Quilts of Valor.....humbled......beyond words......

August...........

REALLY???????? 

I truly can't believe how quickly this summer flew by, not to mention how fast 2013 is jetting on by!

Last week, I was humbled, .............beyond words.

Why you might ask?

I was honored to sit in on a meeting of the Quilts of Valor Eastern Missouri quilting day.  When my friend Dar asked me to visit the group, I didn't really know what to expect?  She told me that the ladies of the group were intrigued that a "guy" had made quilt tops to donate to the group.  I even received a very nice, hand written thank you in the mail from one of the group's leaders.  It says:

"Kevin,
Thank you for the 3 quilt tops along with the binding, backing and pillow cases you donated to the Quilts of Valor Eastern Missouri.  These are the first quilts we have received from someone of the male gender........."

LOL  I just have to laugh at that!

It went on to say when and where the next meetings would be held, and that I was invited to come by and visit.  So, with great curiosity I went.  When I arrived at the venue, I guess I looked lost because one of the nice quilters asked me, "Are you lost?"  I stated that I had arrived for the Quilt of Valor meeting, and she kindly directed me the right way.  I met Dar at the door, and she was so excited not only because I actually came, but, also because one of the quilts I had donated had just come out of one of the quilting frames!

Jean, one of the QOV Eastern Missouri leaders, and me with the newly quilted QOV I donated.
(Does this quilt look familiar Bev?)

I was so impressed by this operation.  Every quilter there had a designated job, and they work, and work until they are done!  I simply stood in amazement as I watched a room full of 112 quilters donate their God-given talent to help those who sacrifice so much for our country.  As I visited with Jean, she could see how speechless I was.  Jean's words were, "it's really moving the first time you see this, isn't it?"  BEYOND!!!!

See what I mean?  And, this wasn't even the entire room of quilters!  

This organization is finishing up quilts to be distributed to a troop of soldiers returning from overseas.  They have already exceeded their goal of over 100 quilts!  WAY TO GO!

This group of ladies had just finished quilting this QOV!

Every time a quilt was finished on the frame a cowbell would ring to uproarious applause!  It was really exciting seeing the quilts quilted.  I was able to meet so many nice people there.  I definitely plan to attend again, and help out in any way I can.  

I even learned something from Dar............

How to hand stitch a binding down!

Thanks Dar!

As always,

Thanks for all of the encouragement!

Kevin the Quilter