Mother’s Day - Honoring Women Who Served

We have several members within the CT Quilters Quilts of Valor Group with close ties to the military or wartime service.  And some of our members are also Veterans themselves.  We thought it would be fitting on this day that is designated to honor women and mothers that we let you know of some of the accomplishments of these remarkable women.

First we offer a brief introduction to Barb L, owner of the Crafty Threads Quilt Shop.  Barb is an US Air Force Veteran and was stationed in both Denver, CO (where she learned to ski !!) and Sacramento, CA (where she honed her technical skills).  She was once sent on a temporary assignment north of the Arctic Circle (BRRR!).  Of course, we aren’t privy to why she went there, but suffice to say that the polar bears all know Barb …  just kidding, Barb – don’t send the bears after us!!

 

Barb offered her shop as an Under Our Wings location with the Quilts of Valor Foundation and volunteered to do QOV longarm quilting for the group.  The CT Quilters meet there once a month and are very grateful for the contributions Barb makes to our group’s efforts.

Our second introduction is to Linda F, one of our own CT Quilters and a Veteran of the US Navy.   Linda was an air traffic controllman and served as part of the flight crew on C-118 and C-131 where she met her husband on her check ride for qualifying as an air crewman.   Linda earned her wings in July 1968.  Way to go, Linda!

 

The women in Linda’s family have a proud tradition of service.  Both Linda’s daughter, Allison, and her mother-in-law Beatrice, are Navy Veterans.  Allison is a disabled Navy Veteran, having served in 1993.  And Beatrice served as a Photographers Mate during WWII.  There is plenty more to tell about Linda’s family tree-of-service, but that will have to wait until Father’s Day!

Next up are our own CT Quilters, Suzanne and Diana.  Suzanne’s mother served as a military nurse (what a caring profession if there ever was one…) and Diana’s mother was a genuine Rosie the Riveter, representing women who worked in factories to further the war effort in WWII (how cool is that?).

 

Norman Rockwell's Saturday
Evening Post Cover of Rosie

And last, but not least, our leader of the CT Quilters, Pat N, wrote this touching tribute to her mother, Essie, a US Army Veteran.

A Mothers Day Remembrance

by Pat N

My mother PFC Essie J from Tabor City, NC enlisted in the Army of the United States in 1944.  She was always an adventurous soul and decided to leave family in NC and head to Detroit where she began a career in Sales but soon heeded the call of the Military.  Like her there were about 150,000 other women who served in the WAAC and WAC.  These women were counted above those who served as nurses.  It has been said that General Mac Arthur felt that the WAC’s contributions in efficiency, skill, spirit and determination were immeasurable to the war effort.

My Mother served in the American Theater of Operation at Selfridge Field in Michigan.  Selfridge began operations in 1917 as a training base.  It was named for Lt. Thomas E. Selfridge the Nation’s first military pilot.  While my mother served there it was designated as a WW II Army Airfield of the First Air Force.

Upon her discharge in 1946 she received the American Theatre of Operation WW II Victory Medal, which was created on November 6, 1942 by Executive Order of the President to recognize those service members who performed duties stateside.  The medal was awarded to all military personnel for service between 12/7/41 and 12/31/46.  She also received the ASC Score (2Sept45) 11 Lapel button which was (made of brass) of an Eagle with outstretched wings.  It was meant to be worn by an ex-solider pleased to be a civilian again.

My Mother settled in Detroit where she met my Father (a WW II veteran Air Traffic Controller who served in India and Burma) at a U.S.O. Club.  They raised two children.  My brother was a 25-year veteran of the Air Force.  My Mother spent her life in trying new things from being an Interior Designer in Michigan to working for Walt Disney and then managing a large department store in California to moving with her family to Florida in the 1960’s for fun and sun.  She settled in South Florida and began a career in Clothing and Accessories having her own clothing line, her accessories sold in gift shops including “The Outrigger” in Jensen Beach to changing to bridal dresses and accessories in Fort Lauderdale.

She passed away in 1998 and resides in Bushnell VA Cemetery in close proximity to her son. 

Mom (upper right) with unit friends

We applaud all of the women who chose to serve and recognize that they often made sacrifices to do so.  We send our heartfelt “Thank You” on this special day of celebration.

 

Quote of the Day:

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.

Cynthia Ozick, American Essayist

Notice: May Meeting Date - Friday, May 17th

We will be returning to business as usual at this month’s meeting for Quilts of Valor.   After our cutting blitz from last month, we have lots of fabrics cut into squares of various sizes and prepared bindings and borders.  Now our task is to kit these up, continue cutting the remainder or attach borders and binding to the quilts and tops being returned (and maybe lay out a quilt top or two). 

Bring your cutting mats and favorite rotary cutting tool or sewing machine to this meeting.  You will have your choice of favorite projects to work on!

We are always welcoming new members, so stop by to see what Quilts of Valor is all about or stay to help with the projects if you have time.

We will meet as usual at the Crafty Threads Quilt Shop on Racetrack Rd on Friday, May 17^th from 10:00 – 2:00.  Everyone is invited – no sewing skills required.

We want to give back something to you who has given so much with honor.

The veterans of our military services have put their lives

 on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy.

 They have dedicated their lives to their country

 and deserve to be recognized for their commitment.

 Judd Gregg (US Senator – NH)

The inspiration quilt of the day is by Jan in Ocala, FL, made for a quilt shop sample –

it uses Norcott’s Stonehenge Stars and Stripes Flight of the Eagle panel:

Quilting Inspiration Day

From the American Valor Fabric
Collection by Andover Fabrics

I know you’ve been wanting to make one of the Quilts of Valor at home to donate and just didn’t know where to start.  Well, today is the little known Quilting Inspiration Day where we bring you a fabulous idea to jump start those old sewing cravings!  You’ll want to make this one, for sure.

There is a pattern offered free on the Web by Andover Fabrics that is called “American Valor” and it even has the pillowcase presentation package instructions included. 

 

It is featured on the Andover site using the American Valor fabric collection by Jo Morton, but it would also look great in planned scrappy fabrics.  The quilt was designed by Gail Kessler.  Here is a link to the pattern:

 http://www.andoverfabrics.com/Quilts/American%20Valor%20Fabrics.pdf

Happy Quilting!

Quilts on a Road Trip

Some very special Quilts of Valor took a road trip on Apr 22^nd to the Poly-Trauma Unit of the James A Haley Veteran's Hospital here in Tampa.

  

James A Haley VA Hospital

Our Quilts of Valor group leader, Pat N., packaged these beauties up in their pillowcase presentation packages and prepared our thank you letters that accompany each quilt.  Don’t they look great all stacked up on Pat’s couch?!

 

Each quilt was made comfortable as they anticipated their assignments – each is to be awarded to some extraordinary wounded warriors at the hospital.  Here they are chatting in the back of Pat’s car (well, Pat swore she heard them muttering “hurry up and get us there”):

 



Once they arrived at Haley, it was hard to hold them down from jumping onto the beds of their heroes – here they are on the cart ready to roll inside:

 

And here is the very lucky “last quilt to make it into this delivery”.  This quilt was pieced by Debbie and quilted and finished by Joanne.  Thank you so much, ladies.  This quilt is finally happy, wrapping its new owner in comfort!

 

Pat let us know that the VA Volunteers were thrilled with the latest delivery of quilts and in awe once again.  What a rewarding group to be a part of – consider joining us at our next Quilts of Valor meeting.  We meet at the Crafty Threads Quilt Shop once a month.  See the sidebar for dates, times and location.  We’d love to have you!

Recap of 04/19/13 Meeting

It’s that Spring Break/Vacation time of year so our Quilts of Valor meeting attendance was a little lighter this month but that didn’t mean that we couldn’t crank out a high volume of work!  We had some guests drop in from out of town and we wanted to mention that it was fun to talk with you.  Hope to have you visit again when you can stay longer … Everyone is welcome to join this fun group.

These fabulous tops and quilts came back in to be distributed or finished:

Jacque brought in this fabulous quilt.  She made it from her own fabric and it has a pillowcase presentation package to match!

 

Check out this detail photo with the beautiful fabrics and the great embroidered label:

 



Two more finishes from our standard 4^th of July pattern:

 

 And look at this modified version of that pattern.  Doesn’t that look too cool?!

 

Borders were added at this meeting

A wonderful Carpenter’s Star quilt top:

 

Thank you, Vanna White (oops, I mean Ginger)
for holding the quilts for the photo op.

The ladies made kits, sewed bindings together and on quilts, and even had a hand sewing tag-team thing going on!:

 

Making kits

Sewing bindings and borders

Sewing bindings onto quilts

Hand sewing bindings

There was the cutting extravaganza:

 

Cutting borders

Cutting borders

Cutting squares for kits

Cutting squares AND ironing -
our ladies are so versatile!

Pat was working on a QOV quilt-as-you-go project:

 

Of course, we took just a few moments for Show and Tell.  Pat had a finished quilt and has been working on seasonal wall hangings/table toppers and Suzanne has a delightful angel in progress:

 

Thank you, Pat and Suzanne, for sharing your treasures with the group.  And a special thank you to Pat, for bring in that delicious cake.  Yummy!  We missed you if you couldn't make it to the meeting - hope to see you next month.

The next quarter’s meeting dates have been established.

Take a look at the sidebar and mark your calendars.

May’s meeting will be:

Friday, May 17^th, from 10 – 2:00.

Meeting Reminder – Friday, April 19th

We will be meeting Friday, Apr 19^th,

from 10:00 – 2:00

at the Crafty Threads Quilt Shop!

Click on this link to learn more.

Bring your lunch or a snack

(or there are some local restaurants)

Everyone is very welcome to join us – come get in on the fun

and learn what the Quilts of Valor mission is all about!

Other QOV Presentations

Ever wonder what some of the other Quilts of Valor groups are doing?  Check out this fabulous presentation made to 17 members of the 270^th ATCS of the Oregon Air National Guard.

 

Read all about it in the blog entry submitted by Cindy Roche, the SW Oregon Regional Coordinator of the Quilts of Valor Foundation.  See the Quilts of Valor Blog at:  http://qovf.blogspot.com/2013/03/oregon-presentation.html

April Meeting Date - Friday, April 19th

This month we will have a "Cutting Extravaganza" at our Quilts of Valor meeting.   We have lots of bundles of fabrics already identified as to their best use and partially prepared to cut into various size squares, bindings and borders.  Come and bring your cutting mats and favorite rotary cutting tool.

We will also need to work on some of our on-going projects, like the following:

§         Taking care of what will be coming back in:

¨       Quilted quilts - these will need to have bindings machine sewn on - then the bindings hand sewn – then the labels hand sewn

¨       Quilt tops – these will need to have backings ironed and sewn so they can be sent off to be quilted

¨       Blocks made from kits – these will need to be sorted into sets for tops

§         Taking care of our stash of block kits:

¨       Making up kits for “A” and B” block kits

So, you say you’ve never been to a Quilts of Valor meeting?  Well, you are very welcome to join us and we’ll supply the tools and show you how to cut, or you can choose another task from one of the above or just join us and see what we are all about.

We will meet as usual at the Crafty Threads Quilt Shop on Racetrack Rd in Tampa on Friday, April 19^th from 10:00 – 2:00.  Everyone is invited – no sewing skills required.

Honoring a Veteran and His Dog ...

Bennett-Collier (L), Rowland (center), Jackson (R) with Kate

Recently, quilters in Lynchburg [VA] honored a veteran and his bomb-sniffing dog, Kate.  Marine Lance Corporal Josh Rowland, 21, served a seven month tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2012 with Kate.  The six year old Labrador retriever has served several tours in Afghanistan and is believed to have canine post-traumatic stress disorder.  It was four months into their last tour that Rowland noticed that Kate was no longer sleeping well and was reluctant to leave his side.  Rowland thinks that the changes in Kate were not brought on by one terrifying experience but possibly from trauma and continuing uncertainty resulting from the sharp sounds and high emotions often found in war zones.

Rowland:

“Once you’re a handler, and you’re with your dog 24/7, you know when there’s something wrong.  Believe it or not, your dog is like a human being to you.  You can read them extremely well.  And she was there before me.  So, technically, that was like a second deployment, back to back [for her].”

Rowland then requested that Kate be retired from duty and he finished out his tour with another canine explosives-sniffing companion.  When he returned Stateside, Rowland began the process of locating Kate and was later able to adopt her.  They were reunited in February 2013.

Jan Bennett-Collier read a news article about Rowland and Kate and was so moved by the story that she and her mother, Anne Jackson, immediately set about making them a quilt.  Bennett-Collier said: “It was the first time I thought about our animal soldiers suffering as much as our human soldiers.  It really touched me.”

Retired Air Force Tech Sgt Clyde Savage made a second quilt and the two were presented to Rowland and Kate during the Patches ‘n Pieces Triennial Quilt Show in March 2013.

Savage, a Vietnam veteran, stated that he understood what it’s like to be separated from the things that you care about during war-time and that he had kept that in mind when crafting Rowland’s quilt.  He used the color yellow in a portion of it to symbolize Rowland’s return to the United States.

Jackson and Bennett-Collier included several “doggy must-haves” in Kate’s quilt – including a large bone and a food bowl with Kate’s name on it.  “I’m a dog-lover,” said Jackson. “They need to be honored in the service, too.  I hope she can put it in her bed and sleep on it.”

Rowland advised that he didn’t think that would be a problem!

Source:  http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/heres-what-i-did-national-quilting-day-t216695.html

Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday

We all remember Thomas Jefferson as the author of the Declaration of Independence and as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.  Although he professed not to be much of a public speaker, he was a very eloquent writer and the Declaration remains one of the Nation’s most cherished symbols of Liberty.

As our third President, Jefferson is also remembered for the Louisiana Purchase that doubled the size of the United States.    

  

Jefferson was born on April 2^nd in 1743.   Don’t be troubled if your calendar says he was born on April 13^th instead.  Both dates are accurate.  One is taken from the Julian calendar (O.S.) that adjusted the beginning of the year to January 1^st and the other is taken from the Gregorian calendar (N.S.).   Some countries did not make the  switch to the Julian calendar until 1752, after Jefferson was born.

Monticello

Jefferson’s home was located on a large plantation in Virginia.  Jefferson designed its most striking feature, the dome, after having traveled in Europe and seeing classical architecture.  Have you always wanted to visit Monticello but still haven’t been able to get there?  Take this interesting 3-D tour of the entire plantation!  http://explorer.monticello.org/

West Point

And did you know that in 1802, with the consent of Congress, Jefferson authorized the construction of the US Military Academy at West Point in NY?  It was the Military Peace Establishment Act that directed that a corp of engineers be established.  That Act was established to provide well-trained officers for a professional army.  It was on July 4^th in 1802 that the US Military Academy formally began as an institution for scientific and military learning.  Coincidentally,  it was also on a July 4^th (in 1826) that Jefferson died at the age of 83.  It was the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Fun Fact:

There has been a persistent, although spurious, rumor that Thos. Jefferson grew marijuana.  He did not.  But he did grown an industrial type of hemp that was used for rope and clothing.  It apparently contains very little of the chemical that makes some do the happy dance.   No, our third President did not smoke the wacky weed!

Thomas Jefferson left us a famous quote – taken from a letter to the Marquis de Lafayette in 1815:

“The cement of this Union [the United States of America] is in the heart-blood of every American.  I do not believe there is on earth a government established on so immovable a basis”.