Another Top Complete

Here is another quilt top completed thanks to Pat over at http://www.501quiltblocks.com/
her contribution to this project was the beautiful quilt squares, which made it easy for me to add the borders and strips.

Tomorrow this will get the batting, back and hopefully be quilted and bound.

I love the fact that the orangey red strips and borders bring out the color of the flowers with the blue, so happy I had something in my stash to work with.
 

I Love Collaboration Quilts

I finished this one up this evening. It is collaboration quilt #3. The top and back which a super soft pink flannel were donated by Claudia Pate and I did the quilting, binding and the label!

 

Anyone Having Mailing Issues

I am very concerned that one of the quilters had 2 of her packages come back to her this week and I am praying this is not going to start happening.

I am not sure what the problem is, but it does appear to be a USPS issue.

The first one returned went to the address in Prescott and came back with not at this address or addressee unknown and since I was specifically asked by one of the family members to send this to the fire house, I am quite concerned.

The other went to the firefighters union in LA and came back simply marked undeliverable.  When I called today to get any information my call was routed to automated voice mail.

I have sent several out but not gotten anything back and I am sure you would have said something.

So in case it is just the USPS, please mark your packages with the address I send you exactly as I send it to you. Do not but the family member on the first or second line, it belongs on the bottom with:

ATTN:  For Travis Carter Family or
ATTN: Mary Jones, Joe Jones Mother

Remember, if you have any issues, please let me know!

More Quilts From Brenda and Cumnthia

These are all from 2 quilters, Cynthia and Brenda.

For Captain Joe Woyjeck

 

Wonderful Sherry Westcott and Her Amazing Daughter Mallory

Both of these wonderful people stepped up and adopted an entire family.  Here is the quilt they made for the wife of Travis Turbyfill!

 

Quilt Collaboration for Maddie

Many of you have UFO's laying around and someday you will get to them, I know how many times I said that over a quilt that was in the making for more than six years.

Then there are those of you who love making quilts, but seriously dislike the whole quilting process and make them and donate them to others or are on time constraints.

Whatever the reason you have then laying around, when I sent out an all call several quilters stepped up and said we can send you tops and backs.

The following top and back was sent to me from Claudia Pate of Tennessee, I added the batting, binding, quilting and designed the firefighting shield label!

This will be sent to Maddie Woyjeck, the sister of Kevin Woyjeck! 

Two Beauties from Angel Debra

I just cannot say how blessed I am to know all of you dedicated quilters that are reaching out to these families and how blessed they will be as well.

These are the 2 latest from Debra

What I love is the colors in both of these and that they just say warmth and caring!

These will be heading off when done to the parents of Eric Marsh and Robert Caldwell!  What an amazing blessing!
 

Pictures and Mailings

I just went to the post office and mailed off a package for Oklahoma Tornado victims and a quilt for one of the Granite Mountain families so it is time to ask...

How many of you are close to completing your quilts?  How many have mailed them off and not sent me pictures or let me know?  I have received pictures of tops the past few days that are beautiful and I know those quilts will be complete soon and I have received shipping notices from others letting me know they were mailed.

However, this is when I get a bit nervous as many of you I haven't heard from, haven't received any pictures and not even a note letting me know how you are doing.

Please, check in so I know where we stand.  Whether they are picture ready or not, just tell me you are still working on them. If you mailed them without a picture, let me know that as well!

Once I hear they are mailed and you are finished, I will remove your name from the list unless of course you would like to step up and take another family member as we still have 30 that need adopting!

More Quilts for Granit Mountain Hot Shot Families

Many of you know my wonderful friend Sherry over at http://ificouldsetmysoulfree.blogspot.com/
Sherry is just an amazing talented lady from crocheting to quilting to making dresses and more for weddings and her daughter Mallory is also very creative.

Sherry and Mallory stepped up to take the 2 daughters of Travis Turbyfill and here are their finished quilts!

I am so happy to have so many ladies and families step up and make quilts and send me tops and backs to complete.  But we still have around 32 more to complete.

Please, I am amazed at the generosity of quilters, but I am also appalled at some of the comments I am readings...they have life insurance, they will have more than enough, people are already giving them things, etc..

Wow!! Is this really what we have become?  I know there are others out there in need, but I took on this project because it touches my heart. I see others for cancer patients, preemies, veterans, flood and fire victims.

I say the more they receive the more blessed they are!  So please when you look at these really consider stepping up to help out as Sherry and Mallory and so many others have!

All From One Quilter, Thank You Quilting Angel Bev

Amazing Label from Marilyn

This is just the most awesome idea I have seen for a label for our quilts yet. This is one Marilyn over at North Hills Quilter designed!
How cool is this?

I do NOT have an embroidery machine but for those of you who do, I am sure if you asked, Marilyn would be more than happy to share this with you and you can add it on your quilts as well!

You could also add a more personal label as well. I am not saying you have to make this but for those who want to, I am pretty sure Marilyn wouldn't mind as long as you visit her blog and ask her permission.

Let us all remember that what we see on blogs belongs to the blogger and the designer and just because we like it does not mean we can just use it for our own purposes without asking permission!

 
 

Brendan's Block Reminder

Up to this point, I have only received 3 6.5" blocks and I know many more are coming.

Just a reminder please sign the block with good wishes, a prayer or simply your name and location so he knows people all over the world are praying for him and thinking of him.

Remember, he survived the Yarnell fire when his 19 other team mates perished, we need to let him know we care!

I AM NOT A FAKE!

I am just sickened by the news today that two people actually used the Boston Marathon as a way to gain hundreds of thousands of dollars to be used for their own greed!

What rock do these people crawl out from under? Seriously, faking hospital documents, who does that?  Saying your family member lost their legs while they have been deceased for years?  It turns my stomach!

It also makes it more difficult for me to get quilters to step up because they feel there are so many people doing this, they don't want to trust someone.  I get that, I really do.

Let me assure you, every time something like this happens, I find a contact person or agency in the area and I get busy getting information we need and when I have it, I post it!

These quilts do NOT come to me at all.  I live in Washington state and these quilts are being sent to Prescott, Arizona fire station or in the event I can find a families address where they can be delivered directly to the family, I have them sent there!

The only quilts I receive are the ones that need completion and then they go in the mail and on their way.  What purpose would I have in keeping so many quilts?  

NONE!!  I am NOT a hoarder, not even of fabric, while I have a stash, it isn't a huge one because I have no room to put it. Right now my living room is piled with quilts in progress, quilts needing to be completed and others in boxes going to the mail.

If you send a donation of money, it goes directly to postage, fabric for more quilts, mailing quilts and even to the families if we have anything left.

Please, even I urge caution when donating, but I want you to know this is legit, I would never scam anyone, it isn't in my nature, it against the laws I hold up of humanity and I believe strongly in God's punishments and karma!

If this has been holding you back, please do not let it, we are still desperate for more!

Quilts For Joe Thurston's Family

I just love the fire fighting items on this one! Perfect for one of his sons!

What child doesn't love animals and bright colors?

This back is bright and cheery

Thank you, thank you once again to an amazing quilter Beth Kinder, who has done these!

Beautiful Heart, Beautiful Quilts, Beautiful Brenda for Granite Mountain Hotshots

Brenda and several other quilters have really stepped up and taken on many of the families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots and every time I receive pictures, I just cry!

Here are Brenda's latest beauties!

Quilters are simply amazing!

For Jesse Steed's Wife

This is for Robert Caldwell's Son

For Robert Caldwell's Wife

 I just am totally amazed how much Brenda and others have gotten done while I seem to take forever. 

A Very Beautiful Quilt From Marilyn

Marilyn is a wonderful lady, she teaches school in her spare time, the rest of the time she quilts!  HAHA!!

She stepped up and volunteered to make 2 quilts for Dustin DeFords family and sent me this picture of the almost completed one.

Dustin's family was the largest of the families and we still need 6 more quilts so everyone will receive one.

I see lots of people saying they are finishing UFO's, would love to see someone step up and volunteer one of those well loved and hard worked on for a member of this family!

Kevin Woyjeck Laid To Rest

Fire Fighter Kevin Woyjeck was laid to rest yesterday. You will see his dad Captain Joe Woyjeck of LA County fire speaking and then his sister Maddie and Brother Bobby!

The one thing Bobby asks is that we NOT forget Kevin. I want to remind us all to please NOT forget any of them at all!  We still have 35 quilts that need to be made.

We still have family members needing quilts that have not been adopted.  Lets not allow these families to get forgotten! Please lets not fall into the category that someone else took care of this, they will have enough already, I can't make perfect quilts.  Lets reach out to them because through their sons, husbands, father's they gave so much to us!

Maybe you would just like to send a card:

Cards and letters may be mailed to:
 Los Angeles County Firefighters Local 1014 at 3460 Fletcher Ave. El Monte, CA. 91731. 
Write "Attention: Kevin Woyjeck Family" on the envelope.

Bobby Woyjeck, center, brother of deceased firefighter Kevin Woyjeck, holds an axe with his brother's name engraved on it during funeral services for Woyjeck at Christ Cathedral on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, in Garden Grove, Calif. Woyjeck was among 19 firefighters who were killed while battling an Arizona wildfire on June 30. (Pool Photo / AP Photo/ Jae C. Hong)

From Hawaii to Montana

Rickey from Hawaii is making this beautiful quilt for the parents of Dustin DeFord, how wonderful that it is going to a place of cold and snow from a place of sunshine and beaches!

This is the top only, I now it will warm their hearts!

I am so thankful to quilters all over the world and so many that continually step up when I ask such as Rickey, Marilyn, Deb, Debbie, Brenda, Pat C. and Pat W.

All of you have my hearts!

The Best Laid Plans

I had hoped to get on and check in with all of you to see where you stand in your quilts as it has been quiet and I haven't seen but a few pictures lately.

However, since Sunday, by back has been acted very horrible and causing me spasms and the worse pain ever.  Not sure what is happening, but I know something is.

Anyway if you have any completed quilts, please remember to send me pics!

Another Quilt Completed and Headed Home Today

This is the quilt I put together for John Percin Jr.'s brother Bobby thanks to the wonderful donation of the quilt top from Pat West over at 501Quilt Blocks, all I had to do was add a back, binding and do some quilting!

When I saw this green and blue fleece it just whispered to me, this is what Oregon looks like, this is the green trees the Granite Mountain Hotshots were protecting and since John's family lives near Portland, I knew this was befitting a young man.

I did some stitching between the squares and was pleased with the outcome on the back and added the blue binding to complement the front.

I can't thank all of you enough for reaching out and donating.

We still have more pictures I need to receive, I am still waiting to hear about more being sent out and we desperately still need 35 more quilts!

Please if you can't send a quilt, please consider donating a few dollars that will be used for postage.  This week alone, I have 3 boxes that need to go out and I know others that are sending 2, 3 or more.

Donations For Layers of Hope

I want to step up here and say first and foremost if you donate to Layers of Hope right now, I am NOT set up as a non-profit organization, so if you are looking just for a tax write off I would recommend donating to one of the many wonderful charitable organizations out there.

Layers of Hope - Quilting 911 is NOT just for Aurora, Newtown, Prescott, I am here to help all police/fire/emergency telecommunication operators and other emergency based personnel where I see a need.

This is just an option for the many that have been stopping by and letting me know they want to help but they don't quilt, sew, crochet or knit.

So, I have set up a donation button through Paypal on this site to give you a chance to donate if you feel so led!

More Quilts and Quilt Tops For Granite Mountain Families

Made by Beth for Joe Thurston's son

Made by Beth for Joe Thurston's Mom

Made by me for Amanda Misner, the fabrics match the one for her son Jaxon's quilt

Back of Amanda's Quilt

Made by Me for Baby Jaxon

A Widow's Heart

A Widow's Heart

This beautiful quilt was made by Beth for the widow of Granite Mountain Hotshot Joe Thurston, Marcena and I know she is going to love it!

I love the colors and I love that the heart just seems to leap off the quilt. I know it will bring her comfort for many years to come.

Beth, you are an amazing woman!

So Blessed To Know So Many Wonderful Quilters

I received a large box in the mail today and imagine my tears rolling down my face as I opened it to find this. It is a completely finished quilt top which means I only have to finish the back and add the batting!

As the tv pitch shows go...'BUT WAIT! That isn't all!' Because inside was all of these wonderful completed blocks which will allow me to make quilts for those others in need!

Trust me when I tell you these stacks have many more than 2 or 3 blocks in them. They were part of Pat's 501 blocks and I just cannot wait to see what they turn into!

If you don't know Pat, stop by her blog and see some of the amazing work she does and thank her for this wonderful gift to bless others! 
http://www.501quiltblocks.com/2013/07/15-minute-challenge.html

God' Miracles

In lieu of what has happened with 19 men perishing and their families and the lone survivor left with questions we cannot answer, I thought reposting this from my dear friend Wendy B. might give some us a bit of peace knowing God is in control!

This is Awesome!
How Great is our God!!!
Our Creator and Redeemer . . . and do we THINK about it ??? God's accuracy may be observed in the hatching of eggs.. . . . .
For example: -the eggs of the potato bug hatch in 7 days;
-those of the canary in 14 days;
-those of the barnyard hen in 21 days;
-The eggs of ducks and geese hatch in 28 days;
-those of the mallard in 35 days;
-The eggs of the parrot and the ostrich hatch in 42 days.
(Notice, they are all divisible by seven, the number of days in a week!)

God's wisdom is seen in the making of an elephant.
The four legs of this great beast all bend forward in the same direction. No other quadruped is so made. God planned that this animal would have a huge body, too large to live on two legs. For this reason He gave it four fulcrums so that it can rise from the ground easily.

The horse rises from the ground on its two front legs first. A cow rises from the ground with its two hind legs first. How wise the Lord is in all His works of creation!

God's wisdom is revealed in His arrangement of sections and segments, as well as in the number of grains.

-Each watermelon has an even number of stripes on the rind.
-Each orange has an even number of segments.
-Each ear of corn has an even number of rows.
-Each stalk of wheat has an even number of grains.
-Every bunch of bananas has on its lowest row an even number of bananas, and each row decreases by one, so that one row has an even number and the next row an odd number.

-The waves of the sea roll in on shore twenty-six to the minute in all kinds of weather.

-All grains are found in even numbers on the stalks, and the Lord specified thirty fold, sixty fold, and a hundred fold all even numbers.

God has caused the flowers to blossom at certain specified times during the day. Linnaeus, the great botanist, once said that if he had a conservatory containing the right kind of soil, moisture and temperature, he could tell the time of day or night by the flowers that were open and those that were closed!

The lives of each of you may be ordered by the Lord in a beautiful way for His glory, if you will only entrust Him with your life. If you try to regulate your own life, it will only be a mess and a failure. Only the One Who made the brain and the heart can successfully guide them to a profitable end.

I HOPE YOU FIND THIS AS FASCINATING AS I DID. May God Bless You In Ways You Never Even Dreamed. I didn't think twice about forwarding this one.

The Bible
When you carry "the Bible", Satan has a headache, when you open it, he collapses, when he sees you reading it, he loses his strength, AND when you stand on the Word of God, Satan can't hurt you! And did you also know... 

A Quilt On Its Way Home

This is one from Lynn to the Carter Family and I love the pops of color and pillowcase. The colors everyone is choosing for these families are so bright I know they will bring comfort for many years to come!

Granite Mountain Hotshot Family Quilt Updates 7/31 Still Need 25 More

First my apologies as it appears several have sent me Emails or blog posts and I didn't respond to them, then I discover that for some reason, Google has decided to send my mail to a Gmail account I rarely check.

Secondly, if you have been given one of these family members and I do not show it, please let me know ASAP. We have had people change to several families, others have requested to not have the one assigned and take on someone else, still others keep taking on more and more.

I cannot say it enough, you are all awesome.

The Following Families have been completely adopted and I can't wait to show the quilt pictures when I get them:

1. Eric Marshes Family adopted!
2. Jesse Steed's Family adopted!
3. Travis Turbyfill's Family adopted!
4. Anthony Rose's Family adopted!
5. Robert Caldwell's wife and children adopted!
6. Andrew Ashcraft's wife and children adopted! **Still have other family members needing adopting!**
7. Joe Thurston's mom and family adopted! 
8. John Percin Jr.'s Family adopted! 
9. Grant McKee's Family Adopted!
10. Scott Harris's Family and girlfriend adopted! 
11. Clayton Whitted Family Adopted! 
12. Wade Parker Family Adopted!

Here are the family members I have left:
1-Chris Mackenzie's:

• Brother Aaron
• Stepmom Janice Mackenzie 
• Stepsisters Janae Gier and Jill Allison

2- Sean Misner's Family

• Parents Ronald and Tammy Misner (I may have assigned them to someone but have no record)
• Sister Steffie **Adopted by Teri D**

3-Billy Warneke's Family

• Mom Kathie Purkey
• Dad Harry Warneke
• Sister Melinda Warneke
• Brother Fred
• Brother David
• Half Sister Victoria Purkey
• Grandparents Jack and Nancy Warneke

4-Kevin Woyjeck's Family

• Sister 16 year old Maddie **Adopted by Quilting Ranny/Claudia Pate**
•  Brother 19 year old Bobby **Adopted by Teri D**
• Mom Anna

5-Dustin DeFord's Family (His is the largest)

• Sister Becky (DeFord) King
• Brother Kenton DeFord
• Brother Stephen DeFord
• Brother Nathaniel DeFord
• Sister Rebecca DeFord
• Sister Heidi DeFord **Adopted by Quilting Ranny and Pat West**

6- Travis Carter's Family

• Dad Tripp Carter
• Mom Glenna Eckel
• Sister Melissa Lange

7- Garret Zuppinger's Family

• Dad Bryan

8- Andrew Ashcraft's Family

• Mom Deborah Pfingston
• Dad Thomas Ashcraft
• Brother TJ
• Sister Laura Pfingston

In addition to those that have already been adopted, I have several quilts being mailed to me to put together and when they arrive I will determine which family member they go to.

I am hopeful this is the last update we will need with the exception of saying mailed and showing pictures. Bless you all as you truly are amazing angels!
 

Latest Update on Quilt Needs

First and foremost let me say I am so thankful and grateful to all of those who have stepped up and said yest, they will make quilts, please know you are such a blessing to the families and to me.  

Second, I want you to know I have also adopted several of the family members and have spent most of the past week between my sewing machine and my computer making sure everyone gets a quilt and that my friends is where it gets complicated.

I cannot tell you who to make the quilt for if you have decided to make it for someone else and I understand those people who know some of the men and have worked with some of them wanting to take those and I say quilt where your heart leads you.

However, if you ask me for a family and then come back and tell me you want a different one, I can only tell you that many of the families are already adopted and all of the children are, but if you absolutely want to make them another one, I cannot stop you from going where your heart leads you, but I want you to think about perhaps also making a quilt for the original family you were assigned.

If you cannot do this, I understand, but my keeping everyone assigned does get a bit sticky at that time when I am pulling you off another family member.

I am NOT the boss, a bully or a leader, I am the facilitator nothing more and nothing less and I facilitate so everyone receives at least one quilt.  Please know I am just helping ensure we get everyone covered so one family doesn't wind up with 50 and another family nothing.

Here are the family members I have left:

Dustin Deford - 8 siblings

Travis Carter - His wife Krista **Thank you Pat!**

Scott Norris - Heather his girlfriend

Wade Parker - Alicia his fiancee and his dad Captain Wade Parker Chino Valley Fire Department **Taken by Carmen a neighbor!**

Garrett Zuppinger - Dad Bryan

Eric Marsh - His Parents

Chris Mackenzie - His mom Lauri

Grant McKee - His dad G. Scott McKee, Fiancee Leah Fine and his grandparents

If there is someone here I assigned you and has already been taken thank you, just let me know!

Beautiful and Bright Quilt For the Ashcraft Family

Thank you to Christine for this second very bright and beautiful quilt for the Ashcraft family, they both are so amazing!

Thank you!

We Have One Left, Lets Make It The Best

I would like each of you that can't make a full quilt to think about making me a 6 1/2" square and sign it with something for the one firefighter who was left behind!

Granite Mountain Hotshot Brendan McDonough was the only survivor. I would like to compile a quilt for him made from squares from each of you and put it all together.

I think having them signed with well wishes, prayers and your name and where you are from will do a lot to help him get through this most horrible of days.

So, if you can't make a full quilt, if you are from another country this will be light to mail and quick and easy to make and I will assemble every square and quilt it and get it to him.

I would love to have all these in by end of August!

My Quilt For An Unborn Child

This is the quilt I am sending out along with one for the mom with matching fabrics that isn't quite done yet and the book, 'Good Night Moon.'

My Quilt For An Unborn Child

This is the quilt I made for one of the families expecting a child. I will be sending it along with a quilt for mom in matching fabrics and the book, 'Good Night Moon.'

First Picture of a Firefighters Son's Quilt

This one comes from Christine out of Texas for one of the families. What a wonderful quilt complete with firetrucks!

I can't wait to see more!

Thank You All, We are Desperate for Adult Quilts!

Thank you to everyone who is stepping up to make these quilts from the co-worker who worked side by side with 2 of these amazing men, to the woman who came into contact with one of the wives as a waitress, to the lady in Phoenix who is stepping up because this hit so close to home!

I cannot say it enough, you are blessing these families, you are amazing and I am so grateful you cannot imagine!  Thank you isn't enough but it is all I have!

We are in need for quilts for the adults, we still have wifes, moms, dads and siblings that are in need.  Please know we are doing this for immediate family members first...spouses, children, parents, siblings and then grandparents, aunts, uncles if they had no other family.

Please continue to post this information to facebook and your blogs, twitter, etc.  I cannot do this alone, you cannot do this alone, but together we can do this!

Blessings to You All!

From head, to heart to hand, I quilt for those in need!

Jean

To Help Keep Things Flowing

To help keep things flowing a bit smoother and so everyone won't be confused, as soon as I am notified a quilt or quilts have been placed in the mail for a family or family member, I will be removing them from the site, so all you will see is who needs quilts.

I have gotten lots of information over the past few days on these men and their families and it is so appreciated.  However, we are making quilts for immediate family members only...parents, spouses and children.

If they were not married or had any children, we will make for grandparents and others.

Thank you all!

Deadline for Quilts is...

It would be really nice if all the quilts could be sent in by the end of August.  That way we can ensure everyone has one and move onto the next need.

I have people adopting family members but please look at the list as their are more than 1 family member or child and only 1 of those in some of the families have been adopted.

We simply cannot leave the children to think they are not good enough to get a quilt while their siblings are.  We must all step up and leave no one unquilted!

I know so many of you and yet, only a very small fraction of quilters I know have stepped up.  Please, don't wait, step up now!

Firefighters Returning Home

This is why I do what I do! I may be retired but these men are still in many ways part of my family after years of working with police officers and firefighters!  Please, give a quilt from your heart!

Giving, What Kind Of Giver Are You?

Maybe this post should read what type of saver are you?
Admit it, we all have our own style of saving and giving and if you don't believe me, just open up your quilting area and see how much you have saved!  

I give to a few favorite charities throughout the year that I feel very close to:

1. Deborah Heart Institute out of Toms River, NJ for without them many years ago, I would not be here today!
2. Shriner's Hospitals for without them, my oldest son would be crippled.
3. St. Judes Children's Hospital, no other reason than it is for children and they do amazing work!
4. Angel Tree Ministries for prisoners and their children because they make a difference in the lives of adults and children.
5. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, not only of my time, but donation during the year besides popcorn and cookies!
6. VFW...my uncle,cousin,dad, hubby, best friend, nephew, etc. have all served and there are many more I may never know but they need our help!

Those are my biggies and then there is my quilt ministry or charity whatever you want to call it, but I feel it is a calling on my heart to give back to those who have lost all!

Recently, my counselor asked me why I do it. Do What is what, is what I wanted to know.  Give, you give and give and after all you have been through in your life and are going through now, why do you give?

Because it is what I am supposed to do.  I can't help everyone, I can't even help my own son who is homeless and doesn't want anyone's help, but I can give to those in need.

So, what kind of giver are you?

Are you a bag person?  You work and yet you spend so much on your own wants and needs that when it comes time to giving, your bag is empty as if it has holes in it?

Are you a bin person?  What quilter isn't a bin person up to a point? A bin person is someone who keeps saving everything in case of an emergency, in case there is a need and yet, there are needs all around and they can't open their eyes and see it, all they see is they may need whatever is in their bin someday so they kind of hoard it with closed eyes to what is going on around them.

Are you a basket person? A basket person is someone who says, I have this, let me use it to make someone else's life a bit better, let me bless them with my hands and my heart and you know what?  Their basket somehow is never empty. People just seem drawn to give these type of givers the things they need without them asking so they always have something to give!

Are you a barn person? These are the givers who when the call goes out for a need, they already have it. If you need quilts, they have 10 ready to go. If you need food, they have an extra chest freezer for those in need, if you need your wood chopped, they will not only come up and chop what you need, they will chop enough to keep you going for awhile. These are the ones during a crisis are always prepared.

Me?  I am between a basket and a barn person.  I give quilts and make quilts when there is a need but I never have extras though I keep trying to save them up.  I am the one during an emergency that has extra batteries, a generator, food and supplies.  Right now, I am looking for an excellent condition working treadle machine should the power go out, I will still have a means to work on quilts.

No matter what type of giver you are or I am, we all know we can do a bit better.  Bag people need to start putting their house in order and stop living for their needs and wants alone and save up!  Bin people need to realize they should use their stash or their skills and it will come back to them, if they do not what good will these things do when they are gone? Basket people realize it is better to give than to receive! Barn people need to know there are others that will step up and help keep that barn full!

May we all live with the notion there is always someone, somewhere in more need than ourselves and be willing to reach out to them!  I promise the reward will be so worth it!

From Head , To Heart, To Hands, I Quilt

Jean

We Still Need 30 People To Step Up

I see your beautiful quilts, I read all of your wonderful stories and I know many of you have UFO's laying around and other quilts you just don't know what to do with.

Please, if you have a top you aren't going to finish or have no time to finish, send it to me, I will get it completed and off to one of these grieving family members!

I know it is summer, there are family vacations, reunions, you just want to take it easy and I really do understand.  What I do not understand is why it is always the same people that step up to help in these causes while I know you are an amazing quilter and can reach out to help.

Many of you have felt like I have in the past:

1. My quilts are not good enough to send to anyone. Let me assure you I have heard from those who receive these quilts and never have I been told the quilt they received wasn't good enough!  They said it made a difference, it warmed their spirit!
2. I don't have the money for the postage.  Well, I have an anonymous donor who has pledged up to a certain amount in postage, so that isn't a hindrance anymore!
3. Someone else will step up before I do. Really? Is that why I am still asking for 30 quilters?  Or 15 to do 2 quilts each or however many it takes to get this done!
4. I heard another organization has this covered. They may, but they may not as well!
5. My quilts are too valuable to give away. Those who lost their lives fighting fires didn't think they were to valuable to reach out and help others and their families while grieving, know they died doing what they loved.  Give from your heart!
6. It takes to much work?  I am NOT asking to send huge quilts unless your heart tells you to do so, I am asking for lap sized for the children and a bit larger than lap sized for the adults.
7. I don't know the fabric to use. I would back these in flannel or fleece or use a heavy batting, Prescott and the area gets cold in the fall and winter time.
8. How do I now you aren't keeping these quilts for yourself?  These quilts DO NOT come to me, they go directly to the firehouse for families. I live in Washington and the address is in Arizona and we have an address in Montana.  Unless it is a quilt that needs finishing, they go directly to Arizona!
9. I don't know what they like, the colors, etc.. I don't think it matters. I am currently making 2 baby quilts, 1 is an owl and the other has crazy fish on it, they are cute and unisex, that is what matters, but your heart into it and that is what matters!
10. I don't get a tax deduction.  All I can tell you is that I am working on this very slow process and I have sent the paperwork off to at least register with the State of Washington Secretary of State Charities Program, but even that takes time and doesn't make me a non-profit, it just makes me a registered charity that makes less than $5000 per year.

For those of you who have stepped up, my heart is filled with love and gratitude and many thanks. Each time someone steps up, my eyes fill with tears and I smile at the love you all have!