String Pieced Quilt of Valor

Here’s another Quilt of Valor that came “off the presses” just today.

I can’t wait to see what this one will look like when it’s done being quilted!

Another QOV

I’ve been working on this Quilt of Valor for quite some time.

 I’m glad to say it’s ready to go to the longarmer!

Yeah!

One more quilt finished and ready to go!

A Blue One

Since it was so easy peasy to put together, I made up a blue and green turning twenty quilt for Quilt of Valor. Well, it might be for Quilts of Valor! Hubby likes both the yellow and grey quilt and the blue and green quilt. I’ve asked him to pick one of the two for his own. The other will go to QOV, a worthy cause, to be sure!

Turning Twenty aka The 5 Hour Quilt

So, I had a few yards of Hope Valley, a few yards of Origins by Basic Grey, and a few grey fat quarters with grey and words. And I’ve been wanting to try this pattern for a while. I took a chance on all these fabrics working together and I’m THRILLED with the results! Not only does this quilt really make a visual impact, it was way fast. I’m loving how quickly it went together! If you’re considering a quick, large-ish quilt or a charity quilt, this is the perfect pattern for it.

String Block Progress

Baby and I are making quick progress on these string pieced blocks for a Quilt of Valor.

Behind the Quilter

The real me:

1. Put her babies in baskets sometimes. In my defense, this little guy is laying on an autumn quilt.

2. Has met Ollie Freakin’ North. Yes, the Oliver North. He was here for book signing and insisted we get this picture, even though we weren’t suppose to be stopping to take pictures. I guess that’s what happens when you run around with heroes!

3. Lives with comedians.

4. Is proud of her parents.

5. And her niece.

6. Shoots. Well.

 

“Kayy, byyye” ♥

A Self-Imposed Term Limit

Two years is a long time to serve in an unpaid, volunteer position, isn’t it?

 It’s time for me to impose a term limit on myself for QOV.

It’s not really a secret that I’ve been making AND awarding Quilts of Valor at Fort Bragg for nearly two years.

I’ve also lead a wonderful group of ladies at the best quilt shop this side of….Atlanta.

I’m not exactly a self promoter, though.

So saying that I’ve joined and been a successful, effective cog in a cool network takes some doing.

No fanfare allowed, “I’m just doin’ my job.” That’s what our soldiers say and I LOVE it!

QOV stats:

QOV’s awarded by the entire QOVF network? 26,125 as of today…. OMG!

Quilts awarded at Bragg in the last two years? Around 700

QOV’s made or finished by Stacy’s hands? 35

Number of people involved in making this happen and deserve a HUGE thank you? a gazillion, especially the Loving Stitches QOV group

My most favorite Quilt shop who gathered donations and worker bees? Loving Stitches

 I’m eternally grateful for the friends made and the blessings received from this volunteer work!

One day, when my grandkids ask, I’ll have an answer for what I did during this very long war.

It’s been an honor to be a small part in this movement!

Sewing Olympics Event #1-aka Pillowcase Tutorial

Sooo…my LQS is collecting pillowcases for the Million Pillowcase Challenge,

 along with a whole awesome network of shops and sites. 

 And…..I  make quite a few of these for QOV. Here is the video for the QOV version. 

I simplified the math a little-I like easy math!

Materials (for one case):

3/4 yard (by width of fabric-wof)-for body

1/4 yard by wof-for cuff

2 1/2 inch strip by wof-for accent stripe

 

This is SOOOOO easy, you’ll have it done lickety split.

It’ll take you longer to read the directions!

Step 1: Press and cut.

Step 2: Press accent stripe with raw edges together, right side out, lengthwise.

Step 3: Make a sandwich. Aligning the cut edge (NOT the selvege),

layer cuff on bottom, right side up, accent stripe next,

 then body fabric on top, face down. Pin, pin, pin!

Step4: Make a roll. Roll the body fabric up nicely so that it’s situated just short of your pin line.

 

Step5: Fold up cuff (over the roll) and repin.

Step6: Sew the seam you’ve just pinned.

You’re sewing through several layers,

 so please be sure you’re working with a large needle. 

One seam down, two to go!

 

Step7: Unroll by pulling on the body fabric.

(This is the magic trick! Don’t blink!) Press well.

Step8: Trim edges to match, taking off selvage as you go.

Step 9: Re-line it all up, looking like a pillowcase should, pin,

and sew down one side and across the bottom of the case.

(Note-wrong sides together please. You’ll know why in a minute!)

***Turn inside out and press.***

Step 10: Now, take a 5/8ths seam along the same path, down and around.

This will enclose all your raw edges. Turn and press.

Ta da! A finished pillowcase!

Let me know if you’ve finished one-or ten!

 

“No politics” Quilts

Awarding Quilts of Valor at Fort Bragg is such a unique experience.

 A group from all over the state went this morning with quilts in tow. 

Is it fun? A blast! Does it make me cry? Always. Is it worth it? Every moment.

If you don’t know about Quilts of Valor, check out www.qovf.org. or comment here.

 It’s really not about political views-Washington can handle those things.

It’s about thanking people for their service and hopefully reminding them that America cares.

 

PS…***Soapbox is now safely stowed away. Thanks for being patient!***