28 November 2023

Grati-Tuesday - 28th November 2023

 

Happy Tuesday Friends!

We have some heartfelt letters for you on this last week of November!!!

Grab a cuppa, sit back and enjoy some well deserved gratitude!

... 

Dear Philomena H,

 

I cannot really put into words what I felt and experienced last Saturday when you presented me with your magnificent and superbly made quilt. It was such a surprise to be called onto stage at the Aussie Hero Quilts Volunteers Thank You Dinner and to have you personally reveal your amazing work to me. It was overwhelming.

 

I did not expect to receive the honour of being presented an Aussie Hero Quilt, however, to be recognised for my contribution to Aussie Hero Quilts and my service was appreciated. I would believe that my feelings would be like all other members of Defence who have received such a special gift...it is truly an amazing feeling of joy and humility. I believe that most members of Defence do our work not for recognition but because we love our country. Nonetheless, when we are recognised by receiving a quilt or laundry bag, it is an emotional time as we then know that our work is greatly appreciated by others, such as yourself.

 

Your commitment to making your quilts and laundry bags is what needs to be recognised. It was wonderful to see that the support from all levels of Defence were present at the Thank You Dinner to support you and the other volunteers for the tireless work that you do. Your contribution in helping increase the morale and well being of so many members is truly valued by all within the Defence community.

 

Your quilt has taken pride and place on my bed now. Your amazing work will forever be beloved by me. I am so grateful to you and all the other volunteers of Aussie Hero Quilts. You are amazing.

 

Thank you for making me feel so honoured and appreciated.

 

Please take care and keep up your fantastic work in making the work of Defence personnel respected.

 

Best wishes,



... 

Good Morning Jan-Maree,


I want to thank you and all your ladies for making me such a lovely quilt, which I will treasure always. 

 

Thank you again and God Bless you.

 

Sincerely,

... 

Good Morning Jacqui D,


I recently received the beautiful quilt you made for me. I have always wanted a quilt from Aussie Quilt Heroes so I was delighted and extremely grateful to receive one at my farewell lunch. 

Thank you!

I enjoyed reading about you and your family; eight years of making quilts is very generous of you. My mother-in-law is a quilter; I love seeing all of the wonderful creations she comes up with.


I was living in Canberra with my daughter when COVID hit. My husband, who is in the Navy was posted up in Sydney so it was a bit tough to begin with. My daughter and I eventually moved up to Sydney where we were all reunited which made living through COVID easier. We are now located up in further north. This is where I am from, I left when I was 19 and returned 20 years later. It's nice to be back around our extended family again. We are building a house and our daughter starts school next year, so this is where we will stay.


I completed the Kokoda Trek in 2018. I had always wanted to do it and when the opportunity came up, I jumped at it. It was such a fantastic experience.


Thank you again for the beautiful quilt and for taking the time to write the letter. 

Regards,

... 

Hi Jan-Maree, 

 

I have received my quilt and I absolutely love it. :) 

Thank you!!!

... 

Good morning ðŸ˜Š

 

Attached is a photo of a recent presentation of your beautiful quilt. The recipient was truly grateful.

 

Thank you again to you and your team for the fantastic work that you all do.


Kind Regards




Bobbie S and her Mystery BOMers quilted by Cath M Emb by Joan
.

... 

Hi Ellen N,

Thank you!!!

I so appreciate this kind gesture and the many hours of hard work you dedicate, not just for me but for other members like me.


I will treasure this tor many years (and  deployments) to come

Thank you again for your support, it makes a real difference for me and my colleagues!!

... 

Hi Bobbie S (and the Mystery BOMers), 

I wish to acknowledge to you that I am the recipient of your beautifully made quilt. The quilt was presented to me at a coffee session that I join a few times each week with fellow veterans. 

It has been quite a surprise for me as the events that lead to this award occurred 51 years ago but I am very grateful for the recognition. I was 23 years old when the terrible event happened in Papua New Guinea in 1972. I discharged from the RAAF just 3 months later to take up employment private employment. 

I am still married to the same lovely girl for 54 years. My daughters are aged 52 and 48, now living in Broome in the north west and my son who lives about 15 minutes from us.

I just wanted to say that your handiwork is quite exceptional and was
greatly admired by all of those in attendance at the presentation and all those since. It takes pride of place on display in my bedroom and can be easily taken down (velcro attached) for others to see and admire.
Thank you



... 
Good afternoon Bridget R,

I just received my quilt made lovingly by you! Thank you so so much for effort you put into it, I absolutely love it! 

I appreciate you telling me about yourself and your family so I thought I would say a little about myself. 
I am 24 years old and have been serving in the Navy for 3.5 years. I am originally from Manchester, United Kingdom (hence the love for the football club). I moved to Adelaide when I was 14 and lived with my mum, stepdad and spoodle Fudge.

Currently I’m serving on HMAS Sydney and love my job to pieces. I also didn’t know what I wanted to do until I took the leap to join up…changed my life for the best.

Thank you again!

Regards,

... 

To Bobbie S and your team (Mystery BOMers),
 
I would like to especially Thank You and your fantastic team of talented Quilters for making my Quilt.
 
It was a complete surprise to me, even though I don’t feel worthy of such an honour. I will treasure my quilt.
 
Thank you to your team you mentioned in the letter – as you are the co-ordinator of the Mystery BOMers, Alison and Joan, as well as The Garage Girls. This talent has not gone unrecognised by me.
 
My sincere thanks does not seem adequate – but I say Thank You to everyone one of your talented team.
 
Kind Regards,

... 

Dear Mrs Hilary T, 

I am writing this email to thank you tremendously for the laundry bag you have made. My partner is in the Army and is leaving for a deployment tomorrow. He brought home the bag today and it is absolutely beautiful. The letter you have written was so heartfelt and greatly appreciated. 

Thank you yet again for your time, we really appreciate that. 

Kind regards, 

... 

Hi Jan-Maree

 

I would like thank you most sincerely for the Quilt that was made in honor of our son.

 

It was a very proud moment as a mother & father to have this special Quilt delivered to us to have a very special memory of our Son, brother, nephew and uncle to hold dear to our hearts always.

 

I respect the hours of work that was put into making this quilt and as a very proud mother,  I am very much appreciated of the efforts to both yourself and your group.

 

Please pass on behalf of my family our gratitude and thanks.

 

Regards

... 

Until next week keep your letters, emails and photos coming in.  

Tuesday's would be so totally boring without them!
💟💟💟💟💟💟💟

27 November 2023

Request List 27 November 2023

G’day all,

I posted on our blog last week and announced the date for next year’s Thank You Weekend. You can read all about it here (https://aussieheroquilts.blogspot.com/2023/11/save-date-aussie-hero-quilts-annual.html)  26th of October 2024. Put the date in your calendar.  You don’t want to miss out.



Priority Requests

We have some new requests on the list this week.

Requests numbers 1 to 4 inclusive are for personnel who have gone overseas in various roles to support Operation Kudu which is in support to Ukraine. Their deployments are not too long so I am hoping we can get their parcels to them whilst they are still overseas if we can.

No 5 is the last of her group so I really would like her to get her quilt sooner than later so she is not thinking we have forgotten her.  

Finally, No 6 is for a young someone who is expecting to spend some time in hospital and so we really need to get the quilt done.

Hope some of you can help out.

Here is the request list for this week. Happy hunting. I hope you can find something that tickles your fancy.

POST BY DATE

The post by date for all Requests on this list is 31 December 2023 please, or earlier if you can manage this.  If you cannot make that date, please let me know. Do reach out if you have any timing issues and we’ll resolve one way or the other. In fact, if you are going to be late posting it please let me know BEFORE you post it.  Also, if this time frame is too tight for you, there are options, just email me to discuss, thank you.    

Request Information

When selecting a request, remember, you do not have to include everything they have asked for. Footy quilts do not need to have the logo or even the team’s name. Using the team colours is all that is required. Simple is perfectly acceptable.  A number of these requests have given you favourite colours as well as footy teams or other hobbies and interests. It is fine to make a quilt using their favourite colours but please include at least one of their interests.  It is fine to keep it simple. 

If there is more than one request on this list that you would be happy to do I suggest that you send me a list of requests and tell me how many you want to be allocated….i.e. one of the following please….  There are always a few requests that everyone wants to do (and I can never pick them) so if the first one you ask for is taken then I can allocate another from your list if I have a list. 

Any queries you might have, please don’t hesitate to contact via the AHQ email as per usual with any queries and we will assist you from there.  We may not know the answer, but it will be our pleasure to research and get back to you.   

A reminder, when you are ready to post the quilt or laundry bag you’ve created, please use the PMKEYS number given you in any correspondence with the admin team.  This helps the volunteer admin team keep a track of what’s been sent etc.  The PMKEYS number is included in the address details we supply for your recipient e.g.  the 7-digit number in bold below. 

CPL Wanda Quilt 8765432 

TG 3456 

AFPO XX 

ADF 

Sydney NSW 2890

Also, please use the Aussie Heroes PO Box address on your parcel in the event the parcel is Returned to Sender -  the PO Box is a safe place in the event of  any mishaps with postage. 

Aussie Hero Quilts (and Laundry Bags) 

PO Box 248,

Cherrybrook, NSW 2126 

Don’t forget to take a photo of your completed quilt or laundry bag to email to AHQ with the name and PMKEYS of the recipient and we can include in the Weekly Dispatches blog and add to the tally of quilts and laundry bags sent off to the troops.  I personally love viewing the photos of those projects dispatched – so inspiring. 

If you are using an AHQ supplied prepaid satchel please kindly use the AHQ address for the return address– also for your own packaging – if a parcel is Returned to Sender it is likely we can expedite its journey to the recipient from Sydney.

Please also please hold on to the Tracking number (the pink sticker that you should remove before posting – we’ve experienced mail delays lately (haven’t we all?) and having the Tracking number is very reassuring to keep an eye on the parcel’s progress in arriving at its destination. 

Don’t forget, if you look at today’s Request List and need help choosing, please feel free to get in touch to discuss, we will be ready to reply and offer guidance by email. Our goal is to help you find a request that you will be comfortable with doing. If you need a crest etc we may be able to post embroideries / printed fabric images or email some of these to you. 

Helpful info may be gleaned here  http://aussieheroquilts.blogspot.com/2019/07/information-post-for-those-that-sew-for.html    I look forward to seeing the photos of completed quilts and LBs when they are ready to post off. 

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE copy the ENTIRE line if you wish to nominate for a quilt or laundry bag.  

For example…. 

Marvel Theme. Ironman     M       LB      1 

This is really important to make sure that neither you nor I copy the wrong number which could lead to me giving you the wrong details for specific request.  If you find it hard to copy and paste, please copy the line out as above.  

Decoding The Columns 

The first column is the theme or preferences requested. 

The second column indicates the gender of the recipient. 

The third column is as follows. 

B=both quilt and laundry bag (feel free to nominate to JUST do the laundry bag if you wish) 

Q= just a quilt 

LB = just a laundry bag 

F= female 

M= male 

Please let the Admin crew know if you have any other questions....Just email friendsofahq@gmail.com  

Looking forward to seeing what you want to make this week. Happy stitching! 

Cheers, 

Jan-Maree

P.P.S.  Don't forget to check out AHQ on the Blog, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter


RAAF Crest
Text 'OP Kudu Oct23-Jan24'
German Flag
Ukraine Flag
E-7A Wedgetail Aircraft (optional)
1 Security Ops crest
(we can provide the RAAF crest, embroidered text, 1 SECOPS crest plus silhouette of aircraft to applique)

M

B

1

German flag colour theme
(Bundesliga - Germany's Professional Football (Soccer) League and beer steins) with "OP Kudu OCT 23-JAN24" printed on it

M

Q

2

Pokémon themed with "BS" on it 

M

Q

3

horse themed with "SS"

M

LB

4

Air Mobility Group Aircraft (C17A, C-130J-30 Hercules, C-27J Spartan, KC-30A Tanker, 737 Boeing Business Jet, KA350 King Air & Dassault Falcon 7X - (We can provide  and aircraft silhouettes for applique or photos to include)

F

Q

5

RAN Crest with details. Boatswains Mate badge.

Aboriginal Flag and indigenous patterns. Likes Blue, Red, Green & Yellow.

Other likes include Ocean/Nautical tall ships, octupus & jellyfish. Mountain biking & cycling/hiking trees or forest, Soccer (Matilda's), Harry Potter, Bluey, Scottish kilt pattern as plays the bagpipes & QLD State of Origin. 
(we can supply the Crest as an embroidery with details and BM badge as an image)

F

Q

6

Blue
Renewable energy – solar panels – wind farms bicycles
Two White bichons

M

Q

7

Rising Sun, RAAF crest
Operation Okra Sep 2014 - Jan 2015
Army/RAAF theme
Loves all US sports and the USA
(We can provide the Rising Sun and RAAF crest and can have the text embroidered)

M

Q

8

Star Wars the clone wars (Cartoon TV Show)

M

Q

9

Navy crest
Port Adelaide AFL supporter
(we can provide the crest)

M

Q

10

RAN crest with personal details
HMAS Melbourne
HMAS Sydney
HMAS Canberra
HMAS Warramunga
Weapons Electrical Engineer badge
Nautical Theme
(We can provide the Ships' crests, the RAN crest and the Weapons Electrical Badge)

M

Q

11

Star Wars , NFL (USA National Football League)

M

Q

12

"Magic the Gathering" - Lord of the Rings themed

M

Q

13

Green/Black,
North QLD Cowboys (rugby league team),
Lord of the Rings

M

Q

14

Melbourne Storm

M

Q

15

Dragonball super, Lord of the rings, Jedi from star wars

M

Q

16

Green, Skiing, Shetland Sheepdogs, Cheese, Lord of the Rings

M

Q

17

Bright Fluro Colors, Outdoors, Camping, Nautical, 4WDing

M

Q

18

Blue/Purple/Red, Comics, Travelling, Camping and Beers

F

Q

19

Blue, Rugby Union, Exeter Chiefs (UK Rugby Union Team), NSW Waratahs.

M

Q

20

Blue/white- Canterbury Bulldogs, cricket, outdoors

M

Q

21

South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL

M

Q

22

Pirates Of The Caribbean Themed

M

Q

23

Adelaide Crows themed (AFL)

M

Q

24

Sydney Roosters NRL Team

M

Q

25

Crossing the line, Neptune, Golden Shellback Turtles, Black Bears,

M

Q

26

RAAF crest and Tri-service crest 
Enlistment date
Red, green, blue, turquoise
I like Motorcycle Racing, Kayaking, Road Cycling, Gym, Flying Aircraft and Surfing
My NRL Team is the Cronulla Sharks.
(We can provide the crests and can have the date embroidered)

M

Q

27

Horse Racing Theme

M

Q

28

Navy Themed, Ensign, Seahawks, Warships, Ocean,

M

Q

29

Naval Aircraft, Helicopters. Favourite colour is blue

M

Q

30

Red and Blue, Capybara (large rodent), Melbourne Demons

M

Q

31

Dark Green, Mountains, Fjords

M

Q

32

Red, Fast and the Furious (movies) cars

M

Q

33

Purple, Western Bulldogs

M

Q

34

Black, Dogs, Fish, Cats

F

Q

35

Red and Black, Liverpool Football Club (soccer), LA Lakers (US National Basketball Association)

M

Q

36

Purple, Melbourne Storm, Lightning Bolts

M

Q

37

Blue, Sydney Roosters

M

Q

38

Black and Silver, Spartans and Samurai

M

Q

39

Blue
Marvel, 4 wheel driving, Dirt bikes

M

Q

40

Fav colours Purple and dark green/blue.
Interested in Star Wars (Jedi), Batman, Moon Knight (Marvel)/Science Fiction

F

Q

41

Favourite colours are White & Blue
Interests - Star Wars

M

Q

42

Penrith Panthers (NRL)

M

Q

43

Rainbow, Monsters Inc.

F

Q

44

Red, Blue, Yellow (Adelaide crows)

M

Q

45

Blue, Dark Blue, beach/ocean/surfing

M

Q

46

Black and Gold, Video games (Halo)

M

Q

47

Purple, Car Engines, 4wding (79 Series), Spearfishing

M

Q

48

QLD Maroon and/or Brisbane Broncos (NRL)

M

Q

49

Sloth's, Unicorns, West Coast Eagles or colours to that effect

M

Q

50

Ginger and White Shortbread cats

M

Q

51

Marvel / DC, 4WD / Camping, Navy, Video games

M

Q

52

Food (Watermelon, Dumplings)

M

Q

53

Favourite colours are light and dark blue. Interests include anything to do with the ocean, beach, or marine animals.

F

Q

54

Disney Princesses and Disney Villains

M

Q

55

Red and Blue (Newcastle Knights)
Motorsports (F1)

M

Q

56

Red and Black - Lord of the rings

M

Q

57

Red and Black
Starwars (Siths and Darthvader)

M

Q

58

Red and White (St George Illawarra Dragons)

M

Q

59

McLaren F1 team with LN4 and OP81 in big bold letters on the front with the McLaren logo silhouette in the background

F

LB

60

Shrek themed, "This Is Conder's Swamp"

M

LB

61

Silver Subaru WRX race car themed, nickname

M

LB

62

White Ensign and Taiwanese flag one side (We can supply an ensign and the Taiwanese flag is easy enough to applique)

M

LB

63

Finding Nemo

F

LB

64

Dallas Cowboys NFL theme

M

LB

65

Penrith Panthers theme. Number 9 on the back with nickname

M

LB

66

GuildWars2 theme. with name on bag please.

M

LB

67

Saint George Illawarra Dragons NRL Jersey theme with name on it

M

LB

68

Wallabies (Rugby Union) themed with nickname on it.

M

LB

69

VB (Beer)/Rabbitohs theme with quote "sinking ships and sinking tins". Name & PMKeyS

M

LB

70

Something climbing related (carabiners, ropes, quickdraws) with surname

M

LB

71

"Yarra" and lighting in the background

M

LB

72

4x4 Driving Theme

M

Q

73

RAAF Crest with operations (OP Catalyst, OP Slipper x 2, OP Okra) and their dates listed,
RAAF Flag, RAAF aircraft

M

Q

74

RAAOC, Rising Sun, Rugby player for Defence, Canberra Raiders, loves mountain biking, diving and snorkelling and fishing. He just loves the ocean, also a Knifemaker/Cutler making and sharpens knives. Montague Island.
Ordinance Corps colours are Scarlet and Royal Blue
(We can supply the badges)

M

Q

75

Australian Flora, earthy colours (Light green, Light Brown)

M

Q

76

Star Wars Black and White

M

Q

77

Toy Story/Buzz Lightyear

M

Q

78

Beach, Sunset, Turtles, Blue, Broome/Kimberley

F

Q

79

TV Show, Paw Patrol, Character Skye, Pink

M

Q

80

Red, Cattle Dogs

M

Q

81

Black and Red, Star Wars

M

Q

82

Cronulla Sharks theme with team colours

M

Q

83

Rising Sun, Engineering Corp
Thank you for your service
Over 50 years service
Avid Geelong Supporter

M

Q

84

Rising Sun, 
Psych Corp badge
Thank you for your service
avid scuba diver

F

Q

85

Blue, Toronto Blue Jays (US Major League Baseball)

M

Q

88

West Coast Eagles (AFL) and F-111 Aircraft

M

Q

89

Ryan Gosling themed with the RASIGs logo in the centre  with nickname. Thankyou so much :)
(We can supply the badge)

M

LB

90