Quilt of Valor - from recent Trunk Show

 

This is a plain, quarter log cabin with just one set of blocks.  I've made it often enough to know there will be 51 blocks.  I have someone in mind for this QOV.  Several items you might notice ... 1) there is a small "design adjustment".  You previously may have read about my "Sassy" photo.  Yes, occasionally I am a little sassy, and want to do things my way ... just because.  I won't admit if my "design adjustment" is on purpose or accidental.  2) .. that slight red/white strip next to the red squares is from my husband's shirt - yes a shirt I had made for him.  I don't know who came up with the idea of using a departed love one's shirt in a quilt but for me, it was not an easy decision.  Perhaps if I give the quilt to someone I love, then it will be OK.  There are 11 more shirts to consider decisions.

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Quilt of Valor, Pinwheels and 4-Patches

Most of the blocks are sewn together - I LOVE how the simplest of designs can turn into something so interesting!  I had too many green pinwheels and the quilt was looking a bit Christmas-y, so they were removed and a few more blues were added.  The white you see is the back of a flannel tablecloth.  Wow, what a nifty gadget!  I don't know why I resisted using one for so many years!"

This is from Quiltville.com originally, and Bonnie calls is Pinwheels and 4-Patches.  The rows of pinwheels must alternate, as do the 4-patches alternate, in order to get this particular "look".  This is my 4th or 5th version I've made. 

If you choose to make this one - you might want to consider what I learned.   Originally I had some pinwheel blocks that were much darker and some much lighter and the graphic effect was not as pronounced as I had hoped.  Finally, I realized this graphic effect worked best when all the darker fabrics were a closer value, including the reds.

The dark blue shown is a choice for border but it's too dark - I have another lighter blue somewhere.    The border will be a band of white, then a wider band of blue, mitered at the corners.  Finished will be about 60" x 72".

Oh good, I might get this off my Design Floor this weekend!

Jody's Quilt of Valor

This splendid quilt of Valor belongs to my friend Jody (Goddess). It's based on Quiltville's Carolina Crossroads. Jody makes quilts like nobodys business, in addition to a full-time job, and ranching and ...! (That's why I add "Goddess" after her name.) These are being sent to AliciaQuilts in Colorado, and then on to a hospitalized soldier wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan. These unfortunate young men and women did NOT ask to be hospitalized in addition to their military service. With these QOV quilts, they will know 'someone, out there' appreciates them.

Jody (no blog) machine quilts on a frame using a regular sewing machine. Look at this little squiggle with the stars -- too clever. The wide border is quilted with a variegated red/blue in a viney undulating pattern, free form. I honestly could NOT discern the blocks until Jody pointed them out to me.
The other best part is the backing - it's filled with a variety of U.S. historical motifs, from early history to current. Gorgeous - and she found the fabric at discount price!
Thanks, Jody, for being so generous with your talents, and for allowing me to show off your beautiful quilt.

QOV, Quilting Along

Between trips to the feed trough (aka leftover goodies - thanks to our Thanksgiving hosts) I was able to quilt a lot on this Quilt of Valor. This afternoon I've started on the side setting triangles and the corners. I wanted something open, woodsy, kinda light and airy. So far, my little tabs from the basting gun have worked OK. I cut them off CAREFULLY before the needle hits them, but even when they get accidently sewed IN, I can use a tweezers to pull them out from under a stitch. The top flies off ... uhhh somewhere, and the bottom slides to the floor. So far, so good. None have dropped INTO my machine via the feed dogs - something I was warned about -- knock on wood. Can't wait to get this finished and spritz it, to see it all pucker up evenly!
The last 3 borders will be done in a loopy viney, leaf/heart, across all three borders. That should go fast.

Quilt of Valor - Progress

3 corners done - It's straight and square in person.

I have 3 sides on - they all behaved, but side 4 decided to mess up - couldn't have been me! The printing on the selvage extends into the side-setting triangle. Dang it. I'll have to trim that out and piece in another.

The colors are so much prettier than this photo taken in a gloomy room. I'm liking it! Today I purchased batting and a soft gray/blue quilting thread.