National Quilting Day 2012 - Quilts of Valor - Germantown MD

Karla Trotta, Frederick MD, creates a Quilt of Valor

Karla Trotta, of Frederick MD, celebrates National Quilting Day 2012 through the creation of a Quilt of Valor.

Karla, a member of the MSP Quilting Angels, Germantown, MD, has created numerous quilts to include Quilts for Kids(R) - with a focus on children with pediatric cancer and Quilts of Valor - to Honor and Comfort all combat servicemembers and veterans touched by war.

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

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

Vicksburg, MI - September 11 – Nine years later

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/

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

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

Hey Neighbor! Welcome!!

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.

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

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

Three Bags of Fabric

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

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

In His Honor - A long overdue Salute

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

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

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

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

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

May Flowers - The Pinwheel

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

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

April Showers...Block of the Month

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

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.”

READ MORE

Facebook, New Friends and How to Reach Out

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

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

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

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!)