Words on Wednesday 4 Jan 17

Hi all

Well the New Year has started and we are off and running with our first request list.  I have a huge list of people that would like quilts so if you have been thinking about getting on board with us now is a really good time to start your year off with sewing for someone who will really appreciate it.

Do we have any quilters north of the river in Perth. I have a quilter in the Waneroo area who would like to connect with others. Just email me, comment on this post or on the AHQ Facebook page and I will connect you.

Now sit back and enjoy these messages.
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This message came in via Facebook.....

Debbie M made this quilt back in 2014 when its recipient was on HMAS Toowoomba.

Hi Jan-Maree!!! Just wanted to send this photo through. I had my niece stay over Christmas and she absolutely loves my quilt and insisted she use it every night!!!

Just received this photo yesterday of a group with their laundry bags.   Don't they look great. Unfortunately I no longer have the ability to get badges printed like this but at least these guys received them.  

Great job with the laundry bags Julie Ann and with the badges Lisa N

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Hi Sandy,

I recently received my wonderful quilt and laundry bag from yourself and the other lovely ladies who helped make it. Words can't describe how much it means and I love it more than you can imagine. 

It adds so much colour to my room and makes living in a tent not such a place after all.

I am a dog handler in the Air Force, and this is why I wanted the German Shepherd on my quilt and laundry bag. And growing up, my Mum called me Poppy (still does), so poppies hold a special place in my heart. I've been in the RAAF for 17 years and have done numerous deployments, but have never received a quilt.

Please pass on my sincere thanks on such a wonderful job. It really does make a difference to come back to my quilt on my bed and laundry bag hanging up.

Kindest regards,

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Hello Kay,

Many thanks for my quilt and the time you took in making it. The material at the back for hanging purposes is a good idea. The machining all over the quilt and the different shapes for the patches would have taken a lot of time to complete. Thank you for the sweets as well.

I did have a bit of an idea in my head in regards to what the final product would maybe look like, but I do understand that people have different ideas in regards to how much of the theme the receiver has asked for should/could be on the actual quilt.

Thanks for having the blue and teal that I requested. All the ladies that make the quilts must be believing that troops overseas deserve the quilts that ladies take the time to make the quilts and laundry bags for us over here.

I hope you have a very Merry Xmas and that 2017 is very good to you.

Kind regards,

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Dear Clare, 

Thank you so much for taking the time to make the quilt and Laundry bag. The quilt is beautiful and a much valued comfort, it is both warm and reminds me of home. So I can assure you it was a good dose of morale.

Thank you again for your thoughts. 

Best Regards, 

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Dear Joan & Robin,

I am an ADF Member who was lucky enough to receive one of your wonderful laundry bags. I am writing to tell you how beautiful it is and how much I appreciate the time and effort you put into it for me. 

I am so sorry that it has taken so long to write you this thank you letter. It has been a quite hectic time returning from deployment. I would like you to know that I have wanted to take a photo with the bag to send to you, however the opportunity has not arisen. But please know it goes on all my trips with me and everyone asks me about it.

It sounds like you two are quite the team. Thank you for making my deployment a little brighter with such a wonderful gift. I can take on all my trips. As I am in the Air Force and I load planes, I do go away quite often.

Your time and efforts are greatly appreciated. From the bottom of my heart, Thank You. 

I wish you all the very best

Kind Regards

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Hi Jean

Thank you very much. I just received my washing bag in the mail. It is awesome and exactly what I was thinking of. It will be very clear that the contents are an Aussie's dirty laundry !

Thanks for what you do to make our lives overseas better. The support is greatly appreciated . 

Hope you have a great NY and a happy and safe 2017.

Thanks 

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Dear Sue,

Thank you for the laundry bag. Rest assured it has made a difference in my deployment and I have used it many times.

It has been a morale boost that people back home are thinking of us.

It just occurred to me that I haven't introduced myself. Perhaps you can tell by my messy handwriting that I am a male ha ha.

I am 40 yrs old with 2 beautiful children, A son 18 and a daughter 17.

Conditions are not too bad here, and could be a lot worse but you are correct that it is difficult to be away from home.

Hope your Christmas period is fabulous. It is cooling down here, I think it will still be a lot cooler in Melbourne.

Once again thank you for the laundry bag, find-a-words & playing cards, 

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.

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Thank you for taking the time to write me such a wonderful personal letter to enjoy. I will say I read it before I got into the box of goodies. It was nice to get a sense of who you are and where you have come from.

I am happy to hear that you enjoyed making this quilt for me, 

Now onto the rest of the parcel ... I cannot thank you enough, you completely spoilt me! I must let you know I was with my sister when I opened the parcel and we both had a little tear! I as so touched by your care, effort and thoughtfulness. The quilt is absolutely               stunning, I love it so much! I could not possibly have dreamed it would be so elegant, The DVD was such a wonderful touch, as you know I love all things Audrey Hepburn but I had not seen this DVD before. It is now sitting nicely next to Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Funny           Face. 

It was an absolute delight to open this box and find so many treasures. I cannot say how touched I am enough. You made my room look so elegant and this quilt goes with me on trips whenever I have enough space in my luggage.

I am sorry it has taken so long to write to you. I was hoping to be able to send a photo of me with the quilt however I haven’t been able to get one as yet. 

I wish you all the best, thank you for your time and effort to give a smile to so many people. I think it is wonderful what you give to us and such beautiful gifts make being away that little bit easier.

kind Regards,

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I have just returned from being deployed on operation OKRA in Taji Iraq. During my deployment I received a quilt and a laundry bag made by some very talented volunteers. A big thank you to all involved and the work all the volunteers do is greatly appreciated by all those deployed. Attached is a pic of my quilt made by Raeleen W and my laundry bag made by Joan & Robin.

And from the same fellow to Joan and Robin

Hi there Joan & Robin,

I apologize for the delay inn my reply however I have received my laundry bag. I am incredibly happy with it and the embroidered initials add that extra touch. Everyone here, including myself, think that all the people at Aussie Hero Quilts and Laundry Bags do a great job.

I would personally like to thank you both for the work you have put into my laundry bag and i know that all the guys that have received bags feel the same way.

Thank you again for the work you have both done. 

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For all of those who sent quilts and laundry bags to the 7RAR soldiers in Iraq (Task Group Taji) last year,....

Dear Mrs Ball,

I write on behalf of the soldiers of Training Team – 3 who were the very grateful recipients of personalised quilts and laundry bags while deployed to Iraq.

We are humbled by the care and attention your organisation, and your members, took to make these quilts and bags for us.

I speak for all my soldiers when I offer my sincere thanks.

We have missed family and friends – your quilts and laundry bags are a tangible link to home.

Yours sincerely,

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

Jan-Maree  xx