Reading back over
the June 2012 blog entries you can see the pace picking up for AHQ. While Jan-Maree had not yet begun posting weekly numbers
of items sent the requests for quilts and laundry bags were coming in each day,
and being filled - Janine C.
June 2012 - I am currently serving in the Middle east on
deployment and would be honoured to receive an Aussie quilt. Thank
you so much for your kind thoughts it means a lot to us over here as we miss
home terribly and to know we are thought of by many back home keeps us going
stronger every day.
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| June 2012 - a quilt with it's new owner |
Aussie Hero Quilts and
Laundry bags were becoming known around Australia with mentions on two radio programs
and a magazine. Jan-Maree began receiving invitations to speak to various
groups about AHQ, even booking a visit to Canberra for August. Sewing days were held at Penrith Patchwork,
gratefully making use of donated fabric, and also in South Australia and
Western Australia.
And the word was spread by happy recipients.
June 2012 - Thanks so much for the quilt, I
received it yesterday. It's lovely, I really like the Aussie green and gold
theme and the laundry bag is a really nice patterned material, much more
exciting than the calico issued laundry bag. I will happily put up your
flyer. All the best and thanks again. I honestly really appreciate
the quilt and am so impressed in you ladies for doing this for us.
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| Quilt tops made from BOMs for May, with Claire and Carol. |
We all love to hear stories about how the
items were received and how much they were needed.
To Kathy: Thank
you so very much for the lovely laundry bag you made. My
name is XXXXXX and I received the laundry bag (and goodies inside) that you
sent while I was located in Tarin Kowt (TK for short) in Afghanistan in late
April/early May. It's funny how things have a way of working out, because it
came to me at the most convenient time. I'll tell it to you like a story:
Well, I in TK I was sharing a room with 3 other
girls. I mentioned to Axxxx (whose bed was beside mine) one morning that my
laundry bag had a split down the side of it. I was quite sad because it was the
laundry bag I was issued at recruiting. It had both my maiden name, and
in recent years, also my married name on it and also held a lot of memories in
it for me. I didn't think too much more about it and
continued on with my day.
That afternoon (Yes, the exact same day!), the
Padre came to visit me and had a box in his arms. After some chit chat, he
asked me "Hey XXXXX, do you need a laundry bag?". Now, I can tell
you, I gave him a very weird look and said "Yes, but how do you know"
and was already starting to wonder which of my roommates had told him.
Anyway, he then told me that a lady and sent over
some handmade laundry bags, that some of them were made out of 'girlie'
material and would I like one! As you can imagine, I jumped at it. I picked
the lovely brown one with pictures of patched brown denim and pretty pink
flowers all over it.
Afghanistan
is a very bleak place, so its really nice to have something girlie in a place
like that. I have to honestly say that although I have never met you, every
time I do my laundry I think of your kindness. I do believe that what goes
around comes around, and you have a lot of good coming your way!
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| Quilt by Gail and quilted by Donna. |
And another
great story!
To Aussie Hero Quilts: I am interested in your Quilts and
personalised Laundry bags. We have been notified via one of our members here at
AMAB that they are available from you. I have had a look on your website and
love the thought of having something special from home to commemorate why we
are here serving our country. I am half way through my rotation at the moment.
Information I am after is the pricing of both the quilt and the laundry bag.
Of course Jan-Maree wrote back to her
and explained that our quilts and laundry bags are donated and are a gesture of
thanks for all the serving members. This was her response:
This idea amazes me, I am touched by your
generosity, kindness and supportiveness to all the troops that are putting
their life on the line for our country. Its people like yourself and others
that help you in this project, that makes us feel like what we are doing and
being away from our family and friends for such a long period of time
is a worthy cause.
I
have four children, 3 girls and 1 boy that I have left in the capable hands of
my husband, who is also a serving member, due to deploy in April next year.
Although our children live the Defence Force life,
it doesn't make it any easier on them or our heart strings when we
leave the comfort and love of our home.
I
would love and greatly appreciate a quilt and laundry bag, to decorate my bed
space and to know that there are loving people out there that support what we
are achieving.
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| Quilt top from May BOMs |
Above is the last April 2012 BOM
quilt. Jan-Maree had planned a white border but ran out of white fabric so
went with this fun blue that wasn't repeated in the blocks. She said
it would probably be more serviceable than white!
"When I was a little girl we
used to live in a small country towns around WA as my dad was a teacher.
Wherever we lived there was red dirt and dust and in winter MUD. Because of the
mud my mum used to dress us in brown and "serviceable" colours! I
think if that every time I put white into these quilts as I've heard so much
about it being dusty in Afganistan etc."
Funny about that because this message
arrived for Sue P ....
Thank you very much for the Quilt and Laundry bag which arrived in country around on the 2nd of June. However, I didn't receive it until the 8th because I've been very busy over the last few weeks.
Thank you very much for the Quilt and Laundry bag which arrived in country around on the 2nd of June. However, I didn't receive it until the 8th because I've been very busy over the last few weeks.
I would like you to know that I now have a
laundry bag that is envied by all who come across it. It is very distinct
in its characteristics and has bought many comments. It is also extremely easy
to find amongst the piles of washing.
The quilt is awesome. I have it in my room and
took it out with me one time, however, I don't think I will be doing that again
as it got filthy. I had to wash it
twice. I felt terrible as I was wondering when I washed it if Sue
would be unhappy with me.
She did say this is the only Quilt like
it in the world. However, it kept me warm and I didn't need to carry
around a giant sleeping bag.
And it is a small world. Sue and Trevor who made the Quilt and
Laundry Bag live in RXXX, a town I am very familiar with as I spent a lot
of time there as a child.
I hope you are well and all is well with Aussie
Hero Quilts. Thank you once again.
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| The above mentioned Quilt and laundry bag made by Sue P |
You have to appreciate what an effort it is when these guys take the time to write and say thank you as they are often very busy working 15 hour days seven days a week.
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| Quilt by Christine. |
Hi Ladies, Just a quick note to say how awesome the
quilt and laundry bags are that XXXXXX received from you. I do not have
facebook, but I had a look at your blog and I think it is a fantastic thing
that you are doing. What a great bunch of ladies! The small quilt for Belvedere
(our mascot turtle) is especially gorgeous! And I love the kangaroo on XXXX's
quilt. I think you ladies are the Aussie Hero's - it is always great when
people appreciate us.
I have a bright doona cover over
here, so do not need a quilt but would really love a bright, loud laundry bag
if someone has the time.
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| June 2012 Laundry bags. |
Jan-Maree
announced the delivery of a Wounded Warrior Quilt -
June 2012
'I am now immensely proud
to tell you that the latest soldier to be injured and sent to Germany for
treatment was given one of our Wounded Warrior Quilts. I don't know which quilt and it doesn't matter. These are the quilts that we hope will never
be used but the reality is that at least we had one where it was needed and I
hope it will raise his spirits to know that we care. A huge thank to all who
make Aussie Heroes possible. I truly think we are making a difference.'
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| Laundry Bag by Marg |
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| Quilt by Heather from T. |
Also in June 2012 Jan-Maree it was time to be
more assertive about getting the Aussie Hero name around Canberra so that those
who needed to know were aware of what AHQs was doing/offering.
'First I called the Chaplain at Richmond to chat and see if
they could refer me to a contact in Canberra!!! BINGO! Just so
happens that the Chaplain I spoke to has just returned from "over
there" and is actually the owner of an Aussie Hero Quilt! AND it seems
that one of the other Chaplains who was "over there" will be
returning to work in the fullness of time - to a job in Canberra! Beauty!
Hope they don't mind hearing from me again!'
And they
didn't mind.
Just a few more wonderful quilts from June 2012
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Two clever tea towel quilts |
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| A tea towel laundry bag. |
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| Quilt by Andrea and quilted by Carol. |
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Quilt by Elizabeth and quilted by Carol. Thanks Janine. I really appreciate you writing these posts as I would never have the time to go back over the posts from 12 months ago and put them together and yet I love to be reminded of how far we have come. I expect my favourite memory from June last year is probably Chelle's least favourite. Of course I am talking about the DVD that Chelle and the other Peacekeepers from operation Mazurka at that time sent us. I linked to it on Friday night but just in case anyone missed it here it is again Chelle's Video Chelle tells me that she didn't know they were actually shooting the DVD when she did this. She though they were actually just doing a sound check etc. But I love it and I still get a little sand in my eyes whenever I watch it. Thanks Chelle and all those involved! It was much appreciated then and still is now. Till next time.................. keep spreading the word and happy stitching! JMxx |
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