:

Celebrating Veteran’s Day at Plum Grove Middle School, Rolling Meadows, IL.  

Dressed in matching T-shirts touting the celebration of the day, the student council of the school warmly welcomed family members who have served in the Korean conflict of the 1950’s, the Vietnam War,  Kuwait, Somalia, Germany, and the active Naval Reserve…8 in all.  A yummy continental breakfast was served by the students while a string ensemble of student musicians played in the background.

A color guard from Boy Scout Troop 209 presented the colors and after a brief introduction of QOV, the DVD “Quilts of Valor” was shown.  The veterans were recognized and along with family members participating, were presented and wrapped in their quilts.  Students were encouraged to think of future participation with QOV by learning to make quilts as a service project. 

The veteran recipients were most appreciative of the honors of the day.

I had to give a speech at US Foods in Rosemont.  Thank you to my friend Kim who made that happen.    Thank you to US Foods for the opportunity to promote the awareness of our Mission.  Almost immediately I had some great heartfelt feedback.

The Moving Vietnam Wall Laying of the Wreaths ceremony was in the afternoon.  Thank you Caron, Susan, Sandy and MaryJane for  being there in the very cold and rainy/snowy conditions.  It was quite a solemn ceremony.   There were Veterans from each branch of service laying wreaths at the Wall.  Witnessed some intense emotions when the quilts were presented and wrapped around our Veterans.  One of the recipients, Sgt Pat (Vietnam)  was another result of the TV airing NBC News had a couple weeks ago.  I hope she doesn't mind my inserting the nice words she had on FB:  

"Hello, I had the unique pleasure of being wrapped in the warmth of a beautiful quilt as well as some beautiful women who put needle to cloth and heart and soul into the quilts.  I was overwhelmed by the beautiful wrapping ceremony and wish to thank all of the ladies who work so diligently to make sure we combat vets feel loved, I know I certainly did yesterday. Kui"

"...I loved the ceremony even with the wind rain and show in the cold.  It just made it more clear what your mission was. LOL Kui" 

Among the recipients of the quilts was my husband, Gary.  Yes, I had never given him his quilt.  With all he does for QOV, he's actually one of "us"!  He packs my car on my way to a sew-in and he unpacks when I get home.  He puts up with my stash, QOV stash and you know about the shower stall!  So, Thank you, Gary for your service and your continued service to our Mission.  He said to me, well I want one you made.  I said to him...then you will be waiting and waiting...

Caron's comments:   "Yesterday was a powerful day for me. And I have my good friend Rita Pennington to thank. I was honored to present 6 quilts to veterans at the moveable Vietnam Wall in Aurora, IL yesterday. I am guilty of treating Veterans Day like another day off, or a day that a bill won't come in the mail. But from yesterday forward I will always remember the tears in their eyes when they received those quilts. Were they tears of gratitude for the quilts, or were the tears in remembrance of those who did not return, or maybe the job that wasn't there for them when they got back? or maybe tears for the lost opportunities because we have not, in the past, given them enough recognition. I will never know, but I know those quilts did touch them..."

Sandy's comment:  " I could not stop thinking about the ceremony and the faces of those who received quilts. Count me in!"
Susan's comment:  " I was happy and honored to be a part of the presentation."

I think it will be awhile before Aurora ever forgets this Veterans Day, I know it will be forever in my memory.  There is no time limit on how long the healing of these wars last.  Our hope is that each quilt presented brings comfort, gratitude and a long waited, "Welcome Home".

So we continue....We gather again on Tuesday at Sewing Etc. , Yorkville.  It'll be a "clean up" session.  Bring in any unfinished projects and we'll work on those.  I share with you a whole lot of thank yous from our vets as we continue.

Rita

PS  Join us on our Facebook page:  Illinois Quilts of Valor for more pictures and comments.

Veterans Day!!

God bless our Veterans---both active and inactive!!

Today we will be at a Junior High School in Rolling Meadows, at US Foods and at the Vietnam Moving Wall.

Will be back with pictures.  Thank a Veteran Today and Every Day!
Rita

Veterans Week

What a wonderful, emotional week.  This year to coincide with Veterans Day, the Vietnam Moving Wall is in town.  One can see it's both a great day and a sad day for some.  Our Vietnam Veterans are still healing.  Heard just last night again, "this is the first I've been thanked for what I did".  Oh, I hope they feel America has it right now.  We need to keep thanking and thanking our Veterans.

Friday, I had the biggest high for me personally.  I presented my Uncle with his much deserved Quilt of Valor.  My uncle was part of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings as a flight engineer.  He few over the two cities prior to both bombings.  His plane was the Yokohama Yo-Yo.  They also few in almost immediately after the bombs were dropped.  It's a generation where they just held it all in...no wonder!  Thank you, Uncle Reuben...and Aunt Marianne---she is our pillowcase, pincushion maker and log cabin/flag pin maker!

Friday night we attended a Gala event by Presence (formerly known as Provena Hospital).  It was their annual fundraiser and this year their theme was for the Veterans.  They honored two WWII veterans Joe and Helen R.

  What a nice couple and their family!

Saturday morning I had the honor of presenting a quilt to Bud F.  Bud's request  was a result of the TV segment by Brian Williams a few weeks ago.   This Marine did his tour of duty in Vietnam.  You can see the Vietnam Moving Wall in the background.  Bud, there, wrapped in his quilt, was there reading the names of the Fallen.  They had the names read 24/7.  His remarks sent to me were:

"Wow.  I am sooooo happy with my quilt.  I sincerely appreciate receiving it and will cherish it always.  Thank you so much.   And thanks for meeting me on this cold cold morning. 

If your husband has any pictures to share, I would love to see them.

Thanks again ---  this is great !

BUD"

Saturday afternoon, we had a very successful sew-in in Winfield AGAIN!  Thank you Marilyn for "working" the block(s) and all who attended.  I just can't get over how many strips we used.  Thank you Stephanie G---Stephanie, from Quilters Haven came with her HQ Sweet Sixteen and quilted some tops!  Gotta love my machine quilters!  So, thank you, Kelly and St. John the Baptist Church for yet another successful sew in...they keep getting bigger.  Last I heard we had more than enough for one quilt.  We also had a presentation to a WWII Veteran (another request from the TV segment, Making a Difference. Lieutenant Colonel (Army) Richard V,  served in WWII in the Battle of the Bulge receiving the British Military Medal, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Battle of Central Europe and TWO Purple Hearts.  WHAT A HERO!!  Thank you, Richard, for your service.

What a great family presence.  

Saturday afternoon, Jane and Priscilla joined me at Holy Angels Church and we presented 6 quilts to more Veterans.

What a very rewarding day.  I've said over and over...ya wonder who gets more out of it!!!
More tomorrow.
Rita

Thank you, Carol A

I came home yesterday and hurriedly posted our show and tell.  Forgot to thank Carol for her assistance in the block yesterday.  Actually, I believe she was doing everything--cutting, pressing and teaching.  Thank you, Carol.  And thank you for that striking top!
Rita

17 COMPLETED Tops; 12 tops and 2 needing borders!!

That has got to be a  record!  Great sew-in today.  Started out a little bit crazy, but let's not go there!  Here are some pictures from our show and tell!

Sunny Skies

Thank you, Jan for the donated fabric!

Nice job, Phyllis                       Arrowhead








Twist and shout!                                                                                       and another Sunny Skies!

I am not good at moving these pictures around!
Rita

Been meaning to post this picture

October 18, Waukegan was the scene of the 2nd graduation for their VTAC Program.  If you remember it's the Veterans Treatment and Assistant Court Program they have for Veterans who are charged with non-violent offenses.  If the veteran successfully complies with what the VTAC imposes, their case gets dismissed.  Well they had their 2nd graduation and the presentation was done by the Judge and Probation officers.  Here is a picture they sent me.

Rose said:  "The graduation was great.  We had five veterans graduate but only four attended the formal graduation ceremony.  Each of the graduates were very honored to receive the quilts.  I spoke to the coordinator and she said that Tours of Duty included Vietnam and Afghanistan."

Wish I could have been there!

Busy, Busy, Busy!!

We are into the week where this is what it is all about....OUR VETERANS!!  Today is the first ceremony at the Moving Vietnam Wall.  We have a part of the ceremony on Veterans Day, November 11.  At 2 PM they will have Veterans from all the wars laying a wreath.  We will be presenting them with their Quilt of Valor.

Also:  The Ladies Auxiliary of Father McGivney invite you to participate in the Third Annual Quilts of Valor Sew-In, an open-house sew-in to make quilts for our veterans.  This event is open to teens and adults who want to help.  Lunch and refreshments are provided.   St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, OS233 Church St., Winfield, IL

 Here is another copy of our calendar.

November 5--QOV Sew-In Batavia
November 8--Stars and Stripes Gala--Presentation 2 quilts
November 9 - Sew In Winfield, St. John Baptist Church 9 AM - 3 PM
November 9--Holy Angels Church, 4:30 Mass --small presentation to Veterans
November 11--Susie to speak at JR High School Veterans Breakfast, Rolling Meadows--Presentation 3 quilts
November 11--Speak at US Foods
November 11 --Caron C to speak and present at Moving Wall ceremony at West Aurora High School--Presentation 10 quilts. 
November  19--QOV Sew-in Yorkville

See you at the sew in, Tuesday.
Rita

Thank you, Matthew S for your service

"Just got home from giving Matt his quilt...HE LOVED IT! I made a nice "presentation" I'll give you all the details on Tuesday."  is what Kathy J wrote after she made her first presentation.  Matthew, I was told was the first request that came thru after NBC's "Making a Difference" aired. He was part of Operation Southern watch aboard aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln..Iraq.

Thank you, Kathy.

Sew-in Reminder

That time again!!  Tuesday, November 5, Prairie Shop Quilt Store, Batavia, 10 AM.  We have a new pattern using the ABCD block.  So, bring your sewing machines, rotary cutters and rulers, full bobbins...and of course a dish to pass.

Donna Kociara, please contact me.
Rita

Village Quilters Quilt Show

What a nice show and we did very well.  Made a lot of contacts, met a lot of very nice people!  I sure hope a few QOV sew-ins pan out!!  Thank you, Village Quilters Quilt Guild.  Thank you Suzie for your help and thank you Deb for your hospitality.

See those pink strips on the table!  Well, that's all that's left from our sale on strips we cannot use in our quilts for the vets.  So, we have officially opened the "store" for all florals, pinks, kid prints....30 strips for $5.  We will then be able to purchase our favorite red, white and blues!!

We made a couple presentations.  A couple pictures:

So, next on the calendar is:

November 5--QOV Sew-In Batavia
November 8--Stars and Stripes Gala--Presentation 2 quilts
November 9 - Sew In Winfield, St. John Baptist Church 9 AM - 3 PM
November 9--Holy Angels Church, 4:30 Mass --small presentation to Veterans
November 11--Susie to speak at JR High School Veterans Breakfast, Rolling Meadows--Presentation 3 quilts
November 11--Speak at US Foods
November 11 --Caron C to speak and present at Moving Wall ceremony at West Aurora High School--Presentation 10 quilts. 
November  19--QOV Sew-in Yorkville

Any questions, let me know.
Rita

Illinois got 6

The total requests from Monday night's TV segment came to 245.  245 requests throughout the country and Illinois ended up with 6.  Had a lot of joiners; FB lit up..all and all, it was good for QOV.  The more hands the better.

I wanted to remind you of the quilt show this weekend where we have a booth.  It's Village Quilters Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Quilt Show at the Libertyville Sports Center in Libertyville, IL.  The address is:  1950 N Highway 45 (North of the intersection of Petersen Road and Route 4).  Friday, 10 AM until 8 PM and Saturday, 10 AM until 5 PM) We could use your help at the booth!!!
Rita

Illinois Quilts of Valor on FB

We have a Facebook page.  Come on over!  Thought we'd open one to share with the rest of the state!

Batting is supposed to arrive today.  busy, busy, busy

QOV In The News

Last night on NBC News with Brian Williams, on his Making a Difference segment,  they had a nice report on Quilts of Valor.  Here is the clip:  http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nightly-news/53338284#53338284
I got a call within a 1/2 hour after airing from a gentleman who wanted to donate fabric!  Other states got calls as well.  What we have coming though are many requests for quilts!  The person in charge of those requests had over 150 by end of evening---and that was before it reached the West Coast!

What I need are machine quilters!  Just to let you know, we have batting!  I have over 30 tops here with backing AND batting all packaged and waiting for quilting..can you help?  We don't need these until March so that we can have them bound and labeled by the request for 100 quilts in April.

Keep the bobbins filled and the machines humming! 
Rita

Catching up

Had a really nice "catching up" sew in in Yorkville, Tuesday.  Everyone was working on unfinished projects.  Need to do that from time to time!

Remember the sew-in last April?  Well, here is a blurb of what they have been up to and some pictures: 

On Saturday 12 ladies from Bethlehem and Christ the Lord Lutheran churches in Elgin got together to wrap up our Joining Hands in Gratitude project from April 13th sew-in making Quilts of Valor. Ten quilts were labelled and bound and most have pillowcases and Thank You notes.

We still have seven more to complete of the ones Patty pieced over the winter.  Four are with the LA Quilter "Chris" from Antioch which we will get back the first weekend in November.  Patty has three that she is prepping with batting and backing.

Also I have 6 quilts from the group of 9 from Pat I. that I'm working on binding.

 Thank you, Ladies.  What a finish!

Rita

oops, found another photo in my camera.  This is Susie's version of Sunny Skies...love the border!!  VERY good use of them triangle cut offs.