Grati-Tuesday 13 May

I don't know about you but I LOVE to hear about the quilts being used and LOVED when the heroes bring them home.  This message, about a quilt made by Jeann, just made me smile!

Hi Jan Maree

Last year I sent you a request for quite a few quilts for my husband and those he worked with.

He's been home now for nearly 6 months and he's started a new job in another city.

Our son (2yo) had some surgery on Thursday and found comfort in Daddy's quilt while he was recovering.

Thank you once again for all you do and have done.

The quilt not only provided my husband comfort while he was away but also my son while he recovered.

Nawwwww!!!!

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Caroline, I wanted to let you know that the laundry bag you and your Mother made has been put to excellent use.  Thank you for taking the time to make such a wonderful gift - it has brought a big smile to someone who was sad (not me I add!)!  It really is very humbling to see the work that you and the team from Aussie Hero quilts put into supporting us - you should be confident that this work is much appreciated.

Your bag found its way to Kandahar in the South of Afghanistan.  There are just under 200 of us here doing a variety of jobs. It is an interesting time to be here, lots of uncertainty at the political level but lots of progress being made. It is quite an honor to serve at this time in the history of this place.

Once again, thanks for your support.

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Dear Caroline,

I am currently serving in the Middle Eastern Area of Operations onboard HMAS Darwin. In our last mail drop I received a VERY awesome laundry bag and kind letter from you. As soon as I saw the aussie theme in your bag I picked it out straight away. I love it! Thank you so much for the time you took in making it and sending it over. It really was a morale booster. It means a lot to me so thank you. To know people back home are thinking of us and care for us means so much. Please keep up the good work. You don't know how much it means to those serving overseas. 

Kind Regards,

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The following is a message from the mother of one of Rita M's recipients. 

Hi Jan-Maree, 

I just wanted to drop you a quick line.  One of your quilters made a quilt for my son  who is on the HMAS Darwin. The quilt was in the theme of the Liverpool Football Club. He was absolutely stoked with it and I just wanted to say a big thank you to you and all your quilters.  If I knew how to quilt, I would try and help out, unfortunately I have never actually done it.

Once again, thank you for all that you are doing for our people over there.

Cheers.

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Joan made the laundry bag in this message and the quilt was a top that Kirsty made and I embellished with a dragonfly to personalise it.  

Good Morning Jan  

Just like to say a huge THANK YOU for the beautiful doona cover and laundry bag that you sent me. (The blue laundry bag  with dragon flies and the pink vintage doona cover) I absolutely loved it and it definitely made my day!  My friend requested it for me and it was a complete surprise.   I  return  home in a week to my wonderful fiance, friends and family and  I will be telling them all about the lovely people who made my doona cover.

we all really appreciate what you do.

Thanks again :)

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Dear Kathrine,

Thankyou very much for the quilt and laundry bag. It was amazing and made my day when I opened the box up. The Australian flag and "Op Slipper" on one side and the space theme on the other is great. Many of the other lads were just as impressed. I'm going to be sending home a picture of the quilt for my Nan who is also a great quilter so that she could possibly get involved with your great cause.

Many of the lads and laddets love the quilts and laundry bags that AHQ sends to us. Some who didn't initially put in requests were hastily putting in some soon after the first batch of quilts.

Again, thankyou for the amazing quilt and laundry bag.

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Hi Louise, 

Receiving your beautiful handmade laundry bag truly made my day!  Lovely to hear a little bit about you as well!  It is truly touching that you and your daughter are able to take time out of your busy lives to do something for someone else! The best of luck to your daughter sitting her HSC as well!

Thanks once again for your kindness,

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Chelly has a personal love of history and when a request came up for a history themed quilt it was a match made in heaven.  Chelly received a great thank you message but unfortunately I have to delete most of it as I consider it to be too personal to share - suffice to say it was a great chatty message which is not reflected in the brief section I have shared.  The size of the recipient's smile however will give you an indication as to its quality though.

Hey Chelly,

First and foremost, the quilt is amazing! You seriously nailed it! From the colours to the images it’s exactly what I would associate with ancient history, particularly the Greeks. Thank you very much for all your hard work!

Anyway, I’ve got to get back to work, thank you once again for the quilt truly great work. I hope you enjoy the photos.

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Hi Sue,

I have just received your lovely parcel. It really made my day and I have been showing everyone that I work with your handy work. It is just beautiful!!!

Thank you once again for your lovely handywork. It is beautiful.

I hope the Victorian winter treats you and your 2 lovely cats and yourself kindly.

Please keep in touch.

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G'day Debbie,

I just wanted to say thankyou for the quilt that you made. It is fantastic. I showed the other people that I work with and they were very impressed. I have been as sick as a dog for the last week, but your quilt brought me much comfort. I am sorry I have not written until now but I was away for a couple of weeks and had a heap of work waiting for me when I returned.

My mum might be interested in joining the Aussie Hero quilt team, so I will send her the link to the website.

Thanks again for everything that you do. 

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Hi Pennie

Thank you so much for the care package and Hero laundry bag.  I really appreciate the time and effort you took to make such a personal item for me.  It is great to be supported and know that people back home are still appreciating and acknowledging the work we are doing and the time we take away from our families.  the treats went down a treat in the workshop, we worked until midnight the night I received the package so we enjoyed a few bags of chips each :-)

Please thank Valda for me as the beanie is something that I will use as a keen fisherman it can get cold at night.  It will be used regularly.  

Thank you again for the great gifts you sent me.  I hope you can continue to sew and make these wonderful gifts for other serving men and women.

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That is all for today.  Hope you all have a great night.   I am off to get ready for the sewing day at my home tomorrow. All welcome if anyone wants to join us.

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