Thursday, September 30, 2010

Graduations

I attended another military graduation today, and my mind is still filled with the good feelings, and my heart says get to the table and sew, and my body is tired.... A great combination and feeling.

First off - THANKs to ALL of you who participate in Quilts of Valor in any way. I can not tell you the joy, the gratitude, and the thanksulness of the vets who recieve these quilts.

I wish I could show you the joy on their face as they look on these quilts.

I wish I could convey the feelings of love that the vets feel.

I wish I could let you know how tickled the family members are that see their vet - whether a spouse or a child or a friend, recieve their Quilt of Valor.

Buuutt...Since I forgot my camera - I hope the words will do.

Todays Graduates were led into a room, and shown the assortment of QOV's. They were each able to choose the Quilt that they so desired. Totally appropriate, since they have done all the hard work of getting to the graduation. I was watching from the edge, and listening to the comments, and totally enjoying myself.

It was interesting to hear the comments. Let me tell you - EACH - Quilt was appropriately ohhed and awwwed over. I did not train them to do that, so you know it came from their heart!

The Ranger that I followed around was looking for blues. He wanted something sort of Patriotic, but calming. He found a blue rail fence that fit him. The funny thing is - this guy is NOT calm what. so. ever!  I am thinking he knew he needed help settling down - and color was a way for him.

Airborne - he wanted bold Red White and Blue - and *surprise* found a very Bold RWB rail fence... must have been the day!

Special Forces was looking for big. He was getting married and getting the cutest little step daughter in the world, and he wanted space for snuggling. He found a beautiful Tan and (surprise) Red and Blue quilt.

I thought it was so cool how the quilt found the vet, and how totally suited they were for each other.

During the graduation I got to present the quilt to the vet in the ceremony, and as I unfurled each quilt to show the audience - the gasping was WAY cool! And the families were touched that such quilts were made specifically for there vet.

Now I am going to go plan another QOV Sew Along.... It is in my blood, and in my heart. And based on the LOVE of the rail fence patterns it may have something to do with lots of strips.... and fun, and it can't be too hard, and ........ oh boy. Would anyone like to join in? What if I had a start date of Veterans Day - November 11th? 

If you want to.....leave a comment... that way I will put the pattern on my blog.......( this does not commit you to HAVING to do it though!!)

22 comments:

Pat at Bell Creek Quilts said...

warms my heart to hear that the vets LOVE their quilts! and I LOVE rail fence quilts :)

Vicki W said...

I love reading your posts about delivering the quilts! I have GOT to get back to making some QOV quilts.

Sue in Scottsdale, AZ said...

It is so wonderful to hear how our quilts are received. Count me in for another rail fence. I love making these - they go together so fast.

Anonymous said...

Hmmm.... November 11...something simple like a rail fence pattern? I might could do that...wonder if my guild might be up for a QOV sew date? You really have me thinking now....

Your word pictures did just fine in conveying the story of the delivery and the graduation. Thank you so much for sharing with us!

Bari

Tamera said...

A QOV Sew Along sound great!

Pat R said...

It brings tears to my eyes when these quilts are so well received. I try to do an extra special job on these quilts because I think our soldiers deserve 'special' for all they do for us. I'll be back from Houston by Nov. 11th....Veteran's Day is a great day to sit and sew....wish I could join you in Kersey, but I'll sew here and think about you up there! Thanks for telling us about the presentation!

BunkHouseQuilts said...

Thanks for shariing all this great news! I loved reading every word. Like others, I receive lots of joy with every QOV quilt and send on it's way. Thanks!

Darling Jill Quilts said...

Ugh on the sew along... If only I didn't already have myself stretched so thin... I WILL make one or several some day!

And it is so lovely to hear about the soldiers picking out their quilts! Such a joy for you to be a part of that!!! :)

April W. said...

Please post the sew along! I did the mystery sew along and it turned out great. I need to get going, wash a couple of quilts and get them off to you. Some spots just seem to bog me down. Hearing about the guys choosing their quilts is awesome and fires me up.

Paula said...

I just started playing with some red/white/blue rail fence blocks. This may give me inspiration to complete a QOV quilt.

Anonymous said...

I have some leftover 2.5" patriotic strips - a rail fence sounds like it's calling their name..timing seems perfect!
Charlene
San Marcos Texas

Linda in TX said...

Oh yeah! PLEASE post the pattern. I always love inspiration. And I do love the update on the graduation. Thanks for doing all this!

Anonymous said...

I follow your blog weekly. After reading about your presentations I feel like I need to sew faster. I think a sew in would be great. I love mystery quilts too. Guess it's because I don't have to make a decision about the pattern!
Nancy L
WA/AZ

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful idea!! I hope I can join in, but craft sales, company and a few other things may sidetrac me. I will try however. I love to hear about the soldiers and their families...they always bring a tear and a smile to me. Thanks for all you do.

Shari in AZ

PS I've got about 20 qts of applesauce from those great apples plus a couple of apple cakes and apple pie fillings in the freezer. Thankfully I can see the bottom of the last bag... LOL

Jeanne said...

Sounds good to me! I'll be gathering my strips.

see mary stamp said...

Thanks so much for taking the time to post what happens when the Vets get their quilts. It reminds us of why we do this.

Barb in Mi said...

I would at least like to try to join if it is easy enough...
Just a quick question on an earlier post: is there a pattern for the flag blocks or do you mind telling which size they are? Thanks so much!

Joanne said...

I did your last one and was thrilled with it. Sure, count me in. Joanne H

Mary Johnson said...

It's always so inspiring to come hear and read your posts about delivering quilts. I still have a RWB rail fence quilt here that I need to quilt and send to you and I'm working on a Forest Bricks quilt that is also a Rail Fence variation. They are one of my favorite patterns and I've made a lot through the years. I probably won't be able to participate in a sew-in on the 11th but will work quilting a couple I have here and get them sent on. You should post about the sew-in on HeartStrings!

Anonymous said...

Alycia I have several to send to you but am waiting until I finish quilting the other 2 and will send them all at one time. As far as Nov 11th - please count me in - I will be ready to participate by then.
Gloria

Gloria said...

What a touching story - Thank you so much for all that you do and for sharing this story with all of us.

Gloria

omashee aka Barb said...

Alycia, your stories are so great, keep up the good work. I'll be away the entire month of Nov but will try to get a rail fence done before I leave. I'll join you in spirit on Veteran's Day.