MSP Quilting Angels

Curtains make a new Home or How Quilt of Valor recipient # 60,096 was to be Honored and Comforted

2012-01-15T19:38:00.000-05:00

New wife, New Life - a warrior returns home. 10 years and seven combat tours later, after serving valiantly to protect and defend the United States of America – 27 Years old, Sergeant Carlson restarted his life in Reedsville, WV.

Step back for a moment to Eleanor’s Quilts and Fabric’s, in Reedville, WV, located on, of all places, Veterans Memorial Highway (http://www.eleanorsquiltsandfabrics.com/).

Enter Melissa Carlson and Mom looking for fabric for new curtains for the home Melissa and Anthony will call their own. A fabric from the Timeless Treasures, American Valor series, catches Melissa’s eye.

There it was, on the selvage of the fabric, WWW.QOVF.ORG.

Hmm, Melissa thought…”I like this fabric, maybe there is more information online”.

Mom and Melissa complete their purchase of fabric and begin the task of making curtains.

Discover the rest of the story at our website - http://www.mspquiltingangels.org/carlson

Quilts of Valor - What Sort of Medal is THAT?

2011-12-31T13:35:00.000-05:00

Your elders have forever warned you – “Never get in a car with a stranger”. Gee… Why on earth would you give a ride to a stranger or two or three?

You are on a Mission.

If you have ever lived in the Washington DC area, you know the difference between a tough-skinned terrestrial mollusk (slug) and the absurd concept of sharing a ride with people you have yet met (strangers – aka – SLUGS).

The Mission? To serve Honor and Comfort upon Lance Corporal Skerry at his family’s home north of Fredericksburg, VA.

The issue? A 5:30 appointment at the home of Lance Corporal Skerry that would be a tight fit two hours away in Washington, DC traffic.

Discover the "rest of the story" at our website - HERE

2011-09-24T10:48:00.000-04:00

Herding Cats in Texas or Help Quilts for Kids ROund Rock Texas

In each of our lives we have moments in which we affect a positive change in a childs life.
There are 31, 556, 926 seconds in each year. An hour has 3600 seconds.
You figure it out.

YOU will decide today how YOU will Make A Differnece.

Central Texas was devastated with wild fires this summer.

The Quilts for Kids Local chapter in Bastrop, Texas wants to facilitate getting quilts to children whose families have lost everything.

Below is their story–

It is almost impossible to talk to anyone who doesn't know a family who has lost their home. It has been reported that the fires have destroyed 45,000 acres and approximately 1400 homes. This area is heavily wooded and varies from suburban sub-divisions to rural farms. The families were lucky if they were able to save family pets but most lost everything including homes, livestock, family pets, basically everything except their lives.

We know it isn't possible to give a quilt to every child but want to make a difference by providing quilts to the families who have the least resources. I have several contacts that are involved in the shelter efforts and feel that we can get the quilts to the children who need them most.

If your group has quilts to donate please contact Marie to coordinate or you can send them to:

Marie Schlameus
Chapter Coordinator
Quilts for Kids Round Rock
8308 Mendota Cove
Austin, Texas 78717
512-246-8274

Armed Forces Day 2011

2011-05-21T12:44:00.000-04:00

Armed Forces Day 2011 - Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson, On August 31, 1949, announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days.

The single-day commemoration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense.

Last evening, Brigadier General Richard L Simcock, II, Principal Director (Asia & Pacific), Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Asia & Pacific) was awarded a Quilt of Valor for his service and scarifice for this Great Nation.

During the presentation, made possible by the Potomac Kiwanis (www.potomackiwanis.com) the General also served as the personal representative of all our men and women veterans and those on active duty.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF.org) has awarded 42,480 Quilt of Valor.

In the Presence of an American Hero’s Hero

2011-05-15T12:51:00.000-04:00

In our lives, we marvel at stories of heroic acts of our service members, both past and present. In our daily lives, we also honor those touched by war with Quilts of Valor.

The other evening, members of Germantown, MD, MSP Quilting Angels, a chapter of the Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF.org) attended a television broadcast taping to air on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2011.

Held at the Music Center at Strathmore (www.strathmore.org/) for the fourth consecutive year, the United States Air Force Band (www.usafband.af.mil) proudly partners with Maryland Public Television (www.mpt.org) to create a special musical tribute to veterans of all services with the program “America's Veterans – A Musical Tribute”.

The tribute included noted personalities, from television, stage and the music fields, to give honor and pay tribute to a member of each of our five armed service units – Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy.

The personal stories, narrated by the Air Force Chaplin, detailed the heroic acts of a Hero’s hero, who, through selfless-giving, saved countless lives in the face of one’s own certain loss of life. The recognition of these men and woman, recipients of the Medal of Honor, Navy Cross and Coast Guard Medal of Heroism, seems to pale in comparison to the their personal acts of heroism.

I encourage you to contact your local PBS (www.pbs.org/) station. Ensure you are able to view and record one of the most inspiring events you will view this year and next year…Join us at the annual event!

http://www.mspquiltingangels.org/ or by email at wecare@mspquiltingangels.org

Al Lind - Quilts of Valor - September 10, 2010

2010-09-11T05:59:00.000-04:00

In memoriam - Al Lind, 92, September 10, 2010, created and donated over 400 Quilts of Valor to Honor and Comfort service members returning from duty overseas who were touch by war.

Al Lind - was lovingly referred to as a QOV Poster Boy and more, but this veteran told it like it was...

Mr. Lind was a WWII veteran and a former prisoner of war who quilted for other vets and handily admonished other vets to "get off their duffs" and quilt! Through the Quilts of Valor program, he has assisted with the creation of nearly 400 quilts.
Mr. Lind, was presented a plaque at the U.S. Army Yakima Training Center in central Washington by Brig. Gen. Frank Cipolla, Deputy Commanding General of the 88th Regional Support Command at Fort McCoy.

Vicksburg, MI - September 11 – Nine years later

2010-09-10T21:16:00.000-04:00

Vicksburg, MI - September 11 – Nine years later – Blue sky, sunshine and definitely an autumn like day. Today’s weather is nearly identical to that the infamous day nine years ago, except today we are measurably safer, but perhaps without notice.

The quilt block shown here, created by Jonatha Johnson of Vicksburg, MI, represents the heroes and heroines of September 11, 2001, which will be forever emblazoned in our minds and hearts these.

Today, as we commemorate September 11, we offer Honor and Comfort to our military that have been touched by war. Like the emergency service teams that streamed into the towers to save countless lives, today’s warriors stream into harm’s way to ensure our safety, preserve and protect our freedoms.

The MSP Quilting Angels of Germantown MD, in collaboration with the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) and partner Lockheed Martin, have joined forces to support the ASYMCA Operation Kid Comfort through which custom-made quilts are created for children of deployed military personnel who experience grief from missing their Mom or Dad.

Learn More about The Armed Services YMCA - http://www.asymca.org/2010/operation-kid-comfort-2/

Quilts of Valor - Germantown Maryland

2010-08-21T18:05:00.000-04:00

Baltimore Maryland - The MSP Quilting Angels of Germantown, Maryland are busy working to complete 100 Quilts of Valor to be distributed at the VA Hospital in Baltimore Maryland.

The MSP Quilting Angels of Germantown, Maryland, founded in 2004, are a talented and diverse ecumenical group of women whose works serve great causes - Candlelighters - Childhood Cancer Foundation, Quilts For Kids and Quilts of Valor . The custom heirloom quilts created by the MSP Quilting Angels are Blessed during a special Mass at Mother Seton Parish under the direction of Reverend Carlos Benitez before distribution to children with pediatric cancer or wounded warriors. The MSP Quilting Angels have numerous out-reach programs and seek joint partnerships with other organizations to support these worthy causes.

Want to JOIN in the Fun?

Get started LEARN MORE or Write to me KATHY

Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting magazine July/August - QOVF

2010-07-16T19:02:00.000-04:00

In the Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting magazine July/August issue, Marianne Fons has created a beautiful Quilt of Valor published with the pattern in this issue.

The name of the pattern is Valiant Eagle and it is absolutely a show stopper. Marianne Fons uses Variable Star, Pin Wheels, and an applique Eagle in the center of the 64" x 80" QOV.

The Eagle pattern has been taken from the collection of the International Quilt Study Center & Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska Flying Eagles. I found I could also make a QOV from the Banner Day pattern in the front of the magazine when I made two and moving the one border to the outside.

It is a great pattern to show off quilting, add applique you love, or use that special fabric that you can not cut.

When you see the quilt you can add what you think.

If you don't have your copy yet...or are not a subscriber...there is still hope!

Follow the link below and get going!

http://www.fonsandporter.com/aspx/fonsandporter/fp/ourmagazine/currentissue.aspx

Quilt on!

Kathy

Flag Day 2010 - O'er the land of the free, Because of the Brave

2010-06-15T23:31:00.001-04:00

Germantown, Maryland – The MSP Quilting Angels commemorated Flag Day, June 14, by creating heirloom Quilts of Valor to Honor and Comfort those touched by War.

Every year, the MSP Quilting Angels, in Germantown Maryland (a Maryland Quilts Of Valor chapter – http://www.QOVF.org) hand craft heirloom quilts which are delivered to the Baltimore Maryland VA Hospital.

During the Flag Day gathering, signature blocks from the Houston International Quilting Exposition were sewn into quilt tops.

Catherine Snyder, Director, Quilts of Valor is seen here looking over a creation by Sandi Reynolds, called Road to Glory. Catherine’s recent visit surprised and inspired everyone with her QOV stories and experiences.

This day and every day – Remember Freedom isn’t Free – They put their lives on the line everyday to secure our Freedom.

O’er the Land Of The Free, Because of the Brave.

For more information contact – wecare@mspquiltingangels.org

Quilts for Kids

2010-04-18T09:34:00.004-04:00

The MSP Quilting Angels of Germatown Maryland, support Quilts for Kids through the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer foundation.

Each year in the U.S. there are approximately 12,400 children between the ages of birth and 19 years of age who are diagnosed with cancer. About one in 300 boys and one in 333 girls will develop cancer before their 20th birthday. In 1998, about 2500 died of cancer, thus making cancer the most common cause of death by disease for children and adolescents in America.

To see the full day's events in photographs, please visit:
http://www.mspquiltingangels.org/today

Every month we have a Block of the Month, where we ask readers like you to to make one or several blocks and send them to us to be made into Quilts for Kids or Quilts of Valor. To learn more about how YOU can help a child with cancer or a wounded warrior, please visit:
http://www.mspquiltingangels.org/bom

April Block of the Month - It’s in the Stars

2010-04-01T22:14:00.004-04:00

It’s in the Stars
April Block of the Month.

This month we’re doing a new star. It’s fun and fast and will be the largest block we’ve made so far. The finished size with be 16 1/4”. And it’s entirely made up with squares, with a little bit of a twist.
Cut 1 square 8 ½” This is the center square of the star.
Cut 8 4 1/2” background squares.
Cut 4 4 ½´ squares for the star rays.
Cut 4 4 ½” corner squares.
Figure 2 (cut squares)

Want it all?

See the full details HERE

Nobel Prize Awarded (in words) in California

2010-02-17T00:04:00.005-05:00

Every year since 1901 the Nobel Prize has been awarded for achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and for peace. The Nobel Prize is an international award administered by the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden.

Marlborough School, in Los Angeles, California, provides a learning environment where young women develop self-confidence, creativity, a sense of responsibility, and moral decisiveness.

Marlborough School emphasizes the process of personal growth, encourage cooperation, and foster close association among members of the community to promote emotional, intellectual, and physical well-being.

Modesty in recognition for performing an act of kindness for someone you will never meet is an extraordinary quality. Being recognized by your granddaughter as a caring person and one who should receive the Nobel Prize puts you on top of the world.

This notoriety is the foundation of Marlborough School – makers of Peace.

Ladies – Join us again this New Year – Make a Block for a Kid with Cancer, whom you may never meet, yet she too will know You Should receive the Nobel Prize for Love and Peace.

Mackenzie, pictured below, is the third daughter of 4 and her family have been friends of ours since they moved into their home.

Mackenzie should be your idol as she is ours too. At age 8, her first brain tumor was discovered, the size of an egg. Last week, at age 11, Mackenzie had her third brain tumor removed.

Join Us! in celebrating Kids with Cancer, the power of their energy and the lesson they teach US every day.

Design your own or choose one of our blocks. You Will Make A Difference.

BLOCK OF THE MONTH IS HERE

Be Thankful, Save a Life and a family for Three dollars

2009-11-21T05:02:00.003-05:00

Three Dollars will save her home and pay down her medical bills

Next week is Thanksgiving and truly the Stucks are thankful.

They have their daughter, a cancer survivor, TWICE, in Three years (now) at age 11.

Next week, the Stucks will celebrate the fourth anniversary of thier daughter's diagnosis with brain cancer and their Mom's birthday.

They will also begin the foreclosure on their home, and packing to leave it.

Cancer will have ravaged their lives once again.

Today, send this email to everyone you know and have them send it to everyone they know.

Today, take out your check book and write "I love you Mackenzie" in the Memo section, Then write a check for THREE DOLLARS.

Mackenzie's family needs one million dollars in 30 days...no kidding.

Not a joke, not an internet scheme and tax deductible too.

Open your heart, your check book and send it to:

MacKenzie's Angel Fund
c/o SunTrust Bank
337 East Ridgeville Blvd
Mount Airy, Md 21771

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mackenziestuck

God Bless

Now, get busy...she needs 330,000 people to do something great

What do you do when the President Calls?

2009-10-20T23:11:00.002-04:00

Likely, there are many people in your life you have wanted to have a conversation with, but never had the opportunity.

What happens when YOU get THAT call?

Today, the call did not come from The President of the United States. Instead, the call came from the Executive Director of the Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF.org), Catherine Roberts!

Do you remember the game in grade schoool, "Phone Tree""or "Telegraph"? Everyone gets in a line, the teacher tells the first person something and down the line the story gets retold. "Little Janie has a pretty dress, a lovely hat and shiny shoes" the teacher says. By the time the story gets to the end of the line, "Little Janie" is an astronaut, has flown 12 missions and tamed Congress.

Our photographer, web guru and gabby person was having one of his moments (bragging about the MSP Quilting Angels) and chatting with the Co-Chair of the North Central Washington Quilt Guild in Wenatchee, WA via Yahoo QOV Chat about some "ideas" he has spinning in his head.

Well...as they say, the rest is history.

"Hello. This is Catherine Roberts, from Quilts of Valor", ""Is Jeff Thorne available?"

"Oh Hi!""No, he isn't here, can I help?" I replied.

"I was talking to Lori Kutch and understand Jeff is a longarmer"!

My JAW dropped, then I laughed! "No, he isn't a longarmer" (I'm thinking ...long yarner (story teller), long yawner (too many nights falling asleep at his computer). He doesn't even like getting shots! I would not disparage the good works of our ladies longarmers.

We proceeded to discuss the MSP Quilting Angels efforts, our mutual trials and tribulations (shared experiences) and what we are all doing for soldiers. Catherine was particlularly, interested in the fact all our quilts are blessed before they are distributed, which we discussed at length.

So, yes there are mutual hopes and directions for all of us...but that dream (nightmare) of Jeff being a longarmer...well that is one for the phone tree. Maybe when the story gets to the end of the line, he'll be a mild mannered husband, dutifully taking care of chores around the house and will come running when called. Come to think of it, maybe the longarm thing is not so far-fetched.

Quilt on!

Kathy

Al Lind - An American Hero in Stitches

2009-09-10T21:21:00.005-04:00

Today, and frankly any day, you must admire someone putting action with their kind words.

Example, Al Lind - He has been called a QOV Poster Boy and more, but this veteran tells it like it is.

You see, Al is a 91 year old WWII veteran and a former prisoner of war who QUILTS for other vets and handily admonishes other vets to "get off your duff" and quilt! Through the Quilts of Valor program, he has assisted with the creation of nearly 200 quilts.

Today, Al Lind, 91, was presented a plaque at the U.S. Army Yakima Training Center in central Washington by Brig. Gen. Frank Cipolla, Deputy Commanding General of the 88th Regional Support Command at Fort McCoy.

To Join in watching an American Hero, tell is like it is CLICK on the YouTube LINK HERE-

And look around your house to see who is setting on "his duff"

Quilt on!

Hey Neighbor! Welcome!!

2009-09-02T22:31:00.002-04:00

These days it seems all to frequently in our area, when we get home - we disappear into our homes.

We turn on electronic devices and connect to the world or the world comes to look at what we are doing.

How would you greet your neighbor if you saw them or knew what they did for fun (quilting right?!).

Last month we had visitors, 414 + 5...give or take. Whew!

From around the world and across the United States, neighbors came to see, read and understand what fun we were having and what good deed we were doing!

People of all walks of life came from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Poland, Japan, Norway, France, Netherlands, Romania, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Ireland, Taiwan, Mexico, Pakistan, Finland, South Korea, Philippines, Hungary, Spain, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Serbia, Argentina, Israel and that was just last month, Whew!

So What’s the Point?

Someone or so MANY are interested in the good works we are doing! From the United States (34 STATES !) one neighbor in particular was so interested she JOINED IN by making the Block Of The Month!

Welcome Neighbor! Welcome Deb Tiefenthather from Columbus Ohio!

Deb recognized the MSP Quilting Angels, because her daughter and husband attended Mother Seton Parish (our benefactor and home) while they lived in Germantown in recent years. Oh how good deeds get noticed!

Deb says, she has made 2 Quilts of Valor and is working on two more! Way to go! QOV Rocks!

So, our new neighbor has sent us beautiful Patriotic Blocks using our Block Of The Month selections.

Deb, and all our new neighbors, you can’t imagine what will happen next!!

So, the bottom line is this, listen, invite, join up, but JOIN IN!

Your life and the lives of those we serve will be forever changed, I guaranteed it!

Coming up, read about another Al you have not met, but wish you could!

Pssst! Want a peak in and see what great deeds Deb was performing? Look HERE.

What is your family saying about you?

2009-08-29T13:13:00.002-04:00

You know, as hard as we work, as much as we give…you tend to wonder, does anyone notice?

YES!

It was one recent night at a local restaurant. While exchanging chit chat, the question came up " So, what about your family?" Not being shy and being a former County Commander for the American Legion in Illinois (thank you for your service!), Al, a never shy or retiring person, told listeners about Sandy, her awesome quilting and the MSP Quilting Angels!

Not certain of the entire conversation, we are certain of the results of the conversation.

Carolina (Car-O-LENA) a listener to the conversation mentioned her mother. Carolina went on to say that her mother had quilted previously (apparently extensively) and now, while living in California she crochets. Carolina's mother amassed an extensive collection of batiks and prints.

This new collection will provide the MSP Quilting Angels a stronger foundation toward meeting our 2009 goals of 100 Quilts for Kids and 100 Quilts of Valor.

Carolina (and Mom!), you have forever changed our lives and those of countless children with pediatric cancer and wounded vets.

Al, Thank YOU for speaking up and speaking out about your wonderful wife and the awesome heirloom quilts she makes with all the MSP Quilting Angels. To you also we are deeply indebted. Keep on speaking up!

To see the new collection of fabrics, please VISIT HERE.

Quilt on!

MSP Quilting Angels

I went to the County Fair, The Birds and the Bees Were There..

2009-08-15T17:13:00.004-04:00

The jingle, although changed above, recalls a simpler time. Go, seek out a simpler life. Find a local fair and attend. Get involved with the 4 H group in your area. Your life will be forever changed.

See how it changed the life of Deb Franklin of Germantown, MD.

What does it take to be a Leader?

Give. Give of yourself, your talent, your time. Give your passion selflessly to others that they too might, might then give to others and so on.

Meet Deb Franklin, of Germantown, MD. Deb has been in the alterations business for, well let's say, a long time.

While working, Deb has also been involved in sewing for fun, teaching children (do you read multi-talented) and adults too.

In May 2009, Deb, a member of MSP Quilting Angels, came to the group to encourage them to enter the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. Let me tell you, you could hear a pin drop. The impression was, not us! Deb lead the group toward what would be the most visually impressive geometric quilt we'd ever tackle.

Fabric was chosen, group assignments were given, teaching and mentoring began. The mantra of precision was hammered home. The unwilling and the fearful were led to the promised land. The quilt began to come together as few could believe it could.

Deb handled the quilting, Sandi finished the hanging pocket, Viola!

First Place - Group Quilt, 2009 Montgomery County Fair!

God Bless you Deb and Thank You from All the MSP Quilting Angels.

See the pictorial story, start to finish - FIRST PLACE

Busy Summer, Busy Lives...

2009-08-12T21:55:00.003-04:00

Busy Summer, Busy Lives...we all have them, me too!

I don't live and breathe quilting, but I am passionate about it...at least the giving aspect and yes, I am a bit crazy about crafting, sewing and quilting.

I was thrilled that Kari dropped by last time and brought her daughter. I hope to see you again Kari and let's talk about your teen group at school. Rachel, come back! We had so much fun meeting you, seeing you produce your blocks...let's keep going! Kendra - Hagerstown...we have need for your skills to help others and be a great part of the community. I could go on, and likely I may have missed one or two ladies, but the point is this...These ladies after they joined up, they JOINED IN.

Participation is as important as any aspect of being a member. Start easy, make the Block of the Month, not sure - just ask...every member that has any skilll is EAGER to share their talent.

Will you be there Saturday?

I hope so... there are soldiers, kids with cancer and the other women of the MSP Quilting Angels that are counting on you.

Quilt On!

Kathy

Would YOU Tell Someone That?

2009-08-09T11:45:00.004-04:00

Those that craft and especially those that sew / quilt are very giving people. Collectively, we are a quiet group that plies our love of sewing / quilting, most notably when we do this for others.

The question is – Would YOU Tell Someone that you create heirloom quilts for children with pediatric cancer (Quilts for Kids) or for wounded soldiers (Quilts of Valor) and give them away to those so deserving? Would you invite them to drop in, see what we are doing?

In this age, bad news flies first and seemingly everywhere, good news seems to die on the vine. In retail, as in real life, the Rule of 256 applies – initially, Bad News, gets retold enough that the message gets out to 256 people. Good news gets retold 7 times.

When you email a friend, post on a forum, pass buy a community bulletin board or have an opportunity to speak – one on one or in a group, tell others that likely don’t know about the FUN you have, the Community of women that make up your group and how to learn more about JOINING IN, not just joining up. Make the signature line in your email speak the message, provide a link. This is very powerful and easy too.

Each of us makes up the MSP Quilting Angels; we will define its future. The future for us and those we serve is the next moment, then next hour, the next day from now.

Would YOU Tell Someone That you created this wonder of Love?

Quilt On!

Kathy

Working Together as a Group

2009-08-02T09:53:00.002-04:00

One of our longarm ladies, Deb Franklin, has a penchant for geometric shapes...to say the least. Deb has superb skill in piecing, "fixing" our boo-boos and is truly an artist. This past month Deb came to the MSP Quilting Angels with her thought of making a group quilt for the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair.

If you listen to any of the ladies who have entered their own work, the stories have a very similar thread, "I entered not to win, but to get a critique and learn from that message".

Interesting...the artist in each of us wanted more information from a trusted source. Each of us becomes a trusted source to each new person that JOINS IN, when she becomes a Quilting Angel. We too have a responsibility to uplift ourselves and those that are new to the causes we support - Quilts of Valor and Quilts for Kids.

And so too, has Debbie done this, her love of all things geometric has given the ladies a new vision.

Debbie, thank you for sharing your talents, your love of quilting....and we'll all wait to hear and learn from the critique at the fair.

Want to see how this beautiful quilt was made? JOIN IN at our website

August Block of the Month - Autumn Star

2009-08-01T07:11:00.002-04:00

Our August block is simply stunning. It is not only a great block for large pattern or novelty fabric, it’s also an easy block to sew.

The finished block size is 12 ½”
Cut an 8 ½” block for the center of the star.
Cut 4 – 4” blocks of fabric 2
Cut 4 - 2 ½” X 8 ½” strips of fabric 3
Cut 8 - 2 ½” blocks of fabric 4
Cut 4 - 2 ½” blocks of fabric 5

Sew the remaining blocks into place on the sides.
Square up to 12 ½”.
Stand back and admire the block.
Now make more!

For complete directions and all the pictures Visit our Website

Three Bags of Fabric

2009-07-27T01:55:00.000-04:00

Three bags of donated fabric were gratefully received today, Sunday July 26, 2009.

Each donation of fabric takes its own life, its own path. Whether is it destined to become a Quilt for Kids or for Quilts of Valor it will not change the story of why we all try to comfort those so deeply deserving of our commitment to “surround them with love”.

The donor worked through great pains to find the MSP Quilting Angels. The internet was her solution. To our delight, a connection was made.

It was an untypical summer Sunday morning. The breezes were light, holding back the certain summer humidity. “The GPS says we’ll be there at 9:45 AM”, I said as my husband drove my mother and me to the family’s home.

A cheerful greeting took place outside as the husband was taking the family puppy for a stroll. We greeted each other at her door and entered. “Hi, I’m from the Quilting Angels!”, “Thank you so much for finding us and the donation” An unknown honor was about to take place.

An exchange between the past, the present and the future, “I’d like you to meet my mother; she’s 93 and a little hard of hearing” she said. You could see the tubs on the table. These ladies were two generations of crafters, sewers, givers of love and tradition. We greeted Mom and the smiles poured forth. She knew the fabric would be in good hands. Our benefactor went on to say, “There are some nice fabrics for the children, you can see them there; Oh and some batting too!” We knew the future was in front of us and we knew what to do.

The morning before, on Saturday July 25, it was an untypical summer morning, with light breezes holding back the rising humidity. Two young men in spit and polished uniforms stood beside the remains of Lester P. Thorne which were to be laid to rest. My husband sobbed through a eulogy for his father in which he spoke these words, “…helping a friend, tending to a neighbor’s needs or simply holding someone’s hand in troubled times, as we turn this page, we come upon a page without words, without history. Our course is not yet recorded, our future lies ahead…”

This gift, this fabric will also have a history. From Mother to daughter, from hand to hand, the donation will have a history, a legacy of giving and helping someone in troubled times.

And so it goes, Freedom isn’t free. Whether our stitches are comforting our wounded warriors returning from war or children with pediatric cancer, someone fought for your freedom to ensure you could help someone less fortunate.

It’s not about joining up, but joining in – what you do has greater meaning.

Find out how YOU can JOIN IN

Quilt On!

Kathy

A Journey Toward a Common Goal or Two Paths Crossing

2009-07-18T20:01:00.000-04:00

Today, the MSP Quilting Angels welcomed two new members – Kendra from Hagerstown and Rachel from Rockville!

Welcome Ladies to the Angels.

The ladies that join us and those that are already members have vastly different skill levels – from beginner to advanced, yet we all share one common goal – helping others.

The MSP Quilting Angels provides quilts for two worthy organizations – Quilts of Valor and Quilts for Kids. The Quilts of Valor are delivered to our VA hospital in Baltimore and the Quilts for Kids are delivered through the Candlelighters during the Annual Tree Lighting Event held in Washington, DC.

Kendra, an advanced quilter (and longarmer too!) is interested in forming a group in her hometown and is helping the Angels comfort soldiers and kids with cancer. Rachel, a new quilter, is learning pattern selection, design and basic quilting skills.

Though is may seem odd to some readers, both Kendra and Rachel share a common bond – helping others. Irrespective of your skill level, whether you join in locally or create the Block of the Month, it is one thing to join UP, but the most important thing you can do is JOIN IN.

In 2004, Suzanne Wade and Kathy Adams (pictured above), together founded the MSP Quilting Angels – a party of two. In the beginning, there were many needs and a few but growing number of quilters. They built the group, delivered numerous quilts to many organizations. Upon this foundation, the MSP Quilting Angels have gone on to deliver hundreds of quilts, to several organizations, been recognized by national organizations for service and partnered with others across the nation to create heirloom quilts from donated blocks.

What made the difference? Not merely the number of those that joined, but those that joined in the fun of a community working together.

When is the next meeting? August 1, 2009.

The question is….will someone Join up or will they Join IN?

Quilt On!

Kathy

July Block of the Month - MSP Quilting Angels

2009-07-02T03:40:00.000-04:00

One of our most popular blocks of the month was the disappearing nine-patch. It was absolutely amazing that depending on the fabric selection, we created dozens of very different looking quilts. So when Sarah found the Disappearing Rail Fence on - Crispy Quilt Blog, we decided to make this our July Block of the Month.

This will make a great scrappy quilt. It would also look good with sashing strips. Or you could make a coordinating quilt. Check out how it looks with batiks. So make 2 blocks or a whole quilt. Also check out the web-site for pictures of the finished quilts we’ve made with our “Blocks of the Month”. See if you can spot your block!

Details on How to Make the Disappearing Rail Fence are found HERE

As always Quilt on!
Kathy

In His Honor - A long overdue Salute

2009-06-29T22:24:00.000-04:00

We have all spoken those words....I would give my life for (name a loved one) if you would stop the pain.

The plea was simple, it seemed more like a trade " ... I have a sewing machine, I don't use...my friend, a vet is suffering so..." - read, please help - stop the suffering.

Actually, these words are spoken more often in honor of our veterans than you might think.

The MSP Quilting Angels heard the call and began a loving journey of understanding who the patriot is, what he experienced and how the heirloom Quilt of Valor would meet the soldiers needs and provide comfort to the family and friends too.

The unveiling was in an appropriate setting, a Blessing of the Quilts. Each heirloom Quilt of Valor is hand crafted, blessed, folded and placed in a presentation case.

The picture here tell the public side of the story. The rest they say is for the heart.

God Bless you Kathy R., Patty and Tony – our heroes!

Quilt on Ladies, There are many more deserving families like Patty and Tony.

Help Now – Join us TODAY!

The MSP Quilting Angels of Germantown, Maryland, founded in 2004, are a talented and diverse ecumenical group of women whose works serve great causes - Candlelighters - Childhood Cancer Foundation, Quilts For Kids and Quilts of Valor . The custom heirloom quilts created by the MSP Quilting Angels are Blessed during a special Mass at Mother Seton Parish under the direction of Reverend Mark W. Ervin before distribution to children with pediatric cancer or wounded warriors. The MSP Quilting Angels have numerous out-reach programs and seek joint partnerships with other organizations to support these worthy causes. wecare@mspquiltingangels.org

Flag Day 2009 - MSP Quilting Angels, Germantown MD

2009-06-14T11:03:00.000-04:00

Flag Day 2009

It is Sunday, June 14, 2009. Here the sun is shining, the breezes are gentling blowing and each of us has a sense of peace in our hearts…if even for a moment.

Be thankful. This did not just happen. The Defenders of Freedom make it possible.

Thanks to Mr. George Balch, Col. J. Granville, Secretary Franklin Lane, President Woodrow Wilson, President Harry S. Truman and the countless men and women who are serving and have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, we are able to celebrate Flag Day.

It is recorded that, Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior, delivered a Flag Day address in which he repeated words he said the flag had spoken to him that morning: "I am what you make me; nothing more. I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself." I would go on to say the same would be said today by Secretary Lane of the Quilts of Valor created by the MSP Quilting Angels.

The MSP Quilting Angels of Germantown, MD, continue the QOV mission by creating heirloom quilts to be blessed and presented to wounded warriors returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Tomorrow, the Quilts of Valor Foundation will honor the 3/8 Marine Battalion returning from Afghanistan at a ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Three times each year, the MSP Quilting Angels have a Blessing of the Quilts in Germantown, MD. Their American made, hand crafted heirloom quilts are appropriately displayed during the Mass and a special liturgical reading is offered before the blessing.

Join the MSP Quilting Angels and the Germantown community, Saturday June 27, 2009 at 8 AM for the Blessing of the Quilts. A special blessing will be given for a warrior and his quilt. Tony a veteran of the Vietnam War and retired Montgomery County Police officer will be represented by his friends and family.

Quilt on! There is much to be done.

Oh, and be sure to look at the progress photos from yesterday HERE

Kathy

Flag Day - June Block of the Month

2009-06-02T18:50:00.000-04:00

The pride and honor we associate with the Flag of The United States of America, is long steeped in history.

A proper presentation of that history can be found here.

The June Block of the Month celebrates our patriotic forefathers, veterans, those that paid the ultimate price for our freedom and our wounded warriors.

Join us in celebrating our history and the freedom we hold so dear.

The 2009 June Block of the Month is the 8 Pointed Star.

Let’s get started with the details…just click HERE!

In the Presence of Heroes – Washington DC

2009-05-24T23:25:00.000-04:00

Across the United States this Memorial Day Weekend there are cookouts, gatherings of friends and activities in remembrance of fallen heroes.

This evening was one such celebration held on the west side of the U.S. Capitol. Tonight marked the twentieth anniversary of National Memorial Day Concert
(Visit http://www.pbs.org/ for replay on your local channels, or Read More - http://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert ). There were dignitaries, luminaries who support the troops and there were our Heroes.

During the performance, it was recalled to our memories the suffering which occurred across this great nation during the War Between the States, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The suffering endured by the men and women in service to the United States was portrayed in tribute to them and the Armed Services under which they proudly serve and served.

The heroism of, Sgt. José Pequeño, his mother Nelida and sister Elizabeth was portrayed to the tens of thousands in the immediate audience of how Sugar Hill, NH youngest Police Chief and National Guardsman, was severely injured when a grenade detonated in the Humvee killing the driver and how the blast left part of Sgt. Pequeño’s brain out in the sand. The tragic story of Sgt. Pequeño, the unwavering support of his family only highlight’s for all of us the urgent need that exists to support our war wounded.

Trace Adkin’s, a supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project and noted country musician who like others gives freely of his time to support the troops, wrapped up the evening with the performance of his song, “’Til the Last Shot’s Fired” (on You Tube ®) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0mm4u2VzDs .

The song concludes with these thought provoking words –

Say a prayer for peace for our daughters and sons
Set our spirits free, let us lay down our guns
Sweet Mother Mary we’re so tired
But we can’t come home
No we can’t come home till the last shot’s fired

Sgt. José Pequeño did not waiver in his mission, neither should we.

Say a prayer for peace for our daughters and sons…

Quilt On Ladies, Quilt on

Memorial Day - Baltimore, MD

2009-05-24T09:59:00.000-04:00

Baltimore, MD - In remembrance of the fallen warriors on this Memorial Day weekend, the MSP Quilting Angels traveled to the VA Hospital in Baltimore, MD. There in a solemn ceremony, 27 Quilts of Valor were presented to the Chaplin for distribution to the war wounded.

It is such an honor to create these heirloom quilts, and a great priviledge to present them. The fact remains there are so many troops so deserving and so few quilts to go around. This might surprise you and sadden you to hear that the distribution of the cherished quilts is by lottery.

You see, there are more wounded than there are quilts. Each veteran is given a ticket and the numbers are drawn for distribution. These warriors chose to serve our country and place themselves in harms way to defend OUR freedom that we may not need to be called.

Perhaps not a fitting analogy, but one you can understand - Imagine your office will be receiving the honor of a presidential award to be distributed among everyone, except there aren't enough to be distributed, except by lottery.

Upon hearing of this situation, the MSP Quilting Angels turned toward making more quilts.

Quilt On Ladies - they deserve our support.

God Bless

East Meets West or When a City of Angels Meets a Gathering of Angels

2009-05-23T12:56:00.000-04:00

As a young woman growing up, you may wonder "What is my roll in life?", "Where do I fit in...?", "How can I make a Difference?".

The answers to these questions come from learned experiences at Marlborough School in Los Angeles, California.

Marlborough School has been preparing young women for leadership and contribution to humanity since 1889.

A shining example of the caliber of the women attending the school and serving the nation comes from 2009 Senior Ali Slagle. Ali is deeply involved in community giving and leadership. Volumes could be written about Ali's giving and personal accomplishments (just Google her, Oh WOW! - Way to go Ali!), but it is more than the accomplishments she has received, it is about how Ali and the other students under her leadership have forever touched the lives of children stricken with pediatric cancer.

To learn more about how you and your organization can become involved in a similar project, just write to us like Ali did! We'll join forces, forever change your life and the lives of children with pediatric cancer.

Please enjoy the pictorial of how this all happened...

READ THE COMPLETE STORY HERE

May Flowers - The Pinwheel

2009-04-30T23:46:00.000-04:00

May Block of the Month – Easy Pinwheel

When I think of May, I imagine children running outside with pinwheels. Maybe that’s because of Mother’s Day or maybe it’s because my birthday is in May. It’s a sign that summer is on its way. So this month I chose the pinwheel as the block of the month. And this pattern also works great for our soldier quilts.

This month the pattern is super simple. A single block can be sewn in less than 10 minutes. In fact with these instructions, you’ll find that you will actually create two blocks. And I’m going to make this a free-for-all for the size of the finished block. You can make your blocks for Quilts of Valor or Quilts for Kids. We’ll mix and match depending on the starting size of your block. But do watch your seam allowances so that we have standard blocks.
Get all the details HERE

Spring 2009 Raffle Quilt

2009-04-15T21:39:00.000-04:00

Spring is in the air, and thoughts swiftly turn to Mother’s Day.

For this very special day we are introducing our Mother’s Day Raffle Quilt. As you know, we generally have 2-3 raffles every year to raise much needed funds for batting and fabric. Every penny raised in this raffle goes to purchase these supplies.

Take a moment to look over the quilt for Mother’s Day. It’s a sweet little summer quilt complete with 8 cross-stitch panels from Linda and scenes of farms and quaint towns. They make you long for the simpler life. There are pussy willows, flowers and butterflies quilted in the borders and it is set to hang or use as a quilt.

See More at the MSP Quilting Angels Website

Happy Easter To Everyone!

2009-04-12T11:15:00.000-04:00

I hope your day is as bright as the sun is shining outside!

The MSP Quilting Angels received word from Suzanne Wade about her activites in Solera Diamond Valley over the weekend. The Blog is the best way to share the photos and the stories of the SDV Quilting Angels. Click on the quilt displayed here to see the images and stories unfold.

Quilt On!

Kathy

April Showers...Block of the Month

2009-04-02T04:39:00.000-04:00

April Showers bring May Flowers or....it is a time for a new Block of the Month

The Block of the Month for April – The Monkey Wrench.

I chose this block because it would easily lend itself to a variety of fabrics. You can use some of those novelty fabrics for soldiers or children in the center square. You can also use floral prints or checks. It’s really open to any kind of fabric.

The finished block size is 12 ½”

READ MORE

National Quilt Day and Blessing of the Quilts

2009-03-22T14:11:00.000-04:00

What a fantastic day!

Saturday was simply wonderful. Not only was it National Quilting Day, but the MSP Quilting Angels celebrated their fourth anniversary. And what a way to do it!

We gathered all the quilts we’d made over the past few months and took them to the Church for a blessing. What a glorious sight it was too.

A total of 59 quilts (32 Quilts of Valor and 27 Quilts for Kids _ Candlelighters) were turned in along with about a dozen dolls from Sarah. And it was so much fun to see all the different designs and see some finished quilts from our “Block of the Month.”

What's Old is new again - Reaching Out

2009-02-27T21:40:00.000-05:00

In 2005, Suzanne Wade and Kathy Adams – friends and believers, starting quilting for QOVF. Simple enough, two ladies for a great cause.

Today, Suzanne has retired to California and has started a new local group and become affiliated with the SoCal QOVF.

Her new journey started by talking to a group of other retirees, inducing great excitement and getting lots of commitments.

Quilting day number one came…party of one please.

Undeterred, Suzanne quilted on!

What Suzanne left in Maryland is a legacy. You don’t move on without first leaving a stamp on the work you began.

Tomorrow, Saturday February 28…there will be an estimated 60 people sewing and quilting!

Bless you Suzanne for your work on Quilts of Valor and the strong foundation you laid in Germantown Maryland.

In days gone by, our Mothers chatted across the fence with neighbors. Today, that still happens, but there is a new generation we need to reach.

Facebook, Flickr!, Picasa, Meetup!, Blogs, YouTube, Keywords, SEO, …good grief!

I was surprised, let me say astonished, to see not just the 20 / 30 somethings…but ladies, there are MOMS -30,40, 50+ somethings and Grand-Mas too!

What does all this mean? We need to reach out in as many relevant forms as possible.

We need to muster our forces, multiply the numbers of people in our groups.
We need to train up, teach solid basic techniques and ensure that the work we do for those so deserving is the very best, Always

March Block of the Month - Maple Leaf Block

2009-02-26T17:38:00.000-05:00

Finished size = 12 1/2”

This is a great little block that is made up primarily of 4 ½” blocks and 5” blocks.

Cut out:
(2) 4 ½ “ Blue squares
(2) 5” Blue squares
(4) 4 ½” leaf colored squares
(2) 5” leaf colored squares.

Arrange the 4 ½” blue and leaf colored squares to form the maple leaf (see layout).

Place (1) 5” blue square right sides together with the 5” leaf colored square. Draw a cutting line on the diagonal from corner to corner. Draw a sewing line ¼” from both sides of the line and sew both seams. Cut on the cutting line separating the two triangles. Gently press the seams open and square up to 4 ½”. Do the same with the remaining (3) 5” squares. Arrange theses pieces following the finished pattern.

To make the pattern for the stem you can create a pattern using a 4 ½” square or you can simply cut a 4 ½” square of leaf colored fabric. Lightly draw a line on the diagonal from one corner to the opposite corner. Draw cutting lines ¾” on both sides of the line. Cut out the piece. Gently turn ¼” seams on the long sides of the stem. Place the stem on the bottom blue 5” square on the diagonal and stitch it into place( see picture).

Now sew the 9 blocks together to form the Maple Leaf. Make all different color leaves. You can use different background colors but I would suggest blue for a similar appearance. We will most likely connect these blocks with sashing strips but I think if they had some kind of blue background fabric, it would draw them together.

Facebook, New Friends and How to Reach Out

2009-02-22T16:16:00.000-05:00

Wow! Ask someone savy about the new social networking arena and you get an onslaught of information.

What you come to realize is that what is old is new again, just in a different form.

My Mom would chat with neighbors across the fence, at a coffe klatch, at church or at kids activities.

Today, we are BOTH electronic AND the other tried and true methods!

Life connects at the speed of light - no kidding.
And so, the MSP Quilting Angels, take to the electronic stream on Facebook, with our stories about Quilts of Valor, Quilts for Kids and our whole ball of wacky ideas.

Last evening, I set up Facebook and looked around. Ladies that sew and quilt are everywhere and have a connection to the area! These ladies are true cross section of each talent, from beginner to true fiber artists!

I was particularly thrilled to receive an early reply from Terri in Inwood, WV.

Terri writes "I am interested in contributing to your cause. I think it's wonderful. I would be happy to make some quilt of valor bags, Quilts for Kids and block of the month. Because of the distance and time involved, I would be unable to participate in person, but would be more than happy to contribute from afar".

Terri gets it!

We'd love to have everyone one join us every time we Sewing and Quilt...the reality is, it just isn't possible, life happens.

Lori in Wenatchee, WA caluclates it takes about 20-30 minutes to whip up ONE BLOCK and if you made one block every day, that would make 18 quilt tops every year - all in 20 minutes a day.

We pay tribute to the wounded warriors and children sufffering from pediatric illnesses through our sewing and quilting efforts.

Join us today. Make a difference. You'll be glad that you, like Terri, will be perfoming a "wonderful thing" in the life of those so deserving.

Quilt On!
Kathy

Http://www.mspquiltingangels.org

Blocks: January February March

The gift wrapping that goes around your Quilt of Valor

2009-02-18T20:31:00.000-05:00

You create a Quilt of Valor with Love to provide Comfort to wounded troops.

Wouldn't you want to wrap that gift for presentation?

Of Course!

First of all, thanks to all who participate in our “Block of the Month”. Your efforts really pay off. I’m nearly done with the instructions for our March block and it’s a good one. We’re doing a maple leaf block. It’s quick, easy and looks fantastic so I sure hope you enjoy it. In the mean-time I thought I would talk about our presentation bags.

Each Quilt of Valor we send out is lovingly placed in a bag with a “Quilt of Valor” letter to the recipient. We provide our warriors with drawstring bags as many of them like to hang the bag on their wheel chairs. This is a great use for some of the jean, corduroy, drapery or upholstery fabric that many of us have lying around from home projects. If you are local and do not have any of these materials, you can stop by and pick some up. We recently received a donation of fabric from a furniture shop so we have it on hand.

The instructions are quite simple. Each bag has a pocket included on the outside. Generally it’s about a 5” square pocket but whatever you want to make is fine. The bag itself is made from a 22” by 44” piece of fabric. You can serge or sew the sides up. Then turn down about a 2 – 2 ½” casing. Make sure that you left an opening on both sides for a drawstring.

Cut two pieces of drawstring approximately 55” in length. Start on one end of the bag and thread the drawstring through the casing all the way around. Tie it off. Then start on the other opening and thread it through. When you pull on both drawstrings it should cinch up.

If you want to make the bags but don’t have the drawstrings, just go ahead and send them, we’ll string them. Don’t worry if the bag is a little smaller or larger based on the size of the fabric you have. We do have some quilts that might be a little smaller or larger and we’ll match the bag with the quilt. This does not have to be exact. But we do need one for each soldier quilt. If you could even make one a month it would be fantastic. It takes only about 20 minutes to make one.

Thank you for all you do for our soldiers and our kids with pediatric illnesses. We also make pillow cases for the children. If you are interested in making those, let me know and I will post the instructions for the pillow cases.

Your efforts provide a great deal of joy and comfort to the people we serve.

Quilt on! And Sew On!

Kathy

Quilts of Valor - Is it Really THAT Simple?

2009-02-17T20:05:00.000-05:00

Hi Ladies!

I read a brief note on the QOV chat the other day from Lori Kutch. Lori is the co-chair of the North Central Washington (State) Quilt Guild and one smart gal.

Some of you may remember Lori from her visit to our group last fall. Lori traveled to the DC area to join a larger group and witness Catherine Roberts (Exec. Director and Founder of QOVF) being honored at the Pentagon and the Marine Barracks for the work of all quilters supporting wounded troops.

Lori was busy this weekend, as all great quilters are, and she mused"

"What if I told you, you could make 18 Quilts of Valor a year with out even disrupting your life!"

It seems odd to hear the goal of 18 quilts and "Wow! That takes too much time!"

Here is Lori's caluculation -

"Just make (1) 12" block a day (should take about 30 minutes). Every 20 days you have enough blocks for a top. Spend an afternoon assembling the blocks and adding a border or 2 and you have a completed top. 365 blocks (1 per day) is equal to 18 tops per year"

Simple....isn't it?

This fleeting thought came to reality today!

I received a package in the mail from Annable H in Virginia.

Annabelle visited our website, saw the information on the block of the month and two great minds came together to create....A Quilt of the Month!

And gee....we thought we only had a few moments to ourselves!

See Annabelle's Disappearing 9 Patch - Quilt of Valor - February's Block of the Month at Picasa Albums!

Quilt On!

Kathy

February 7 Sewing Day - New Ladies Join the MSP Quilting Angels

2009-02-09T18:56:00.001-05:00

Wow!

The ladies have been busy working on the February Block of the Month - the disappearing 9 patch.

Three new ladies joined from Meetup! How great is That?

Srilatitha dropped in to see what the group was all about - yes YOU can too!

Jean was the morning team cheerleader welcoming returning Meetup! ladies and welcoming new comers Sylvia and Amy - Way to go ladies! Welcome!

It sounds like Amy is so hooked she took home a bag of squares to make the disappearing 9 patch!

Pam and Paige stopped in during the day (and they were painting the kitchen at home too!) to get advise on the kits Sarah created earlier (Great idea Sarah!)

Sandy provided guidance to Pam and Paige on pressing those new blocks to make them crisp while demonstrating how to keep seams straight when sewing.

Brendalee! Great to hear you were able to join in the fun! Brendalee came from Woodbridge, VA.

Thanks again to Sandy for her help given to Brendalee on binding Brendalee's new quilt!

Ladies, that is what we are all about - sharing our knowledge for a common cause!

Tell others, bring friends, gosh they don't even need to sew - we'll just hook them on the friendship!

Glenda completed her quilt top from the beautiful orphan blocks and was on a quest for backing material.

Sue O picked up fabric from Arhaus in Tyson's Corner that will be used for Quilts of Valor.

Estelle got hooked on crumb blocks - she made them all day! Go Estelle!

Glenda made a carrot cake to share for lunch and convinced all the ladies on their New Year's resolutions the cake was great for the diet conscience.

Hey Deb stopped in to drop off baby quilts she had quilted and she finished one with multi-colored fireworks exploding on a white background (did you see the pictures on Flickr ?

Marion finished one quilt top of the January block of the month and we may have enough to make one more!

One more remarkable day of over 20 ladies sewing and quilting for Quilts of Valor and Quilts for Kids with pediatric illnesses.

Quilt On!

Sarah Y for Kathy

See Kathy's report on Quilting in Hawaii Next week! - Mahalo (That's Hawaiian for Thank you!)

Brrrr! It's Almost February and a New Block of the Month

2009-01-29T21:15:00.000-05:00

Ladies it’s the Disappearing 9-Patch Block

The Disappearing 9-Patch is our February Block of the Month. It’s a fabulous pattern. It’s easy to make and it’s great for using up some of your scraps.

CLICK ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE THE IMAGE

Please use 100% cotton, pre-washed fabric. Use ¼” seams. The finished block size is 10 ½”. If you have trouble maintaining a ¼” seam, you can make your blocks a little bigger and then square it up afterward. It’s much easier to mix and match squares if we can trim a little fabric off than if it is too small.

You are going to start with nine 4 inch squares. Sew them together with ¼” seams. At this point your block should measure 11 inches.

Next cut the block in half horizontally and vertically. Your center squares should be 3 ½”. So if you cut them in half they will be 1 ¾”.

Flip the upper left and lower right hand squares so the small square is facing out.

Sew the seams together and you have the Disappearing 9 patch. The finished block size is 10 ½”.

Quilt on!

Kathy

Wow! What a day! January 24

2009-01-25T23:56:00.000-05:00

Ladies...You Are Awesome!

Great job on the Block of the Month!

Marion is busily taking the blocks and molding them into one gorgeous quilt. I can't wait to see what she does with all your fantastic blocks!

Hey speaking of blocks...Pam helped her daughter Paige create her very first block! We are so thrilled to have you join the MSP Quilting Angels.

Mary and Sarah are new Meetup! ladies too. Mary worked on blocks for the monthly quilts and Sarah put her steady hand to making blocks for Quilts for Kids with pediatric illnesses.

28 ladies were cross-stiching, sewing and quilting throughout the day's events.

Did you see the fantastic Singer sewing machine Pam brought in this weekend?

You can see the entire days unfold on Flickr!

This weekend the Angels welcomed Ann, Pam, Paige, Mary and Sarah! Welcome Ladies. Tell other Meetup! Ladies and friends too about the work we do for the causes we support.

We have so many talented ladies here working on Quilts of Valor - Way to go Sarah!

Thanks to everyone about the quilts shops to visit in Hawaii!

We are eager to hear from Ali about the blocks she and her school mates are making to be incorporated into Quilts for Kids! Go Ali, Go!

Quilt on!

Kathy

OMG Mid-January and it's FREEZING

2009-01-17T08:34:00.000-05:00

How's YOUR Block of the Month doing? I am busy getting next month's block ready for photographing and it is really FUN.

Ladies, remember to spread the word about our group! Send emails, post notes locally, visit our Blog, COMMENT on the blog about what YOU are doing!

Sandy, Sarah - YOU should post your great projects here! Your AWESOME Quilts of Valor and Quilts for Kids that you presented to Lynn for quilting are gorgeous!

Hey Ladies! Did you see the pictures of Sewing Day at Flickr?

Lynn too is busy in chilly Pennsylvania, working on quilt tops along with her many projects.

It is so bitter cold this weekend, I'm working on more quilts (3 active tops), rearranging my craft room (Okay, it is also our guest bedroom for traveling quilters and relatives - not necessarily that order) and getting more pictures posted to the website.

Exciting updates from California and Ali, also from Baltimore and a surprise guest for our January 24 Sewing Meetup!

On Jaunary 24 we look forward to welcoming to the group - Annabelle, Amy, Pam, Susan and OH SO MANY more ladies - WELCOME MeetUp! Ladies

Quilt On!

Kathy

Quilting / Sewing Day - January 10

2009-01-10T20:49:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a day it was!

Orphan blocks, crumb blocks, childrens hand crafted blocks, Quilts of Valor!

The ladies did not let down during the busy Christmas season. We eagerly awaited our new members from Meetup.com .

Everyone one had so much for Show and Tell.

Sandy was so proud of her many quilts, Sarah was over the top with her new accomplishments and Lynn brought in many of the childrens hand made blocks from the community day sponsored by GSK/RTP.

Block of the Month was the new buzz! It is so easy to make a block even for those with limited time and better for those that only want to "sew and not quilt!".

The full slide show of the day unfolds at MSP Quilting Angels' Flickr! site.

Ladies, you have inspired me to quilt more, quilt more often and reach out to the greater community. Our soldiers and children with pediatric illnesses need our help and you show the MSP Quilting Angels can help!

Quilt on!

Kathy

Quilts for Kids - Ali in California wants to Help!

2009-01-09T18:20:00.000-05:00

Gosh, sometimes all it takes is to tell someone (okay, the world, plus one) "Hey, We could use some help".

How cool is that?!

Ali, a high school student in Los Angeles, and the Community Service Representative for her school, gets it!

Today, we received a blessing from her and her fellow classmates.

Here's the deal as Ali tell's it in her own words:

We're having an upcoming assembly, where we'd like each student (500 students) to decorate a square to be made into a quilt or quilts.
My question is: if we decorate squares (whatever size you suggest), can we mail them to you for you to make into a quilt and give to the children?

Hey America! Ali GETS IT! Yeah Ali!

Kathy is coordinating the details, but just for you Ali to show your classmates and sponsors HOW we make use of GREAT IDEAS LIKE YOURS....see what we did with fun fabric for kids with pediatric cancer at this link.

The group made over 100 quilts for the Childhood Cancer Awareness Tree Lighting 2008 (click on these words to see the tree lighting) .

When you see the golden tree, remember, each ribbon on tree commemorates a child and their struggle against pediatric cancer.

Ali, today and everyday going forward - you and your classmates will make a difference in the lives of children who are truly OUR TEACHERS.

So America...Get on board! Become an Ali and help a kid with a pediatric illness or say "Thanks" to our wounded vets returning home from war.

THANK YOU ALI!

The MSP Quilting Angels

PS. We will have lots of pictures for YOU, oh we do You Tube and other fun stuff

Will you take pictures for us and maybe a video of your work? We all want to be in on the fun!

Quilt On!

Quilting Angels - January Block of the Month

2009-01-04T14:28:00.000-05:00

Hi All!

January Block of the Month - Quilts of Valor and Quilt for Kids

Do you want to participate but don’t have a lot of spare time? Create blocks using 100% cotton fabric at home and drop them off or mail them to us.

Our January Block is a simple Log Cabin Block. You can create either a soldier block or one for a child with cancer.

For soldiers, please try and incorporate red, white and blue in the pattern. You can add in other complementary colors such as green and gold if you want.

Children’s quilts can made using novelty fabric or any other type of 100% cotton fabrics. Most kids are between the ages of 4 through 18. So you can really choose any kind of fabric.

Please use 100% cotton fabric, pre-washed.
The finished square will be 12 ½”. Start with a 3 ½” center square. Cut strips 2“wide. Use ¼” seams.
For best results, press seams as you go along and check the block for accuracy along the way.

You can either drop off blocks at:
Mother Seton Parish
19951 Father Hurley Blvd.
Germantown MD 20874

Or you can mail blocks to in a plastic lunch bag (it fits in a #10 envelope!):

Kathy Thorne
PO Box 335
Boyds, MD 20841-0335

Quilt On!
http://www.mspquiltingangels.org

2008-12-21T00:20:00.000-05:00

Quilts of Valor / Quilts for Kids Sewing Days Announced for 2009

January 10 & 24
February 7 & 28
March 21 & 28
April 18
May 16 & 30
June 13 & 27

Quilting Days are Saturday and times are from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Address: 19951 Father Hurley Blvd., Germantown, MD 20874

Need Directions? Have a question - Write to us! wecare@mspquiltingangels.org