Spring Festival Recap

What worked and what didn't I think is going to be the theme.

I'll start with what didn't, it is the shorter of the two lists.
The 2014 QOVF Pins - Taking into consideration this was not a quilter's event but an event full of other crafts the sale of pins was not considered to be a mover and shaker. It wasn't. I even tried giving them away to folks that made donations of $5 or more. No takers.

What did work...everything else

Sign Up Sheet - for attending QOV Sew Ins. We pulled in 29 new Names, phone numbers and emails that all had an interest in sewing for QOV. Almost all were experienced quilters and a few new to quilting but wanted to be more involved.

Brouchures, Pattern Sheet and Bare Bones Handouts - Huge success. Generated a lot of interest in QOVF, what it does and how it does it. I'm betting Elaine will get some request from this. The pattern was a big hit with sewers that don't quilt. Very interested in making blocks sending to Elaine and having them made into quilts. The Basic Requirements (Bare Bones) also drew interest. I would say the majority went to quilters or friends of quilters that didn't know just exactly how to go about making a QOV. They know now as well as the friends were going to pass them on to others they knew that had the same questions.

Thank You Cards - We got 50 cards completed. Some were from the kids but the majority were adults. It was nice to see.

Raffle Quilt - We sold 150 tickets for Moon Over Miami. Elaine was quite pleased. The Winner was drawn at 4 PM on Sunday. She happen to still be in the building so we were able to get her photo. Pat C. was very excited. She was thinking of using it for a new grand baby's crib. That was until Elaine mentioned it had a sleeve for hanging. The baby will be getting something else. If time allows we will get another raffle quilt in the works.

Donations - We took in $148 in donations. We were very pleased. Not sure how that would work out. We were going to 'stuff' the container on the first day. It had like $10 in it before Elaine got to it. Too cool. Next time we set up we will eliminate the "pin" verbiage and the "check" information and elaborate more on the cash donation opportunities they have while visiting our booth.

Photo Display - As shown below, far left. We will be increasing the size from 4X6 to at least 5X7. We have another display board we will be using for more photos. They drew a lot of interest.

We had some candy as well...Thanks Marianne. That lasted about an hour and a half. We went out an bought some to finish the other 2.75 days. There was a candy vendor several booths from us. He was selling his stuff for $30 a pound. Yours cleaned his clock. He didn't have one piece with the Eagle, Globe and Anchor on it. What a dud. 

Visitors - A lot. When she wasn't sewing on the Red Eye she was talking. And there was a lot of talking. We even got some help from Susan. She is in one of the Bees Elaine belongs to and was a tremendous asset. You'll find this particular Bee to be very QOVF active. 

The talking with the Festival attendees will go down as our biggest success. There are several hundred, probably more, that now know about QOVF. Our opening line when someone walked up was, "Are you familiar with Quilts of Valor?" I have to admit the number of "No's" was shocking. We are the home of the largest Naval Base on this Earth, a Master Jet Base, Oceana,  minutes from Langley Air Force Base and numerous other installations including the home of Seal Team 6. Their gonna know now...them not knowing was a huge motivator. 

More sewing and more talking...led to some very rewarding contacts. 

Elaine made two exceptional contacts. One was the Branch Manager of the Norfolk Public Library, Little Creek Branch. You know the one across the street from the home of Seal Team 6. She has offered use of the Conference Facility for Sew Ins and other events we may like to put on there. 

The other was quite a shock. She knew about us (QOVF) but hadn't met anyone that was associated with QOVF. She was more excited than Elaine about QOVF and that's hard to be. She wants us to set up booths just like this one several times a year in her little facility. Lynn is the Service Operations Manager for the Navy Exchange (NEX) on that little base I mentioned, you remember, the largest Naval Base on this planet. And wouldn't you know it, one of her bestest of buddies is the NEX Service Operations Manager on that Master Jet Base. Well don't that beat all. Darn the luck. 

So to say we had a good week end is like thinking the ice visible above the water line is all there is to an iceberg. We didn't have a good week end...we had a fantastic, humongous and exceptionally rewarding week end. I guess it was just your standard QOVF week end when all is said and done. Of course I'm not done...

It was a success, huge success but it wasn't just Elaine's planning and execution. She had some help from some very special people. Yes they are associated with QOVF. Elaine spent some time on the phone with both Betsy P and Marianne E. Their input, experience, willingness to share falls into the Master Card category of PRICELESS. 

Lastly, but most certainly not the least of importance at all.,we made a presentation to a WWII veteran, Ernest. No pictures as we have not received them. Naturally it was special, they all are. But in this case it was the grandfather of the EMG Manager, Steve, that runs the Festival. Well not only did the grandfather not know he was getting awarded a Quilt of Valor, but neither did the grandson. Steve's Event Director, Denise was Elaine's contact. Elaine explained what we did during their numerous phone conversations. Well Denise, in passing, ask Steve if his grandfather was a veteran. He confirmed he was and that was it. All about a month ago. So when he escorted his grandfather to our booth under Denise's direction when we went into the presentation he was as shocked as his grandfather. Steve would come by later to tell us his grandfather was a little 'lighter in step' for the rest of the day. And you could tell Steve was too. Go ahead ask us...Why do we QOV? 

Quilt till you wilt...we do. 

Another Great Quilt's of Valor Day

Any day that we have the opportunity to award a Quilt of Valor is a good day. But just like some steak dinners are good, others are great. This was a Saturday that falls into that great category.
We started Saturday at Station 10 in Hampton, VA. The son of one of our friends and fellow guild member, Diane B., works out of this Station. His service was with the US Army. His tours would have him serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo.

The Ladder Truck, Squad and Engine had been moved out for daily cleaning and maintenance so we took up the Bay. Looking on were Joshua's coworkers, his mother, wife, brother and friends as I read the presentation message. We moved outside with the equipment to get a couple of photo's.

Me, Elaine, Joshua and his mom Diane.

Okay so I had a pretty good time. What kid could resist an offer to climb up on a Ladder Truck. Certainly not this one.

Just having too much fun. And it's like only 9:00 in the AM.














From here we would be headed back to the Hampton Convention Center and day three of the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Fest. As a result of this years event and being in the right place at the right time I got to meet two fellow Marines. As it turned out with Peter M. we had quite a few similarities in life. Marines, month and year of birth, Vietnam, same places, same time, different units. We both have a brother named David, we both are retired law enforcement, he NYPD while I spent a career with the CHP. While members of our respective departments we became involved in training and spent time at our Academies as instructors. And the unknown crossing of paths for these two 19 year old Marines, that would be three before the show was over, would cross again 48 years later. Pete and I got a pretty good laugh out of this crossing.
Pete, "Would you have guessed 30 years ago we would be involved in quilting?"
Me, "Not in a million years."
Pete was working the streets of New York and I the highways of Los Angeles 30 years ago and I can assure you quilting was not in our vocabulary.
Also roaming the halls of the Mid Atlantic Quilt Fest, the one managed by Pete's company, was Jose C. Jose had made the Marine Corps his career for 30 years, not only would he find himself in harm's way in Vietnam but Iraq as well. He was now working as a Technician for one of our local Quilt Shops and was doing duty in one of the many classrooms, diligently watching over the many quilters and machines to keep things running smoothly. That's what Marines do. It would be on the first day of the show that he, I and Pete would meet up. I had met Pete the day before. As it turned out Jose was also in Vietnam at the same time. I don't even want to try and figure out the odds of three Marines, serving in Vietnam at the same time in different units hooking up 48 years later at a Quilt Show. But it happened. So what is Marine suppose to do.
Improvise, adapt and overcome. Not to mention scramble to get two quilts ready for an impromptu and very surprising Award. With the help of Pete's brother David we were able to get Pete into Jose's classroom just prior to the classes lunch break. We had told Pete we were presenting a Quilt of Valor to Jose and it would really be good if he and his wife could make it by. They did. I would be lying through my teeth if I didn't say this was the absolutely hardest time I've had trying to keep it together for any Award. I made it, barely. It was capped off with Pete saying, "I'll cherish this forever." Go ahead...Ask Me Why I QOV.

Some of the onlookers. The lady kneeling in the center of the photo was the class instructor and key to all of this coming together. Her allowing us some of her class time goes in that priceless category.

To my left Peter M. and Jose C. Two Marines I've known a lifetime that I met over the last two days. If that doesn't make sense just chalk it up to it's a Marine thing.

I'm here to tell you this was special...I personally know the quilters that crafted these and I longarmed them both. It made it all the more special that I had something to do with the making of these quilts.
Are they all special. Yes each and everyone. Do some come along that pull just a little harder on the heart. Yes, yes they do.


Quilt till you wilt...we do.

Longarming and Ergonomics

Once again a topic has developed on one of the groups I participate in and it involves something I think should be shared here. In our case we use an Innova Longarm by ABM International, our choice. But based on seeing other machines being used and using other machines I think my thoughts are worth sharing. If it helps one longarmer get just a little more comfort while using their machine then I know it was worth sharing. Think about it. The machine comes with numerous features that are adjustable...adjust it to fit you.

My wife, in a former life, was a Health, Safety and Risk Manager for years. One of her recognized fields of expertise was Ergonomics. PantoVison and the machine design were a factor in her final decision as which machine to purchase. That and my temper tantrums because standing behind the power tool was just plain silly to me. Simply stated...if tension develops while using the machine in your wrists, forearms, elbow or shoulder joints and you get fatigued quickly while longarming it is improperly adjusted for your height and physical characteristics. I can quilt, and have, for eight hours without any fatigue in my neck, upper torso, arms, wrists or hands. My old knees take a beating. That's what Ibuprofen is for. I think my knees are 20 years older than I am. It may take some time to find the right adjustments that suit your particular needs. But being relaxed, longarming without the worry of stiffness or soreness while doing it is so much more enjoyable. Take the time to find your comfort level. The attached photo depicts some of the characteristics of the ergonomic positions that keep me relaxed when quilting.
Forearms relatively parallel to the floor
Arms are relaxed and hanging freely from the shoulders.
Wrists are relaxed, straight and without tension due to a light fingertip control of the handles.
The upright posture keeps pressure off my lower back and the screen height has been adjusted so as not to create tension in my neck. (I've never done a paper panto but I'm assuming the constant looking down could be a pain in the neck.)
Hopefully you can see the difference between the relaxed operating posture of the one photo (sleeveless) and the one (with sleeves) where I am stooped over, neck tensed up with at death grip on the handles. One is just looking for muscle and joint problems that will lead to being fatigued quickly, not to mention sore. The other is going to make my time at the machine effortless, enjoyable and wondering where the time went.
That's not to say I'm not going to have a tension headache. But that's what the Towa Gauge is for.
The wireless headset...ZZ Top, Led Zeppllin, Queen, Madison Rising, Who, Rush, Dead Can Dance, Cream, it's a long list, mostly dealing with Rock, be it classical, alternative, or 21st Century. Like someone once said...
"Hot funk, cool punk, even if it's old junk
It's still rock and roll to me"

PantoVision and Innova

This morning as I was going through my email, Yahoo and Google Groups routine I came across several interesting comments on one of the Yahoo Groups I participate in. They were basically discussions about PantoVision, patterns, free motion quilting and artistic talent. In one comment it was mentioned the writer practiced her skills on charity quilts, 'several of her own and QOV's' I made the following observations.

I will admit to enjoying some of the rhetoric about what has become a passion for me. I am not quite what is considered the norm when associated with quilting, quilters and longarms. So from my perspective, a man, a Marine, a Vietnam combat veteran, a retired law enforcement officer, wood worker, a PantoVision Trainer and an Executive Staff Member of the Quilts of Valor Foundation, who has the free hand, free motion and artistic talents of an ostrich; I give you this.
My wife, when longarming is using a 22" Innova with the Standard Stitch Regulator and PantoVision on a 12' Table. I on the other hand am using a power tool connected to a pattern delivery device that is transmitted via a Samsung Computer Tablet operating Windows 7 sitting atop an aluminum erected structure and rail system for X and Y Axis maneuverability. It is because of the pattern delivery system, PantoVision, that I am now referred to as a longarmer. If ABM hadn't brought pantos into the 21st Century I'm listening to Elaine longarm from the Man Cave while I watch golf, rugby and football. And she would probably be doing it on a Gammill. I'm not certain but I think throwing five year old temper tantrums when she was leaning towards Gammill may have influenced her decision to buy the Innova. That and an ABM employee and a new and first dealer in Virginia helped.
As previously stated, I am not an artist. Not in a former life, not now, not ever. My artistic talents involve tracing, copy and paste and asking Elaine to draw it. So PantoVision is the tool I use to transfer the artwork of someone else, in my case two favorites being Jessica Schick and Dave Hudson, to cloth instead of wood. I also have an array of rulers and devices that I attach to the foot that allows me to maintain some resemblance of consistency when quilting circles, straight lines and diagonals if needed. For those I thank Teryl Loy in Utah. But PantoVision is the main system I will use until I can't longarm anymore. I think I have become quite proficient. So here is my take.
Using Panto has absolutely nothing to do with following the line. You follow the pattern. The problems, the frustrations and the dissatisfaction with the results you see on your quilt is directly related to following the line. There is no need to follow the line. Free motion quilters have the ability to relay what they see in their head to the needle and onto the sandwich; there is no line to follow. PantoVision gives me on the screen what I can't see in my head, a pattern to follow. Your trouble begins when you try to 'follow the line. Try it...load any pattern that has straight lines. It is a guarantee you'll get off the line and try to get back on it and the next thing you know you have waving lines or lines that look like lightning bolts. You don't have to stay on the line you just need to follow the pattern and what is relayed to the sandwich will be a nice smooth line of stitching of the pattern. Which is what you're trying to do, what the free motion quilter does. Put a pattern of stitching on the quilt. Trust me on this.
Regarding PanotVision that's all for now...If you've gotten this far I have taken a lot of your time and I apologize. Those that know me know I get a tad bit wordy. Oh but I do have one more thing.
A Quilt of Valor is not now, not ever, never has been nor will they ever be 'charity quilt'. The last thing the men and women that deserve the Award of a Quilt of Valor need is charity. The Quilts of Valor Foundation provides comfort and healing for the service members and veterans who have been touched by war. Please don't forget that.

Go ahead...ask me again. Why I QOV?

Quilt till you wilt...we do...

All Right...Back Off...

Of course I know it is February. I am well aware the last entry was in January. No, I have absolutely no  idea where the time goes. I am as confused as anyone. I know this...in the 67+ years I've been around I've never wanted Spring more than I do right now. I want Spring a lot more than I want the next electric bill that's for sure. How the folks that live in the Northern half of this country, that which is usually above the jet stream, take this year after year I'll never know.
Here is a little known fact. When we lived in Coffeyville, KS we were hit with a Tornado. My mother told my dad, "Pack it up we are moving." We moved to California. At one point we lived in the town of Banning, a desert area not far from Palm Springs. It snowed...they claimed it was a 100 year storm. My mother told my dad, "Pack it up we are moving." Now we were in Southern California where the earth literally moves. Apparently that didn't bother her. Or she realized there was no where left. Oh,we went to Kansas after leaving Florida...apparently they have hurricanes in the area. And for the record, I was born in D.C.. I can only assume the move to Florida resulted from a snow storm.
Earlier this month we attended the opening of the Quilts of Valor Exhibit, Wartime Quilting: Past to Present. The Opening Ceremony was at the Defense Health Headquarters (DHHQ) in Falls Church, VA. The Exhibit will remain there for three months before being transferred to it's next location. The coordinator for this was handled by one of the QOVF Volunteers out of Maryland. Marianne has set the bar so high that a fire department ladder truck is going to be required for the next person organizing a QOVF Event. I'm serious, the display, logistics, facility, personnel coordination from coast to coast, after ceremony activities, the snacks...you name it. I mean we are at a military facility and she saw to it that the chocolate candy had a branch of service emblem on them. I'm eating a piece of chocolate, saying Ooh Rah, eating a piece of chocolate, saying Ooh Rah. I'm lucky someone didn't show up with one of those long sleeved white jackets with those accenting leather straps.

E

Elaine and I, as well as another Quilts of Valor Volunteer and the Executive Director and Director Awarded Quilts of Valor as part of the Opening Ceremony. The Retired Marine Colonel that Elaine Awarded to served during Vietnam and the Marine Staff Sgt. I awarded to had a list of accomplishments from two tours in Afghanistan. 

So we have had a pretty busy January and February. I also taught a class at this years Birds of a Feather held here in Virginia Beach. Another great experience. I think all in attendance had a good time and learned something about PantoVision. I certainly hope so, I would like to be invited back next year. When it will again be held Virginia Beach. I'd like to thank Valerie and the Virginia Longarm Network for their support and confidence. If you longarm and you don't get to Birds of a Feather...what can I say? Check in with www.virginialongarm.com for BoF details for 2015 in a couple of months. 

I know so what else have we been doing? Just a little quilting.

Well it's been rainy, cold, snowing. Can't ride the motor, can't golf, might as well longarm. 

And what about Elaine? Well as we all know I don't quilt...but she does. She finished up one of the tops from Quilts of Valor National Sew Day.

She has finished two totes for MQS 2014 Audacious Auction

And she is working on Moon Over Parador...yet to be determined...quilt or wall hanging, also for MQS. Not to mention she has taken over the duties as Virginia State (Commonwealth) Coordinator for QOVF as I have taken on a new roll with QOVF that will evolve around training. We think 2014 is off to a good start and really looking forward to what is ahead...especially Spring.  

Moon Over Parador

Quilt till you wilt...we do...

Long Before Loading...

I'm not sure that I'm unique...I'm just me. I don't sew, I don't piece, I don't design, I don't make blocks and I don't own a Color Wheel. What my wife let's me use is her longarm. Okay that might be unique...she let's me. No, honest, really...I know I was surprised as well. And we all know to me it is just another power tool. 

So, with the help of PantoVision attached to her 22" Innova on a 12' Table I learned how to use the longarm to apply quilting patterns to the 'sandwich.' Turns out I really like it. I've lost count of how many over the last year and a half, but more than a hundred. So I've learned a few things along the way that I would like to share with those of you that do make blocks, that do design, that do piece, can actually sew and know how the concept of a Color Wheel works. Which based on my experience professional sports teams don't know either or like me, don't care. Me I know what I like to look at, it may or may not fit into some acceptable Color Theory...but fitting in isn't a priority for me. I don't care what color your quilt is. I'm going to do what I strive to do whether you are making a donation to the Quilts of Valor, we have bartered your quilt for a quilt top and back appropriate for a Quilt of Valor or you have agreed to trade my labor time and thread for material we can use for Quilts of Valor based on a price per square inch...My goal is to compliment your quilt. That is my goal for every quilt I do whether a volunteer quilt for Quilts of Valor, Project Linus or some other organization we have chosen to assist with our equipment, experience and time. But I need your help before it gets loaded on our frame. Long Before Loading. 

The piecer needs to have a concept of square. If the blocks are square that develops a really good foundation for a square quilt. By square I mean it in it's simplest form. The distance from one corner of the top to the other corner is the same and the distance from one corner to the other on the bottom is the same as the top. It helps too if the distance from one corner on the left side to the other corner on the left side is the same and the right side as well. Please, measure your tops accurately and record them for the longarmer. That goes for the back as well, square and no less than four inches larger than the top. If you choose to supply your own batting it to should be the same size as the back. You have heard me mention there are piecers that I really like to longarm for...they do this...consistently. 

Preparing a quilt for longarming includes pressing. Pressing the seams as flat as possible on the top and if the back is pieced those seams as well. Apparently you should press vertically as opposed to horizontally. It  has something to do with stretching the fabric. Good luck with that. If I had a preference the back seam would be 1/2" pressed open. Most of those that know me prepare their backs this way. Even if you have to ship the top and back it should be pressed. It saves time even if it has to be gone over it with an iron before it is loaded. If you are paying a longarmer many times pressing is an additional fee...save yourself some money. I have noticed many longarmers charge for just about everything in addition to the longarming. $10 - $15 seems to be pretty standard. Pressing, squaring a back, fixing a seam, trimming etc. I've even seen some of these chores listed at $25 an hour. Not bad job if you can get it. Keep the money in your pocket. Think about it...what might take you 30 minutes might take someone else an hour. 

I want to pass this on..."quilting issues such as puckering, weak seams/holes, wavy borders, pleats etc. will not go away with the quilting, they may be exaggerated." As much as I'd like to take credit for how nice a quilt looks when it is done, I can't. Nor can I take credit for puckering, pleats, ripped seams, wavy borders or anything else. Of course I want every quilt to be perfect. I'm also realistic. But I know this to be true. When I'm done longarming and someone says, "What a beautiful quilt." It is that way because Long Before Loading someone was doing it right. And like anything else in life...there is a wrong way and a right way. 

Thought I'd pass this along...Elaine said something about it being relevant. Whatever...

Quilt till you wilt...we do. 

Quilt of Valor Presentation

The following is the verbiage that I currently use when I present a quilt. Elaine's is basically the same except when it is a local presentation and the QOV was made by Tidewater Quilters' Guild Members there is a reference to them. After Awarding the QOV I always make an effort to discuss the quilt and the information on the label with the recipient. I also include any journals, cards or notes the piecer(s) want included. There will also be a copy of this included with the quilt...it has been my experience they haven't heard a word I've said.
This is not mine, it has developed from the input of guild members, quilters, Elaine, the experiences I have encountered on the Quilt of Valor journey and from the emotion that I carry with me as a Vietnam Veteran. The last two words are for all that I Award...for many like me they are being heard for the first time.

I am ask, often, Why do you QOV? It is a simple answer...Because I can.

QUILTS OF VALOR

The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a national organization founded in 2003 by “Blue Star” mom Catherine Roberts.  With a son deployed in Iraq, a ‘Gunner’ sitting atop a Humvee she felt “only ten seconds away from panic.” She had this vision of a post deployed warrior struggling with his war demons at 2 in the morning. She saw him sitting on the side of his bed wrapped in a quilt. The quilt not only comforted him but warded off the demons. Thus the QOVF was founded. The Quilts of Valor Foundation’s mission is to cover ALL combat service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.  Since its founding, Quilts of Valor has awarded over 95,000 quilts to veterans of military actions, conflicts and wars, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Beirut, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Each Quilt of Valor is formed by loving hands joining bits of fabric together one piece at a time.  A QOV may be fashioned by only one or two individuals or through the combined efforts of many women and men of all skill levels.  Quilters often join together in sewing bees to create these quilts.  As we quilt, we talk about our families and friends and how grateful we are of those that will be receiving what we call our “quilty” hug.  Now, through this quilt, you will become part of our quilting family.

We believe that as we sew the love, caring and gratitude flows from our hearts and through our hands into the developing quilt. We all, as quilters, want you to know that through our quilts you will be forever in our hearts. 

And so, on behalf of the Quilts of Valor Foundation and a grateful Nation, with our deepest appreciation, thank you for your service to our country with this Quilt of Valor Award.  Welcome Home…