Ya Never Know!!!

No, really, you never know...In this case 'what inspires or motivates' an individual to take an action or the next step, sometimes backwards, sometimes forward. This was a forward step on my part as a result of what I considered to be selfish, juvenile and single minded actions and comments from some locals we are acquainted with belonging to what I describe as a small  'clic' of 'like' individuals belonging to a larger group but not really a part of it. There are no names...wouldn't make any difference...don't know them any way...but very familiar with their actions and the rhetoric of a self elected mouthpiece. This isn't the first time I've encountered this situation of a small faction of misinformed or uninformed individuals that think their way is the only way and the best way...nor will it be the last, they never seem to go away and always seem to be around when large groups of people get together. In this case the documented and verbal criticism from several of the 'clic' was directed towards my wife and her dedication and commitment to the Quilts of Valor. I think Julia Roberts said it best in Pretty Woman..."Big Mistake. Big. Huge..." The following is my written response:

First I must point out to those who have not read, heard or been made aware of the Quilts of Valor Mission Statement the following…that can easily be located on the Home Page of qovf.org. It is to say the least, simple and should leave no doubt as to its meaning or the mission of QOVF.

“The mission of the Quits of Valor Foundation is to cover all combat service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.”

Secondly rest assured that the commitment, sincerity, conviction and dedication to honor and abide by that Mission Statement directs the actions and commitment of Elaine Page, my wife and lifelong partner, in recognizing the need of ‘all’ veterans that have served this great country each and every day. Past and present on home or foreign soil, hospitalized or having residence, visible wounds, wounds suffered that have no visible characteristics or no wounds period are not separations of qualification that Elaine nor Quilts of Valor recognize. The presentation of a Quilt of Valor is stipulated very specifically as “…touched by war…” That brush with reality does not always manifest visually or consciously. With the obvious exception of a few it is my experience that neither do our guild members associate with what I consider to be single minded and juvenile. It is this guild characteristic of unselfish, dedicated and sincere respect for quilting and quilting for QOV and the gratitude of those serving and those that have served that guided me to membership. Please rest assured I will die protecting any individual’s right to have and express their point of view and the freedoms that guarantee that right. Also be assured with that I be allowed to express mine and disagree with theirs.

With the exception of my father, a decorated WWII combat veteran and my wife, it would be 22 years before any individual would thank me for my service in Vietnam…I vowed long ago, and long before it was popular that I would not, I would Never Forget, and always make the extra effort to recognize another’s service. QOV has just been another avenue that allows me to do that. One that I am so thankful for and one I doubt could be truly understood by others, other than Elaine.  Elaine’s dedication and commitment is even more deeply rooted. It was Elaine that would be awakened in the middle of the night lying next to the man she married sitting up in bed staring at her and not knowing whether he recognized her, where he was, who he was with or possibly why he was. It would be a long time before I would know this for I to this day have no recollection of these incidents and I’m not certain I can even relate to the courage she needed to experience them. It does explain some of the patience, care, love and understanding I received that baffled my mind as to why would anyone put up with me for this long. Let me assure you, it is this patience, care, love and understanding that goes into every quilt she sews on, longarms, cuts fabric for, pieces and presents. One can also rest assured if there are individuals that desire to see their quilt sent anywhere in the world for presentation…she will see to it that their desires are met and they receive the information necessary to carry that desire out. But I beyond any reasonable doubt beyond any and all expectations and beliefs know that those “…touched by war…” can be found everywhere…and whether it be through Quilts of Valor, Quilts of Honor East, or a quilters guild I will make every effort to fulfill the need to recognize, not only those who pass through a hospital, but have passed through the anguish of war, sacrificed to serve this country and made the commitment to protect and honor this Republic and the documents that are the foundation of our freedom. For those that don’t believe doing that locally, as often as is humanly possible, is in the best interest of QOV, the guild, our community and our appreciation, well you haven’t been to a presentation.  

With the sincerest respect,

Les Page

My response to these actions, the motivation and inspiration to become more active in the Quilts of Valor Foundation, more than just longarming quilts, directed me to investigate other avenues and discover what more could I do to support the 'mission' of QOVF and Elaine's commitment to deliver an accurate and informed message as QOVF deserves. It would lead to applying for a Regional Coordinator's position with the Quilts of Valor Foundation...My application for Region 9 Virginia, was accepted and I have assumed the duties associated with that position...to say I'm honored to become a more active and involved member of this dedicated and committed group of individuals would be at best an understatement.  In the above letter I made the statement "...I will make every effort..." My application being accepted is another avenue to fulfill that...be assured as the Region 9 Virginia Regional Coordinator I will make every effort to promote, assist, point in the right direction and aid any and all individuals in there quest to support the mission, procedures and policies as directed by the Quilts of Valor Foundation.

Les Page
QOVF Region 9 VA...Regional Coordinator

and I will NEVER FORGET

A Springsteen Fan I Presume???

Designed, pieced, longarmed and delivered. Here are a couple of photos of the Springsteen T-Shirt Quilt Elaine and I made for Katherine B. who can only be described as one of the Bosses Elite. If he hasn't had the pleasure of meeting her it's his loss.

The Longarmer, Layout Designer/Owner and The Piecer

 T-Shirts incorporated dated back to 1975 through 2013. We used one that K.B. picked up in Paris when she flew over for a concert. We are talking FAN.

The Back

Elaine included two T's in the Back

The Quilting Pattern

Elaine's Signature T-Tote.

But Two Motorcycles is Wrong Why???

Okay, sew (so) I don't need two motorcycles...I can dream about it. But when it comes to sewing machines apparently there is no set rule as to how many is too many...and believe me...I've visited plenty of blogs and web sites where the number Elaine has for the moment is not even a drop in the bucket. Geez, she's only been doing this since like January, give her some time. So before it gets out of hand I thought it best I get the collection posted and in some cases introduced. It will be so much easier to just add a post when there is a new addition...Welcome to the ever growing and all operational collection of my life long friend and partner in crime...I say crime because apparently some feel its a crime to be this happy, this healthy and to have your best friend to share it all with. Fourteen and counting!!!

Bernie

Bill

Juanita

Esmeralda

Kermie

Little Bro

Marilyn

Tess

Two Brothers waiting names. Featherweights Left is Sugar Ray / Right is Sheba

As yet No Name...No favoritism here...If she isn't name inspired soon...No Name will become Clint.

What's been around...comes back...

I posted the following this morning on one of our 'group' sites and just thought I would share with others for two reasons, it doesn't make any difference who manufacturers the equipment you use, there will always be questions and as the user base increases like ABM/Innova's has and is. Those questions will come back around...safe to say again and again.  

I hadn't been on for several days, like since Friday 8/2. The latest series of posts were interesting to say the least and signs of ABM growth. Bobbins, tension, floating, and lighting are like clothing trends...if you keep stuff long enough we all know it will come back in style...as do longarm topics. If you do have the time you can search the group by topic/phrase...'thread tension' as an example and you'll find a pretty good list of recent and older posts regarding the issue that may just help with your particular problem or question. The Group is to say the least an extremely valuable asset. If there is one thing that I would add in response to all of the above mentioned topics it would be this...try everything at least once...of course like any other company ABM is obligated to support their design and engineering, rightfully so, along with that are their warnings and advice about following their suggestions and recommendations to protect your warranty. Whether you follow those recommendations or not is a decision only you can make. In our case, and I cannot relate to anything anyone else has done or is doing to satisfy their success in obtaining the best results, but in our case, it was trying everything and anything to get the quality in our longarming that we were after. We have chosen to supplement our daily use of our 22"/12' Standard Stitch Regulated Innova with industry standard bobbin cases and bobbins that aren't made in Italy aren't red and aren't aluminum. And with Michael's advice to increase the amount of 'oil' we applied between bobbin changes we have much less noise, like now it's a hum, way fewer tension problems and for us a peace of mind each and every time we load a quilt. Oh, and we took out that annoying thin little tension thing-a-ma-jig long ago...we use bobbin case and a bobbin, works exceptionally well for us. We float everything...took the middle bar leader off within the first week. Basting...yes I complained about how could someone make a 'stitch regulator' without a basting stitch. Well someone ask me what are your greatest strengths...how about improvise, adapt, overcome. We can both now baste with complete confidence, how ever many inches apart we want, smoothly and pretty much as quickly as we want...are either of us Lightning Stitch...of course not...but with a little effort and practice we conquered the 'white button' and basting a quilt is not a problem, not that time consuming any longer and has become a fluid and smooth operation of the process. In regards to lighting, well the light that ABM chose to put on our machine is top notch, again I can't speak for anyone else, it lights up the immediate work area of the quilt, has never gotten in the way, is extremely adjustable and what I would class as industrial strength. Beyond that there are going to be as many lighting solutions to light up your work space as there are Innova Longarms. We posted ours on the blog...but what works for us in lighting could be totally useless for others. Anyway it was interesting to see the subjects being discussed...again. Can't break away without a notice:

BIRDS OF A FEATHER will be held in FEBRUARY 2014 in our neck of the woods. Virginia Longarm and the Virginia Longarm Network (our dealer...no brag...just fact) sponsor this event and if you longarm and have the remotest opportunity to attend please do so. Information can be obtained by visiting www.virginialongarm.com and selecting the BIRDS OF A FEATHER tab. Oh...if you haven't seen their new web site...well hot damn. Sorry...couldn't help myself. If you do have the opportunity to attend and you are a PantoVision user I would love to have you attend the PantoVision Class I will be leading...information can be found under Class Descriptions once you've maneuvered to the Birds of a Feather page. I'm not certain if I could be bestowed with a greater quilting honor than to be listed with the likes of Valerie Schlake, Renee Haddadin and Jamie Wallen...just to name a few.  This is one of those "I'm not worthy moments."

QOV...It's About the People

I have mentioned on several occasions that Elaine and I are active in the mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation...if you're not...why??? Okay I have a soft spot. Being a Vietnam Veteran and receiving my first 'thanks for service' with the exception of my father, a decorated WWII Veteran and Elaine...it would be 22 years before I would receive my first. Long before it was popular I vowed never to be guilty of not acknowledging any man or woman that accepted the responsibility and commitment to place themselves in harms way and defend this Republic and the documents that are the foundation of our freedoms. QOVF is one of those avenues that allows me to continue keeping that vow with a little oomph. Again last week I was provided the privilege and honor to present another Veteran with a personal thanks accompanied by the comfort and warmth assembled by those that share their heart felt thanks as it passes through their hands while they piece and sew much more than just a quilt. The recipient in this case was a Veteran whose story is indeed sad, as are way too many. He volunteers in the Clothes Closet at a local VA hospital...while at the same time continues treatment and therapy for Traumatic Brain Disorder. Almost daily he can be found at the VA doing whatever he can to help other Veterans...and asks nothing in return...think about it. As difficult as it is and as emotionally draining as it can be the presentation was made with a personal pride and honor to be associated with this man via our commitment and the pride and honor to be able to support the QOVF. The recipients emotions were also hard to keep in check...a common side effect of receiving a QOV. What made his special, all are in their own way, he knew exactly where it would be displayed...for now after a long time of being a Homeless Veteran recently he was able to acquire an apartment and a new couch. Pictured are the recipient, Bobby J. and Diane B. the Tidewater Quilters Guild member and VA Hospital Volunteer that relayed Bobby's story and request for presentation. We couldn't have been in better company.

Question of the Day

We also have a Facebook Page...We Quilt...more than anything it is a Page we use to 'like' quilt related avenues...McCalls, OLFA, Fons & Porters, other quilters and quilt bloggers with Facebook Pages, well it's a long list. Almost daily one or more of our 'likes' post a 'Question of the Day' Today was no exception...McCall's ask "What was the first quilt you ever fell in love with?" Well I couldn't help myself...in essence...
My wife's first quilt. We had finally got serious about getting in better health and physical shape and combined lost 140 pounds. Let's just say I went from my cute roley-poley self (I was fat, with a capital F) to almost lean and mean. I now weigh less than when we got married. I had a closet full of 2X Hawaiian Camp Shirts that had to be replaced with Mediums...the old shirts became squares, a quilt, a wall hanging (pictured) and a very constant reminder hanging in the family room, on the way to the fridge, that moderation is a key. I have been told this does not apply to accumulation of fabrics, sewing machines, threads or sewing supplies in general. I'm thinking that would help explain the now two sewing rooms and the Longarm Room (pictured). The second sewing room, formally the Sewing Room, then the Sewing Supply Room and now with the addition of several of the dozen machines, The Second Sewing Room with Supplies. I have set up security devices and 'elements of surprise' in and around the Man Cave...I'm considering adding a locking device on the door...okay...maybe more than one!!! (pictured)

Quilt till you wilt.

Quilts...Just Hanging Out!!!

If I could remember, and I don't I would identify who, whom and whoever ask..."What do you do with all of those quilts?" It has been ask more than once. The stock answer is that until they are presented, given as a gift or handed over to their rightful owner after being completed, well they are just Hanging Out.

Naturally there is a good chance you'll find one on the longarm.

You are going to see them Hanging Out all over Studio 708

You just might find one as a wall hanging...but with batting pinned

to the back and turned around as a 'design wall' it's hard to see the

quilt. Currently this is our Granddaughter's second quilt in process.

She is making it to donate to Samaritan House.  

And who knows where a boat ladder might turn up...Here in the Family Room wouldn't necessarily be my first guess.












They can be found on shelves waiting 
for backs, binding or to be presented to a Veteran.

No say it isn't so...on a quilt rack in the master bedroom...NO WAY!!! There's a Queen Size on the bed...but with no company coming who makes the bed...Elaine said absolutely no photo. 

In this house there is a good chance you will find some very old hand made quilts Hanging Out...or laying around , like on the hearth...thank goodness for longarms...I would have never finished a quilt.

Of course there is one on the chair in the Man Cave and another, not pictured, on the couch in the Family Cave, oops Room. Heck there's one on the foot stool...nothing fancy, not worth a photo, just two pieces of like material sandwiching some stuffing and quilted in in 4X4 squares.

Then of course there is this spot...We always like this spot, always nice to have something Hanging Out on this spot. This is where, when they are all done, they lay in wait for their owner's to come by and pick them up. I will show this one later...but for now it stays folded up...the Springsteen Fan that commissioned this one hasn't seen it yet...and has been known to drop by the blog.

I guess you could say we like them just Hanging Out...for us...when they are just around we feel a little warmer on the inside, a little more full of life and pretty close to what really is important...and in the winter...well ya don't have to leave the room to find some extra warmth...not sure if it is the quilt or the love that went into making it...maybe a little of both. Quilt till you wilt...