Monday, June 30, 2014

Please Pray For These Families

Exactly one year ago today, the radio communication went silent for the lone survivor of the Granite Mountain Hot Shot team and his 19 team mates perished.

Today, some of the families will gather in Prescott to honor those men and listen to the bell ring 19 times. Others may gather quietly alone in Yarnell at the site.

Many families will gather together quietly away from the media, the prying eyes and remember the good things about their loved ones.

Please today, while you are enjoying your families, take a minute or two of silent prayer to remember these 19 and their families and say a special prayer for the one that remained on earth!

http://news.yahoo.com/community-recalls-19-firefighters-died-fire-073159156.html 

 

 

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Wonderful Visit

Normally my Sundays are nothing to write about, maybe a quilt, maybe not, but today, I was so blessed to meet the amazing mom of Billy Warneke, one of the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots who died last June 30th in Yarnell.

Billy's mom is visiting his sister Victoria along with her husband and they are heading out to Idaho in a few days for a race her sons are participating in to honor Billy.

Both sons, David and Fred are in the United States military and they are all gathering up in the northwest to lend support.  How cool is that?

Kathie, her husband and her beautiful daughter Victoria came and visited and we sat at my dining table and talked about the efforts they are doing to get their foundation up and running and get word out.

I know you are all so amazing that you will share it with others you know, on your blogs, etc..http://whwmf.com/

I felt very honored to receive a patch from Kathie with the logo and name of the William Howard Warneke Memorial Foundation and the #19 so none of us forget there were 19 that lost their lives.

The foundation wants to help hotshot teams have better equipment and gear.  I discovered today, that most of the gear these men and women use and carry with them, they have to cover out of their own pockets...$500 for a pair of boots can put a damper on a young persons budget.

Other equipment they use are handed down and used from other firefighters and I really believe these wildland fire fighters deserve the best equipment for the job they perform.

So, in memory of those 19 who lost their lives on June 30, 2013, I would like to ask you, if you feel so lead, to head over to http://whwmf.com and donate a little something if you can to help them reach out to others.

If you can't, please remember to at least leave your porch light on June 30th all night in remembrance of those brave 19 and their families.

 

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Todays Beauties

This one in the mail today from Lynn A. of VT





These five were brought into a local quilt shop by someone they did not know, asked if they were still collecting for us and dropped them off. 

They are beautiful!

Monday, June 16, 2014

Another Thank You

This one came in this morning from Prince Georges County where one of their dispatchers is really struggling with health and other issues.

I wanted to share the card with all of you who make this happen!


 

Friday, June 13, 2014

353 and Counting, Thanks to All of You!

At this time, we have now delivered 353 quilts and 72 fleece blankets to the families, volunteers and first responders from the tragic Oso landslide. 

With an abundance of baby quilts, we were also able to donate a box to Quilts of Compassion when the tornadoes in the mid-west hit to help them deliver to the families who lost all.

I want to let you know that each and everyone of you have helped to continue this mission to help those in need. If you could only blog or instagram, FB post or Tweet about what we were doing, YOU Helped!

If you just sent me a thank you note to let me know what we were doing touched your heart, YOU Helped!

If you sent one quilt or ten, YOU Helped!

I want to say thank you to all of those that have reached out and if I miss anyone, I am truly sorry, it isn't my intention, but sometimes names are missed but I can tell you, your love and warmth were welcomed!

Sandy and Quilters Point of View, AZ
K. Aho, Minnesota          Allison A., WA
Martingale Press, WA
Town Square Fabric and Yarn, Burien, WA  
Elizabeth B., GA
Debbie B., Newport Beach
Lyndall B., Oregon
Sue Brown (Magpie Sue)  
Cathy B., MT
Busy Bee Quilters, TX
Claire C., United Kingdom
Linda C., CA                      Barbara F., MD
Gayle C., OR                      Maureen, G., NJ
Kathy C., WA                     Kathie, G., WA
Beverly C., WA                  Griffith, J., WA
Terri, C.,CA                        Carrie H., CA
Nancy C., CA                      Elaine H., WA
Teri D., WA                        Cynthia, H., KS
Christina D., OR                 Judith H., CA
Victoria Purkey, WA           Deborah H., SD
Evelyn E., MT                    Eva H. WA
Jan F., WA                          Holmes, N., MA
Etta F., NJ                           Hooser, J., SD
Tomme F., OR                    Hurst, R., TX
Grace Quilters, AZ             Holly Grace Designs, KY
Inami, M., NV                   Klouda, S., AZ
Keefer, J. CA                     Koyanik, N., VA
Kueser, C. KS                    Lauback, C., NY
Kviteseid Lutheran Church, MN
Lee, B (long arm services volunteered)
Lewis, Marilyn, CA (I can't thank her and her group enough for their support all year around)
Faith Quilters of Our Lady of Loretto Parish, CO
McClain, J. WA                 Marshall, M., WA
Marvin, S., MO                  Matthiesen, J., WA
Merrick, M., WA               Miller, P., MO
Moore, L., CA                   Vanessa, N., IN
Oberhelman, M., IA          Pate, C. TN
Pipitone, S., IL
PSTC, CA 
Peterson, Christi from Breaking Skagit 
Grimes, Janice and Quilts of Compassion 
Quilters Anonymous, WA 
Quilters Junction Quilt Shop, WA
Quiram-Schinske, WA
Ray. L., IL
Rayburn Crafters, TX
Renicker, Roxanne,TX
Richmond Beach Lutheran Church, WA
Saia, J., IL
Sanders, K., CA                   Smith, M. MI
Sellmann, Brooke
Shaw, J. WA                         South Sound Quilters, WA
Shields, K., OR                    Snider, K. OH
Peery, S., OR                        Stancl, K., CA
Sisters Fabric Shop, WA 
Smith, Lisa (Arlington Hub for Oso Families)
Spletzer, B., MI (Another one of our year round supporters)
Szafranski, D., NY               Weis, P., IA
Thomas, M., Wa                   Weyers, M., WA
Toulouse, P., NV                   Williams, J., WA
Trammell, J., MT
Skagit Valley YMCA (They were amazing at setting up a collection point for us, thank you to Mary and Jennifer for all they did and continue to do!)
United Methodist Church, Darrington WA & Pastor Sandy for taking in the quilts we brought for the Darrington families.
Wackerman, Louise
Wagnon, J., CO
Des Moines United Methodist Church, WA

Watersedge United Methodist Church, OH
Weathers, Lynn, CO
Gathering Fabric Quilt Shop, WA

**None of these quilters or supporters that have shops or blogs, did this for recognition, they did this because their hearts are huge and filled with compassion. So please, if you have a moment, stop by one or two and thank them for all they do for Layers of Hope - Quilting 911.

Blessings to all of you!

  

Another Beautiful Quilt

I would love to say it has been a hectic week and seriously, it has, the grands finished school for the summer this week, we had a horrible dropping of the ball at grandson's school which had hubby and I just devastated, but we stood our ground and at least showed him how much we love him and believe in him and next year he is doing home schooling with me!

In trying to diagnose my medical situation, my neurologist took me off all my medications and I have been battling more severe tremors, pain so bad at times it brings me to tears, twitches in my arms are more frequent and yesterday, my legs gave out on me four times.

Ahhhh, but there are some wonderful silver linings in this week, such as having the mail carrier deliver this beautiful and fun quilt from Brooke over at Silly Mama Quilts.  It is so fresh and cool looking it just reminds me of watermelon and grapefruit on a hot summer day, refreshing.
If you get a chance, please go over to the Silly Mama Quilts site and see what great work and design that Brooke does, she is amazing and always so generous to Layers of Hope - Quilting 911 and tell her you came via Layers of Hope.

This one came in from Colorado, another generous quilter who just keeps blessing us beyond blessings.
An almost finish for me, which hasn't been easy the past few months.  I started this one and made it with bandana's that someone had sent to me, however, it wouldn't fit in my machine to quilt since I don't own a long arm, so I drew out a quilting pattern and hand quilting every stitch in this over the past month.

 I do love the bright colors and funkiness of this one and it would make for a great extra long twin bed quilt or just anything one would want. You can see there are 2 more squares scrunched up at the bottom of the quilt!
 In these 2, I just tried to capture the hand quilting I did so you could see it.  I do believe at one time my own fingers were pin cushions.  But the quilting is done and now I hope to be able to bind it!
 I can't stop moving, I must keep going and next week I will be busy with girls to band practice for our local parade, one to the Orthodontist to have her impressions done, then to the dentist for cleaning and whatever else she needs.

I just thank God for all of you who keep me inspired everyday!



 

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Good-Bye Zibbet

I have had a Zibbet shop since I believe it opened and I have had fabrics, quilts and a few other things listed and sold a total of three items.

While I gave quick feedback for the buyers, I never got feedback from them and I think when you are selling things, that feedback is important to those looking to purchase from your shop.

I even became a premium member to help with sales, but after almost a year of paying $9.95 a month, I had to search my heart and determine it was not profitable or smart to do so any longer, so I have closed down the Layers of Hope - Quilting 911 Zibbet store.

I still have my Etsy store open, not much in it lately, but I hope to add more when things settle down around here. I have only had one sale on Etsy, but I got great feedback from the buyer and I don't pay $9.95 a month.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

To The Quilter With 5 Quilts, Please Contact Me!

You commented on a post about my needing more male quilts and told me you have someone bringing 5 quilts my way and needed my information.

However, you posted anonymously and I have no way to reach you. I am hoping today, you see this and contact me at:

compassionatequilter@rocketmail.com

I live along I-5 Corridor and can meet person somewhere if they are coming north from Oregon or Vancouver.

If not, they are more than welcome to drop off with Christina and Cynthia at Town Square Fabric and Yarn in Burien at
 just have her drop then off and tell the amazing ladies that they are for Layers of Hope!

Thanks!

Friday, June 6, 2014






'Thank you for my quilt. After volunteering at the Hub yesterday I fell asleep on the couch wrapped in the generosity and love of a caring individual. Thank you for all you do ♡'


This note came from Lisa a volunteer at the Hub that has been doing an amazing job for the families of Oso and those affected by the landslide on both sides.

She received this quilt from us:

I wish I could reach out and hug everyone of you that have reached out and sent quilts to us to deliver to those amazing volunteers, first responders and families of the Oso landslide, but I do know you have a huge piece of my heart!

Please, I AM NOT Ignoring YOU!

So many times I hear over and over from people that they have quilts ready, but I am NOT replying to their emails or comments and that is not the case.

If you post ANONYMOUSLY, I simply have absolutely no way to connect with you, it is just that simple.  I do NOT ignore anyone, I have tried so many times to repeat this mantra and don't know how to get everyone to understand.

If you want me to contact you, send me an email address in your comment such as jane doe at google dot com and I will understand it. If you don't want it published, let me know, I will keep the Email and delete your commnet.

To the quilter who posted they needed my contact information to bring up 5 quilts to the Seattle area, I cannot contact you without a way to do so.

You may contact me via compassionate quilter at rocketmail dot com or you may have your friend drop off the quilts to Town Square Fabric and Yarn in Burien and let Cynthia or Christina know they are for layers of hope.

I am south of Seattle if they are coming from Oregon they will pass my little area and I would gladly meet to pick the quilts up.

The ball is now in your court, as I have no other way than this to contact you! 

Thursday, June 5, 2014

The Hub

Check out the Hub and see what they showed about Layers of Hope
https://www.facebook.com/TheHubforOsoMudslideRelief?hc_location=timeline 

This is such an amazing place of refuge for the families of the Oso landslide!

Sunday, June 1, 2014

There is Still Much Work To Be Done

I try to tell people, that Layers of Hope isn't about me, because plain and simple, it isn't.  It is about those 911 professionals and first responders who during a disaster or tragedy, need comforting as well as the victims and survivors.

It is about the quilting community that reaches out and says, we are 100% behind you and the community that is hurting and then turns around and gives me 200% (yes, I know from a math standpoint, 100% is all I get but from the hearts standpoint, I get more!)

It is about going into these communities and seeing that they didn't cave in, they didn't give up and they were working hard before FEMA the Red Cross or United Way, ever got to them. They remain working hard as these agencies left to take care of other disasters. It is about the love for humanity and yes, I can tell you it still exists and it is amazing!

Just a few of the boxes of quilts we received to pass onto the families, volunteers and first responders of Oso from the first 39 boxes to those that are still coming in, it has been as my granddaughter would say, 'rocking it!'

Opened and counting
Packed and ready to go


What had been great to bless a community has been able to bless my family by showing my grandchildren how important it is to 'give back,' and for them to go to the site of the slide and see it for themselves and to tell others about it!

Trip #1 shot inside van from front to back, minus both back seats!

Trip #2, minus the middle seat and stacked so I could see out this time!
Three trips I have made to the area and thanks to your amazing generosity, we have donated as of yesterday's trip, 376 quilts and 74 handmade fleece blankets and a part of my heart will always be in this little community I had never heard of until tragedy struck.

I mustache you a question. Do we look funny? My two sweet helpers!
This is my granddaughter and her best friend after we had visited the HUB in Arlington and dropped off family quilts and quilts for the volunteers.  They deserved this for getting up at zero dark thirty and having great attitudes!

But, if you want to know how this has affected my granddaughter who took the first trip with me, you should have been a bird in the room yesterday when she was asked by her friend, to tell her why we were there.

Without batting an eye, she stated: 'because our community had a landslide and they really need us to help out and give back.'  Our community? Yes, after being up there several times, after seeing the devastation, after meeting the people and hearing their stories, she in some small way feels a part of the community. After all, isn't that what 'giving back does to people, bring us all together?'  EACH of YOU are now a part of Oso, Arlington and Darrington.

I have met people who have amazed me:
Quilts for the 24 pastors who arrived and stayed to help families and first responders!
For Arlington
Jana Hecla 'Oso Caring'

Quilts for the 911 Center that truly were, 'first on scene!'
For the Firefighters
For Darrington
People like Jana Hecla who have not stopped going since Oso
started and who keep going and tell me, I will rest tomorrow, but for today, there is still work to be done.
To those that don't give up, no matter how unsurmountable the odds, who keep going to make a difference, who 70 days after the devastating landslide are still saying, 'tomorrow I will rest, but today, there is still work to be done.'
For those of you not from Washington, they opened a lane of Highway 530 yesterday, check it out and see how God reached out and blessed a mom!






Tomorrow I will Rest, But Today, There is Work To Be Done


I try to tell people, that Layers of Hope isn't about me, because plain and simple, it isn't.  It is about those 911 professionals and first responders who during a disaster or tragedy, need comforting as well as the victims and survivors.

It is about the quilting community that reaches out and says, we are 100% behind you and the community that is hurting and then turns around and gives me 200% (yes, I know from a math standpoint, 100% is all I get but from the hearts standpoint, I get more!)

It is about going into these communities and seeing that they didn't cave in, they didn't give up and they were working hard before FEMA the Red Cross or United Way, ever got to them. They remain working hard as these agencies left to take care of other disasters. It is about the love for humanity and yes, I can tell you it still exists and it is amazing!

Just a few of the boxes of quilts we received to pass onto the families, volunteers and first responders of Oso from the first 39 boxes to those that are still coming in, it has been as my granddaughter would say, 'rocking it!'
Opened and counting
Packed and ready to go


What had been great to bless a community has been able to bless my family by showing my grandchildren how important it is to 'give back,' and for them to go to the site of the slide and see it for themselves and to tell others about it!

Trip #1 shot inside van from front to back, minus both back seats!

Trip #2, minus the middle seat and stacked so I could see out this time!
Three trips I have made to the area and thanks to your amazing generosity, we have donated as of yesterday's trip, 376 quilts and 74 handmade fleece blankets and a part of my heart will always be in this little community I had never heard of until tragedy struck.

I mustache you a question. Do we look funny? My two sweet helpers!
This is my granddaughter and her best friend after we had visited the HUB in Arlington and dropped off family quilts and quilts for the volunteers.  They deserved this for getting up at zero dark thirty and having great attitudes!

But, if you want to know how this has affected my granddaughter who took the first trip with me, you should have been a bird in the room yesterday when she was asked by her friend, to tell her why we were there.

Without batting an eye, she stated: 'because our community had a landslide and they really need us to help out and give back.'  Our community? Yes, after being up there several times, after seeing the devastation, after meeting the people and hearing their stories, she in some small way feels a part of the community. After all, isn't that what 'giving back does to people, bring us all together?'  EACH of YOU are now a part of Oso, Arlington and Darrington.

I have met people who have amazed me:
Quilts for the 24 pastors who arrived and stayed to help families and first responders!
For Arlington
Jana Hecla 'Oso Caring'

Quilts for the 911 Center that truly were, 'first on scene!'
For the Firefighters
For Darrington

People like Jana Hecla who have not stopped going since Oso
started and who keep going and tell me, I will rest tomorrow, but for today, there is still work to be done.

To those that don't give up, no matter how unsurmountable the odds, who keep going to make a difference, who 70 days after the devastating landslide are still saying, 'tomorrow I will rest, but today, there is still work to be done.'

For those of you not from Washington, they opened a lane of Highway 530 yesterday, check it out and see how God reached out and blessed a mom!