Aussie Heroes All Sorts

Tonight's post is only a quickie as I have had a busy day sewing in Penrith.   You would not believe the number of laundry bags we turned out.  There were five of us sewing, Pam, Judith, the regulars and two new ladies, Karen and Carolyn.  We even had a brief visit from Carolynne who dropped in just to say hello which was great.  I do love meeting those that I have only been able to email so far.  The final count was 20+ completed laundry bags.  Happy with that!  Photos in a post to come when I have had time to take all the pictures - and that won't be tonight!

First an advert 
 Lyn from Busy Quilting (email - lyn@busyquilting.com.au) is happy to quilt for us.  She said - I am over an hour west, almost Toowoomba, but head into Brisbane twice a month for Queensland Quilters meetings.  Could catch up with a piecer on those days. 1^st and 2^nd Tuesday of each month. 

Email her if you are interested.

HMAS ANZAC
I still don't have the list of names for HMAS AMZAC recipients.  Understandably it might take a little time for the Chaplain and the Captain to decide who among those who request a quilt will get one.  That is assuming they get more than 25 requests.  
I suggest that you concentrate on a fairly gender neutral design as there will definitely be way more guys than girls.

Now, I thought you would like to see some of how I spent my time this week - answering these emails for starters.

This fellow is a man of few words

- once again muchly appreciated and very well made

but I love the fact that he sent a photo straight away!  Thank you!

This next thank you turned up unexpectedly so I assume this fellow received one of our care package quilts - they seem to be turning up in dribs and drabs - either that or these guys are taking a while to get back to base to have time to say thank you.

Dear Quilters,

Thanks a lot for efforts to make and send a quilt over. It has helped me sleep as the commercially made doona are too bloody hot and I like to sleep cooler which the quilt allows. A better night's sleep means a lot over here; keeps me and my mates safer when we're out and about.

Thanks again,

This fellow didn't ask for anything - he just took the time to write and say thank you!

On behalf of the men and women of Task Unit 633.2.4, thank you for offering your time and support to Australia's deployed troops. I can assure you that your offer to make Aussie Hero quilts is both humbling and well received by our men and women in theatre.

I hope this e-mail finds you in good health and happiness.

I received a number of requests from Al Minhad Air Base on Friday night and one of the first was from the Commanding Officer.

As the current Australian Base Commander at Al Minhad and Commanding Officer of the Combat Support Unit, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your associates for the support you offer to our troops. It is certainly a morale booster.

Now I normally receive the requests and don't publish them mostly because there is enough to write on the blog anyway but I thought it would be good for you all to see just how they are written and understand just how much what we do is appreciated so read on...

Would it be possible for me to get a quilt? One of the girls in the office today received one and they are amazing!

First up I wanted to say a big thank you for your support to us over in the MEAO (Middle East Arena Organisation), it is greatly appreciated and puts a smile on our face.  I have been advised that we are able to received laundry bags through the service that you offer?  It would be greatly appreciated.   I have been over here now for about four and a half months, and have a couple more to go before I'm home. 

The quilt arrived with a backlog of mail this week.   A special thank you to you and Fran for your generosity and kind spirit.   I'll take a picture of the quilt and send it through soon. 

Thank you for the work that your group is doing to make our life over here a bit more comfortable. We are a long way from home and it is really nice to know that people are thinking of us.   If you have the capacity, I would love it if you were able to send a laundry bag. All of the bags over here are the same colour and it is impossible to tell which is which. It would be great to have a personalised laundry bag.   I am over here until 20 Dec. I completely understand if you already have requests that exceed your production ability, especially with the Chaplain showing off your work.

I am interested in finding out a little more about the Aussie Hero Quilts that have been appearing all over the place over here, and would very much like to find out about getting one myself. If you would please let me know what information you require, that would be very much appreciated. 

On a side note, many of the members I work with over here, that have received quilts and laundry bags, have been very overwhelmed by your support, and I want to say thank you for your efforts. It is very nice to see the Australian Spirit in action, and to know that we are not forgotten at home. 

And second last - this from a chaplain

Thanks for your good work and support. I have distributed a number of the quilts and laundry bags, and I trust the people will respond with thanks - I'm sure they will, as they were very appreciative,  

I just read about your quilt making for deployed members and think it is a brilliant idea. Thank you so much for putting all the time and effort into each quilt which no doubt is very much appreciated by every recipient. I was hoping I would be able to get a quilt if you have any spare? 

(I do like her - who knew I was brilliant?  Not my sons that's for sure LOL!)

I have some great posts coming up this week - photos of the laundry bags that the ladies and I made today, photos of the gorgeous soldier and his equally gorgeous family who came to visit yesterday - what an absolute delight and another bumper crop looks like being featured again on Friday's post so standby to receive.

Till next time.........keep spreading the word and happy stitching!