There are 1500+ registered to take part in 2017 Quilt of Valor National Sew Day. I can’t begin to explain how I am looking forward to this day. A day where we are gathered together to work for a common purpose of remembering and honoring our Veterans. A day where we laugh, snack, play, make new friends and reconnect with old. A day where we dedicate ourselves to our craft. A day where we can put aside everything but for the common goal of saying ‘Thank You’!

As you all spend your day in friendship, fellowship, and frenzied activity to finish just one more; one more stitch, one more block, one more quilt, I will have the honor of saying ‘Thank You’ to those of you who are participating.

I’m really excited about some of the door prizes that will be given away throughout the day. There are quilting books, patriotic panels, fat quarters, beautiful note cards, and a Grand Prize alternative. We announced that the 2017 Grand Prize would be a free admission to the QOVF Annual Conference in Colorado Springs, an exclusive gift bag, special events and more. If you are the Grand Prize winner I hope you are able to join us in Colorado Springs. However, If you are unable to travel we are excited to announce that we have an alternative prize; a brand new Viking sewing machine.

So if your group hasn’t registered or you haven’t registered as an individual sewing at home do it now! I would love to have the opportunity to meet you over the phone!

Music is what feelings sound like ... - Georgia Cates

There are many patriotic songs out there. I have certainly gotten caught up in listening to several over the last few days when I should have been paying attention to other tasks that needed to be completed. There are many songs I listened to that brought tears to my eyes and a heavy heart. Those emotions are not bad. They are just not emotions I want us to experience on February 4th. In this time, especially in this time, we need songs that bring feelings of joy, purpose, and laughter. Songs that motivate us as well as songs that remind us of the Veterans we are remembering with the works of our hands, hearts, and creative minds. What our feelings should sound like on February 4th is a group connecting across the miles, putting all of our differences aside, and laughing, loving, and experiencing a fellowship that binds us together in spirit. 

The playlist for National Sew Day 2017 is growing. If you have a favorite song you would like to have added please just comment on the post.

America the Beautiful

Home - Dierks Bentley

Citizen Soldier - 3 Doors Down

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy - The Andrews Sisters

I've Been Everywhere - Johnny Cash
God Bless America (Remastered) - Madison Rising
Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning - Alan Jackson
The Stars and Stripes Forever - US Army Ceremonial Band
United States Armed Forces Medley
Welcome Home...A Soldier's Song

It's been a busy and fun last couple of days! I've had the privilege of speaking with a few QOVF members. What a fantastic way to generate and encourage new ideas. One suggestion was to share special snack food ideas to serve during the National Sew Day. Being new to this blogging thing I didn't want to post something on this blog that could get me into trouble with another blogger or group. So, I created a new National Sew Day Pinterest board. Right now this board only includes patriotic foods for sharing on the 4th of February. However, over the next week I plan on adding pattern ideas, games, and anything else I can find that might generate excitement and fun. You can find the board at the following location: https://www.pinterest.com/mjdjk9/national-sew-day/

I am looking forward to more conversations over the next couple of weeks. It is an honor to listen and to assist. It is a privilege to be of service to this group!

The YouTube February 4th playlist continues to grow. Music soothes, energizes, brings memories of days past, promises of days to come, and spans generations. Music can heal and remind us of what we have in common. Music can be the catalyst for change, set the tone, paint the day.

Not so different from fabric. Not so different than the variety of quilting techniques. Not so different than the many different quilt patterns.

Not so different than participating in something so much bigger than each of us individually.  

You can continue to let me select all of the music for our National Sew Day playlist or you can mix it up and recommend your favorite patriotic songs. If left to my own devices, the selections may not be as diverse as the Quilt of Valor Foundation and that would be a shame. I'm looking forward to your suggestions!

America the Beautiful

Home - Dierks Bentley

Citizen Soldier - 3 Doors Down

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy - The Andrews Sisters

I've Been Everywhere - Johnny Cash

I love early mornings. When I had children at home, four busy, rambunctious boys, it was my quiet time. Now that all my boys have grown I find it's still my favorite time of the day. This morning I was treated to a beautiful sunrise as I walked past my sewing room. I wish I had thought to take a picture. Maybe next time. For today the memory of what I saw will have to be enough. The beauty of the awakening of a new day started my morning reflections. I went back in time to when I first joined the US Air Force and was stationed in Alaska. What an amazing, beautiful, colorful, 5 years those were. 

Where am I going with this? The song to start us off on February 4th will be America the Beautiful. I would love to hear your stories of beauty found in our country; from state to state. Maybe these stories will help us remember to open our eyes, to be aware that right outside our windows we can see the beauty of our America!

Four weeks and counting until our 2017 National Sew Day. As in all other life events, let's make this a day to remember. A day of laughter, friendship, quilting, sewing, memories, cutting, stories, purpose, and meaning.

I was asked to look into the possibility of putting together a CD of patriotic music for National Sew Day. This undertaking was more involved than what I was capable of accomplishing prior to February 4th. However, I thought it was a great idea; to use music to bring us together from coast to coast. 

I will be putting together a playlist that can be listened to on February 4th. It would be great to hear what your favorite patriotic songs are. Please comment to this post and include the name of a patriotic song you would like included on the YouTube playlist. 

And come back daily to the blog, from now until February 4th. Who knows what new news you will find!

May peace and contentment fill your soul and the craft you have chosen bring healing and comfort.