Being a "Long-arm" quilter I have made a few Quilts of Valor and I wanted to share with the DKos community a different way some of us are supporting our service members and veterans.
A little information on what a "Long-arm" quilter is: someone who sews on a machine that has a long neck and sits on a big frame rather than a regular (or "domestic") machine that sits on a sewing table. My machine has a 26" neck and sits on a 10' x 4' frame that is perfect for quilting.
More on Quilts of Valor below the squiggle (a really nice quilting motif BTW.)
Being a teenager in the 60's I was ashamed by how our returning Vietnam Vets were treated. I always thought there had to be a way to support our service members while not supporting the war. Looks like the lesson was learned, but at what price for so many who served during that time?
I was always against the war in Iraq and wish we could bring everyone home from Afghanistan. l wanted a way to show my support to those who serve or have served. What better way than to make a quilt and that's something I can do! A great way to send a warm, cozy hug and hopefully, make someone feel their service and sacrifice was appreciated.
Quilts of Valor was started by one Blue Star mom. http://www.qovf.org/... As of today 60,095 quilts have been awarded to soldiers. "The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover ALL combat service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. This foundation is not about politics. It's about people." QOV website
Here are a couple that I have made.
Split Rail Fence quilt
Nine Patch Pizzazz Quilt
I think the perception of a quilter is someone who is a conservative, bible-belt Christian or Amish. I'm pro-choice, for marriage equality, universal healthcare, a Progressive, and yes, I'm a quilter who loves my country and believes that with the right leadership, it can fulfill it's promises to all it's people.
I'll be making more Quilts of Valor in 2012. It's the least I can do for our service members.
Feel free to donate, cotton prices have sky rocketed.
http://www.qovf.org/...
Remember to donate your time and/or money when Netroots for the Troops 2012 is up and running!