It's almost May!!!

So with few words here is what has been going on.

A little 10K Escort Ride @ Ft. Eustis with CVMA

At the Dedication from the event staff at the Scope where The Wall That Heals will be displayed.

Drivers and Truck waiting for us to arrive for escort from Richmond Area to Norfolk

At staging area in Norfolk waiting for Police Escort and other riders.

There are four travelling walls currently. This is the only one directly connected to VVMF.

Even got in a little longarming and QOVing. 

This one is for Elaine's sister and has a lot of family meaning.

Loved the way it came out. 

First time I used this pattern.

I get to do the easy part.

Elaine does all the stuff that makes it a quilt. 

I even got down to Outer Banks for Bike Week. There were a couple of folks at the Harley Dealer.

We got in an Award Presentation or two. This is Josh...he just returned home from a desert community in Afghanistan.

At least while all of this was going on Nikee was taking care of my pillow on the couch. 

Quilt till you wilt...we do.

So Elaine says...

"You know you haven't made a blog entry since March 17th." Well you know she's right...again.
Honestly I haven't had anything to blog about. Not certain anyone wants to know I fought a head cold, have been fighting allergies, worse than ever, for the last two weeks and I kind of figured telling everyone that I shot one over Par on the back nine the other day would probably get about as much reaction as Elaine had. "Oh that's nice." The first time ever in my life I close out nine holes of golf at one over Par and I get "Oh that's nice." So yes, it's been quiet.

That was until yesterday. We set up yesterday, and will be there through Saturday, at the Naval Station Norfolk Main NEX (Naval Exchange). This one is the largest in the world. I think you could put two Target's inside and it makes a Super Walmart look like a Five and Dime. It's huge.

 We are set up just inside the Main Entrance. Which is the entrance under the NEX sign on the left in the above photo. Yes it is a two story facility. Did I mention HUGE.

As mentioned we are just inside the Main Entrance and next to Starbucks. So foot traffic is abundant.

Okay, sorry Diane, oops, didn't see that rack smack dab in front of your face. Here are Elaine and Diane B. manning, oops, womaning the booth. As you can see "Lucy", the Red Eye Singer has made the trip again. The Raffle Quilt is proudly displayed up front, sadly blocking the face of it's maker. The quilt "Don't Tell the Snowman It's Spring" will be drawn for on Saturday afternoon.

Once again we set up the area where people can write Thank You notes that we include with our quilts when awarded. It is always a big hit...at both ends, for those that make them and those that receive.

 You have no idea how much this young women reminded both Elaine and I of my family. She is only one short. I have four brothers. I can tell you without question she rules with an iron fist, reminded me of someone I knew growing up. You won't find these young boys walking around with their pants half way to the floor. I heard "Yes ma'am" more than once.

One of the many that stopped to work on "Lucy." She also signed up for Sew Days. This block was finished about an hour later...each sewer adding a strip. The novelty of a 'hand crank' machine is like magnetic.

So with everything in it's place our week long adventure begins. We are thrilled with our location, they supplied the tables and covers making our load much lighter and with a full candy basket we are off and running. If anything exciting happens we'll let you know. We will be there through Saturday and if you are local hope you get the chance to stop by. If you would like to volunteer, we would love the help. Especially Thursday...I'm feeling really guilty about leaving Elaine alone all day. Well give me a break, it's golf day.

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

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...