Make your Holiday Wish List… Attend the Conference!  

You wished for quilt making classes, patterns, new techniques, and inspiration—well your wishes came true!

 
A sneak peek at the conference agenda where several quilt classes will be offered:

 - Nancy Clark McNally will showcase her original pattern using Northcott Patriotic fabrics.  Check out Nancy’s website: http://nancymcnallyquilts.com/
- Pam Heller from AccuQuilt will design her pattern using Northcott Patriotic fabrics and dies from the AccuQuilt GO! Qube 8” cutting system as well as other companion dies needed to complete the pattern. Check out AccuQuilt and Pam’s creative side: https://www.accuquilt.com/



Seating will be limited so watch for the conference agenda with more details. Conference registration will open in Feburary 2019.
 
Wishes do come true at the QOVF Conference!

See you in Grand Rapids, MI next August!  Questions? Email Conference2019@QOVF.org

QOVF Tidbit Tuesday for 2019 National Sew Day February 2, 2019

‘Tis the season for giving!   Give your time and talents on our National Sew Day!

As QOVF celebrates the milestone of awarding 200,000 QOVs since 2003, we know we still have more to do. The theme for 6^th Annual QOVF National Sew day is  “On our way to 300,000!”   Join your fellow volunteers and let’s sew, have fun, and create Quilts of                                       Valor—together! 

Come together to sew and create

Only use your best workmanship
Measure carefully
Fabric…quality and appropriate
On the edge, the binding goes
Relax…enjoy time with your friends
Tops … count them as you go

Register for National Sew Day.  Everyone must be registered individually to be win. Prize drawings throughout the day.

Join your fellow volunteers and let’s sew, have fun, and create Quilts of Valor—together! 

Check the  National Sew Day Webpage for printable posters, tips, tools and ideas, and to register

Questions?   events@QOVF.org

 
2019 QOVF National Sew Day

Saturday, February 2, 2019

 
We are on our way to 300,000!

In less than two months thousands of quilters will gather to create Quilts of Valor for our Armed Forces service members and veterans touched by war. Our National Sew Day will be held on February 2, 2019 from 9am to 5pm and promises to continue traditions and add a few new twists that you will not want to miss.

Our annual National Sew Day started in 2014 under the direction of Betsy Podriznik, Special Events Coordinator, and Susan Gordon, Executive Director.  See the January 2014 issue of Threads QOVF Newsletter 

We were stitching towards the 100,000^th Quilt of Valor. Only four years later, we have awarded the 200,000^th quilt. Now we are on our way to 300,000!

Join your fellow volunteers and let’s sew, have fun, and create Quilts of Valor—together! 

Prize drawings throughout the day. You must be registered to win.

Quickly! Register for National Sew Day  

One by one, create and award Quilts of Valor to veterans and service members touched by war   

View the National Sew Day web page for more information.

 
Check the National Sew Day web page for printable posters, tips, tools, ideas, and of course to register: 

Questions?  Email events@QOVF.org

2019 QOVF National Sew Day

"Tidbit Tuesday" for 2019 QOVF National Sew Day

February 2, 2019

 

The 6^th Annual QOVF National Sew Day February 2^nd is coming soon!  Here is tidbit #1 to help you get started:

Now is the time to book the place to hold your sew day!

Select your pattern, block, and fabrics!  Check out these ideas

• The block for 2019 QOVF Block Drive - Click to download
• Other free blocks and tops from QOVF website - Click here

Download the poster to publicize your event!
 

Check the National Sew Day webpage for more information and to download the poster.  Registration is coming in early December!

For more information email events@qovf.org 

Thank a Veteran… Create a Quilt of Valor.
 
New to Quilts of Valor? Come to the conference to learn more, meet fellow quilters, get inspired, and create a QOV.

Already involved? Come to the conference to learn more, reconnect with friends, get more inspiring ideas, and create a QOV.

Thanks to your feedback on the conference questionnaire, there will be some exciting classes and sessions tailored for you!  Thank you for sharing your ideas.

The conference agenda and registration will be available in January.

Questions? Email Conference2019@QOVF.org 

Another medal for her collection: Pat Skiles gifted Quilt of Valor for her service | Lifestyle | kearneyhub.com

Nebraska!

https://www.kearneyhub.com

'Leaf' your worries behind...2019 QOVF Annual Conference

    

  ‘Leaf’ your worries behind and join friends and colleagues for an exciting and fun-filled conference!

Your input from the conference questionnaire is being used to bring you what you need and want.  There will be activities in and around Grand Rapids to enjoy so come early and stay afterwards. Pre-registering now (no cost) will also help plan the best conference for you. Remember to reserve your room at the Amway Grand Plaza (no charge to reserve). Rooms at the reduced rate go fast!

Click here to do both: https://www.qovf.org/2019-national-conference/

So, ‘leaf’ you worries behind and ‘fall’ into planning to attend the 2019 QOVF National Conference!

Questions?  Email Conference2019@QOVF.org

Duty, Honor, Courage

Duty, honor, courage…

Comfort, healing, valor...

In part from the Presidential Proclamation on Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, 2018

“Courageous Americans of every generation have given their last full measure of devotion in defense of our country and our freedom.  The families who stood alongside these heroes have paid a price no family should ever have to pay.  Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day is a solemn reminder that these families ‑‑ the families of our fallen service members ‑‑ bear the burden of their loss forever.

A century ago, President Woodrow Wilson approved a recommendation by the Women’s Committee of National Defenses for mothers to display a gold star on an armband of black cloth to enhance public recognition for the loss of their children in World War I.  Since then, millions of families have tragically traded in blue stars for heroes fighting for America for gold stars of the fallen ‑‑ a badge of honor they wished they would never have to hold.

Although they have suffered unimaginable sorrow, Gold Star families have charged forward with inspiring strength and determination, giving selflessly to their communities and our country.  They support our men and women in uniform, our wounded warriors, and our veterans.  Their unselfish leadership fosters patriotism and encourages us to consider what we can do to be better citizens.”

Today, we honor the memory of Major Stephen Reich.  While trying to rescue an elite U.S. military team that still remains missing in the mountains of Kunar province, MAJ Reich of Washington Depot, Conn. was one of 16 troops killed when their MH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down. The soldiers were assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) from Georgia.

Today, we honor the courage  and fortitude of Major Reich’s mother who continues to work tirelessly to honor veterans in many ways, one of which is as President of the Board of Quilts of Valor Foundation.

Thank you, Sue, for being a leader in all you do to honor the memory of those brave men and women lost to us forever and to comfort and honor those brave men and women whom we can wrap with comfort and healing.

2019 QOVF Annual Conference Start making your plans…   Two exciting conference days with something for everyone! Two easy steps to get started! Pre-register for the 2019 QOVF Annual Conference (no payment required now). Once the schedule is finalized you must submit and official registration to sign up for specific sessions, classes, and activities. Click Here for PreRegistration Form Pre-registration closes December 10, 2018.  ** Watch your email for a request for your ideas and suggestions! The Conference ’19 team wants to make the conference the best ever for you, but we cannot do that without your help. Please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire when you receive it. Thank you! Official Registration will open in January 2019. Reserve your hotel room at the Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A dedicated booking website has been created and you can make, modify and cancel your hotel reservations online, as well as take advantage of any room upgrades, amenities, or other services offered by the hotel. https://book.passkey.com/e/49763635 You may extend your stay three days prior to and three days after our conference at the reduced rate.  Credit card information is required to hold the reservation; however, there will be NO charge to your credit card until you check in. Hotel Reservations close July 18, 2019. See you in Grand Rapids, MI next August! Start making your plans now! Questions?  Email Conference2019@QOVF.org

The Conference Planning committee invites you to give us your feedback, thoughts, and ideas to help plan our 2019 QOVF Annual Conference scheduled for August 19 – 20, 2019 in Grand Rapids, MI.   We want to make the conference the best ever for you, but we cannot do that without your help. Share your ideas and suggestions. Tell us what you think!   The on-line feedback form takes about  5 minutes to complete. No names or email addresses are needed to provide feedback.  Click here to fill out the questionnaire.   The on-line questionnaire will be available until October 3, 2018. We always welcome your suggestions. Please contact us anytime at Conference2019@qovf.org   We look forward to hearing from you!   Saundra Chambers, QOVF Special Events Coordinator, C'19 Conference Co-Chair Renelda Peldunas-Harter, Vice President, QOVF Board of Directors, C'19 Conference Co-Chair

The QOVF Conference Committee is pleased to announce the 2019 National Conference:

Pre-registration coming soon!

Learn more at: https://www.qovf.org/2019-national-conference/

This note was recently received by a State Coordinator.  it speaks for itself.

"I received my quilt in the summer of 2014.  It has a permanent place in the living room of my house and is a daily reminder of those gallant young men that I served with so many years ago in Vietnam. It helps to soothe my soul.

The last few days I have been "layed up" with a cold and have spent these days curled up in front of the tv wrapped in my Quilt.

Thank you to ALL of you for the Quilt!"

D.G.

101st Airborne Division

Vietnam 1965-66

Inspiration!

What a GREAT DAY!!! For the record:

          I registered 33 folks For National QOV Sew-In Day to come to the VFW Post 488 in Cedar Rapids, IA from 10-4 yesterday. Use of the room was donated to us by the VFW, the Women's Auxilary fixed a lunch for us ($7/each) ... and the weather held! We had quilt kits, pillowcase kits (I know pillowcases are not necessary but our Vets and us LIKE them), Panels, Jelly Rolls & Strip Kits, Signature Blocks. We had an assembly line - OR folks could work on their own.

The numbers:

23 of the 33 Registered came

3 called in sick

8 NEW people came

8 Quilt kits were started (3 tops completed on the assembly line)

5 Panels taken home to complete to tops

1 Jelly Roll and 2 Strip Kits taken home to complete

6 Pillowcases completed; 15 Pillowcase Kits taken home to complete

4 NEW Members and 1 member renewal

Our Area Coordinators (2 of them) stopped in to see us. One spent a great deal of time talking to each individual person there!!!!

2nd best part: Lady saw the announcement in the paper for our Sew-in and sent her daughter to see us. The daughter's Grandfather received a QOV about a year ago. The daughter showed up with a fabric donation of 38 YARDS of fabric (in 6 pieces).

The VERY BEST part: As I was getting in my car to leave at the end of the day, a gentleman and his young son (12 ish) stopped me and profusely thanked me. Said he was thrilled when he walked in for lunch there and saw the group working. He bragged on the dedication, focus and love that exuded from the group as they were going about their sewing. He suggested we come once a month to do this as it was so heartwarming! At one point, his son voluntarily said "QOV is AWESOME!!" ................ 

           For ME, this "QOV Mission" of ours is not about how many quilts we award - but how we touch the Veterans and the community. While I'm certainly proud of the 428 quilts that my group has in process over the last 2-1/2 years, and the 325+ quilts that we have presented, I'd much rather look at it as 325 VETERANS who we have personally touched with a quilt - and the numerous Veterans and families who see and understand that they personally are the recipients of our pride, love, and thankfulness for our freedom.

            At times we are all frustrated and worn out by our tasks --- this one gentleman and his son yesterday washed all that frustration away, recharged the batteries, and again defined the purpose of our journey. We are not just making quilts -- we are ALL making a difference in our communities and changing lives. 

             What an enormously humbling experience. What a great day!

THANK you for your ear!

Elayne

QOV Longarm Coordinator

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Quilts of Valor® Foundation

Register for National Sew Day!

National Sew Day (NSD) is off and running!  Registration is picking up and the excitement is building.  We look forward to seeing what each of you does during NSD and the creations that come out of your event.  Please share pictures on our Facebook page showing your day and creations.   Watch our website  for the exciting announcement of prizes for NSD!  Then listen for your phone to ring when someone calls to give you the news that you have won a prize.   This is going to be so much fun!  Registration can be found on the bottom of the page at www.QOVF.org.