22 April 2025

Grati-Tuesday 22nd April 2025

 

Happy Tuesday Friends!

Oh boy! I nearly missed creating todays blog.  Thought it was Monday today!!  I bet I am not the only one who thought that!

Hope everyone has a fantastic Easter Break and Easter bunny brought you some chocky!

Grab a cuppa or cool drink, sit back and relax while you soak up some well-deserved gratitude!

***

G'day Clarissa L, 

You have made my day! I am currently deployed in the UAE and today I was fortunate enough to receive your handmade laundry bag. 

I sincerely appreciate all the time and effort you spent finding the patterns, fabrics, emblems etc. The bag is exactly what I was after and I'm stoked I get to use it everyday. Doing months away from friends and family, these little things truly make all the difference!

Thank you for your letter. Sounds like you've had a hell of a life already with very successful children. I absolutely love my time in Defence and I hope your son does too. 

The work of you and all the members of Aussie Hero Quilts is priceless. Our team over here has genuinely had a boost to morale thanks to all your efforts! 

Once again thank you for your support, effort and generosity of time. 

Go the Tahs,


***

Hi Marilyn S,

 

First of all, thank you for the amazing laundry bag—this is truly a game-changer! Not only does it save my socks from running off to start their own rebel colony, but it also scores major points with your construction-loving grandsons. I bet Bob the Builder himself would give it a resounding “Can we fix it? Yes, we can!”

 

As for me, I’ve been in the Australian Defence Force for 7 years after transferring from the British Army after 22 years’ service, which means I’ve become quite skilled at ironing uniforms and surviving on instant coffee. Before joining, I travelled the world and had many weird and wonderful jobs. Home for me is Brisbane, and my family includes my wife of whom I have been married to for 29 years and a son aged 20.

 

Your story about Stawell and the Stawell Gift really made me smile. It sounds like Easter there is practically a national sport! And Belgrave sounds like a slice of heaven—peace and quiet, with just a touch of controlled chaos when your enormous family gathers. With that crew, I imagine you need a whistle and maybe a referee’s uniform to keep order during family get-togethers.

 

Thanks again for sharing a bit of your world and gifting me something I’ll use and treasure. Sending my best wishes to you and the entire [very large and clearly lively] family. Stay healthy and safe—you’ll need that energy to keep up with them!

 

Warm RAEgards

***

Hi Bel P,

Thank you so much for my laundry bag! All I can say is wow, it is truly beautiful and I am in love with it. I also can’t believe my husband thought to surprise me with it! He is such a thoughtful man, but this wasn’t what I expected. 

I loved hearing your story and I love hearing that you are still involved with Defence. It gets under your skin, and it will always be a part of you. 

Your house sounds like adorable chaos haha, and while I haven’t had a grandchild living with me yet I have had my daughter and partner move back with my grandpuppy who very quickly became a Nanny’s boy. I think I cried more about losing him when we posted to Sydney than moving away from my daughter. I miss that adorable little critter. 

I wish one of my daughters followed me into the Army. I was 33 and a single mum of 3 girls when I joined so they have seen me go through a range of good and bad experiences and always come out on top. They got my work ethic but not my desire to serve. Miss M is 27 and a librarian, Miss A is 22 and an aged care worker, Miss I is 21 and works in aged care kitchens. My husband has a son who is 18 and still deciding, and a daughter who is year 12 this year and off to uni next year on a QLD Young Achiever scholarship which pays all her living on expenses plus a yearly allowance. So proud of all 5 kids!

I am over on Op MAZURKA. Essentially my job is to plan, organise, and conduct cultural tours around Egypt for members of all of the 15 nations currently deployed to the MFO. I go to both Luxor and Cairo monthly for multi day trips, leading a group of up to 45 people at a time. We also hike Mt Sinai and run desert ATV tours or snorkelling trips.  It sounds like I’m constantly on holiday but it’s actually hard work I discovered. I was excited to play tour guide for 7 months, now I would love a chance to have a few days off travelling haha. As the Australian contingent here we also went to Gallipoli for 4 days on a military education tour. So all I have done since I got here is travel. Whilst I’m extremely fortunate to do this job, I do miss being home. 

Anyway, I am off to Cairo again tomorrow morning bright and early so I must get back to packing. Thank you once again for such an incredible work of art. I truly love it. 

Regards,

(The recipient had already put in a request. Hubby sent in a request to surprise her not knowing she had only put in for a quilt so in the end she got both but the laundry bag was a surprise)

***

Good morning,

 

Great news my quilt arrived and has pride of place on my son’s bed.

 

Regards


(Quilt made by Ann S)


***
Dear Sue N, 
Thank you so much for my beautiful and thoughtful quilt and laundry bag. I will travel with them on every work (and personal) trip forever.
We consider you as part of our team now.
Best wishes,

***
Until next week keep your letters, emails and photos coming in.  Tuesdays would be so totally boring without them!

Cheers Bel P

🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰

21 April 2025

Request List 21 April 25

Greetings all,

Well, having spent the last few days in hospital saying goodbye to a ruptured appendix I am so pleased to be home in time for Easter. I hope you all have something lovely planned for Easter.



PRIORITIES

As always, the requests are listed in priority order. The first 6 are for folk on deployment in a variety of countries so obviously we would like to get these requests completed. I am getting a little nervous for a few of them as their time is rapidly reducing.  Post can be so unreliable to some of our overseas locations so it can take a while to get parcels to them so the sooner they are in the mail the better. Please let me know if you can take one of these on.

All other requests are listed in priority order.

POST BY DATE

The post by date for all Requests on this list is 19 May 25 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

Rising Sun, Australian Flag, UN Flag, Army camouflage pattern, Cedar Tree, UN vehicle, "T.I.L" (stands for This Is Lebanon)
(We can provide the Rising Sun, UN flag and some army camo)

M

LB

1

Boxing and Yoga

M

Q

2

Rising Sun, Australian Flag, UN Emblem, Syrian flag (new & old).  Salt and Pepper shaker (across one another). poppies, red & white Quote 'This Too Shall Pass' or 'Believe It'
We can provide the Rising Sun, the UN flag and the quotes can be embroidered.

M

B

3

Harry Potter Theme

F

Q

4

Pastel/natural colours

F

LB

5

Army Themed - Rising Sun etc
(We can send you a Rising Sun)

M

Q

6

Army Themed - Rising Sun etc
(We can send you a Rising Sun)

M

Q

6

T1 esport team, South Korean electronic sports team.  Red and black.
(logos are very simple for applique - we can provide images )

M

Q

7

Welder,
Jim Beam,
Harley Davidson,
DDG ship theme

(can provide the RAN crest, HMAS Sydney crests and a Harley Davidson embroidery)

M

Q

8

Green, Blue,
One Piece theme, Anime - if you google there are some simple silhouettes for this theme.

M

Q

9

Warcraft 3 Frozen Throne Themed,
Black and Blue colours with character: Lich King Arthas
(images are available for printing)

M

Q

10

Warhammer 40k themed,
OR
gaming/pop culture themed

M

Q

11

Iron Man theme with nickname in bold writing

M

Q

12

80s/90s supercars, Bright colours

M

Q

13

Dive theme
Roosters NRL team
Nickname on the bottom

M

Q

14

Australian and Ukrainian flag colours/background with Infantry theme, RAR Skippy Badge and Ukrainian Coat of Arms.
(we can provide the Skippy Badge, flags and Coat of arms)

M

Q

15

Newcastle NSW Theme with Large Bundy Bear

M

Q

16

HMAS Sydney V themed quilt
(we can provide an image of the ship plus can also provide RAN and HMAS Sydney crests and the Sydney V logo )

M

Q

17

Red and Black Sydney V theme with nickname
(can provide image of ship and V logo plus the RAN crest and HMAS Sydney Crest.)

M

Q

18

HMAS Sydney V Theme  (We can provide the RAN and HMAS Sydney crests and the Sydney V logo)

M

Q

19

HMAS Sydney V Theme with DDG
(We can provide RAN and HMAS Sydney crests and the Sydney V logo)

M

Q

20

Canberra raiders, RAEME Badge
(we can provide the RAEME badge)

M

Q

21

Navy patrol boat themed, with rough ocean background  (we can provide the silhouette of a patrol boat for applique and an RAN crest)

M

Q

22

1990's Toyota Hilux theme

M

Q

23

Wolverine and the X-Men theme

M

Q

24

crests for  HMAS Supply, HMAS Leeuwin and ADV Cape Otway  with surname written in blue & white
(surname easily appliqued and we can provide the RAN crest and ship crests)

Q

25

Cars the movie characters, Lightning McQueen and Strip Weathers

M

Q

26

Whisky Barrel design with the saying 'Every Second Saturday' included
(the saying could easily be appliqued or we can have it embroidered.)

M

Q

27

Popeye cartoon theme

M

Q

28

Royal Australian Navy Themed in navy blue.
We can provide the RAN crest

M

Q

29

Disney Cars

M

Q

30

Sponge-bob

M

Q

31

Oklahoma City Thunder (US National Basketball Team)

M

Q

32

Darth Vader (Star Wars)

M

Q

33

Rottweiler dogs and Police sirens

M

Q

34

Carlton Football Club and Canberra Raiders theme (colours, logos etc)

M

Q

35

Great Northern Beer

M

Q

36

Anime themed (Berserk for reference)
Would like Surname included.
(can provide surname as embroidery or could be easily appliqued)

M

Q

37

Navy Crest with service details,
Navy themes and sports themed in red, white, blue, aqua + all bright colours
We can provide the RAN crest with service details

M

Q

38

Rising Sun, Green and Blue, Cape Solander crest, Harley Davidson motorcycles
(we can provide the Rising Sun and Crest)

M

Q

39

Black and Red with Crossed Swords

M

Q

40

Navy crest with job position under it,
Cape Solander crest,
Old warships,
Philadelphia Eagles (US NFL team),
McLaren F1
(we can provide the RAN crest with text under it, as well as the Cape Solander Crest)

M

Q

41

Blue -  I worked on Blackhawks and Chinooks for the Army
Deployed to Afghanistan 2010, 2012 with the Chinooks.
I loved the Invictus Games Vancouver
We can provide the Rising Sun with deployment details as a patch.

M

Q

42

Star Wars (the Dark Side), Red & Black

M

Q

43

Brisbane Broncos (NRL)

M

Q

44

Star Wars (the Mandalorian)

M

Q

45

Rodeo (Busking Bulls & Broncos)

F

Q

46

Brisbane Broncos (NRL)

M

Q

47

Cornish Flag and Cornish Pasties

M

Q

48

Navy White Ensign
We can provide the Ensign and an RAN crest

M

Q

49

Egyptian Flag

M

Q

50

Trucks & 4WD

M

Q

51

Brisbane Broncos

F

B

52

North Queensland Cowboys

M

Q

53

Lilo & Stitch, Island Patterns (Fiji/Samoa), Flowers, Water

M

Q

54

Ships, Guns, Helicopters, money, Navy White Ensign, RAN crest
We can provide the RAN crest and Ensign

M

B

55

Navy crest with service details,
Navy theme and colours,
Clearance Diving Branch Crest
Bases - HMASs Leeuwin, Watson, Rushcutter, Penguin, Kuttabul & Waterhen
Ships - HMASs Supply & Kimbla.

Can provide the RAN crest with details, the CD insignia, and ship's crests

M

Q

56

Invictus Games theme, red and white, Canadian, winter, snow flakes

F

Q

57

Fremantle Dockers

M

Q

58

RAN crest,
Navy Physical Training Instructor badge,
HMAS Darwin,
White Ensign,
Views of Sydney harbour, ocean, dolphin, sunrise
(we can provide the RAN crest, the PTI badge, white ensign flag and ship crest)

F

Q

59

Rising Sun
Artillery Badge
Personal details for relatives.
Poppies,
Soldiers,
Sea life
We can provide the Rising Sun, Artillery Badge and personal details)

F

Q

60

Navy theme, blue with ships and images from Invictus games
(we can provide the images and the Navy crest)

M

Q

61

Dark Blue RAN themed ( Guns or ships ) with White Ensign
We can provide the RAN crest and white ensign

M

Q

62

Arsenal Football Club themed

M

LB

63

Batman

F

Q

64

Anything Fishing/Big Fish

M

Q

65

Mechanics/Tools

M

Q

66

Pokemon

F

Q

67

NRL Broncos themed

M

LB

68

Heavy Machinery

M

Q

69

Bread and Butter - If something is your bread and butter you are in fact doing it well with experience.  If my bed is comfortable to sleep in, I sleep well and that allows me to perform better at work and therefore eventually make any challenges my 'bread and butter'.

M

B

70

Jabba the Hutt (Star Wars)

M

Q

71

Yoda (Star Wars)

M

LB

72

Spiderman Themed

M

Q

73

RAN Australian White Ensign - we can send you an RAN crest and white ensign

M

Q

74

RAN themed including ships HMAS Darwin & HMAS Hobart, CIS-I rate badge and Leading Seaman badge. List of postings available.
(we can provide the RAN crest, ship crests, rate & rank badges, and an emb list of postings)

M

B

75

Navy Themed - RAN crest, and HMAS Bathurst crest 
We can provide the two crests

M

B

77

Navy Themed - RAN crest, and HMAS Bathurst crest 
We can provide the two crests

M

Q

78

Pirates of the Carribean

M

B

79

Navy Themed - RAN crest, and HMAS Bathurst crest 
We can provide the two crests"

M

B

80

Sailing

M

Q

81

Donald Trump & MAGA (Make America Great Again)
Request from Jan-Maree - please make it tasteful

M

B

82

Fish

M

Q

83

Demon Slayer

M

B

84

Horses & Green

F

B

85

Gonzo from Muppets

M

LB

86

Koala

M

LB

87

"Navy Themed - RAN crest, and HMAS Bathurst crest 
We can provide the two crests"

M

B

88

Charlie XCX Brat Theme (music band). (Bright fluro green with the words "brat" in thick black letters across the quilt in landscape.)

M

Q

89

blue, green and earth tones. Themes include mountains to sea, Indigenous designs, my totem which is the kangaroo, family and a black Labrador.  Hobbies include snowboarding, outdoors, spending time with family.

F

Q

90

Sydney Invictus - Cycling  Road Race and Individual Time Trial
Athletics - 400m and 1500m
Rising Sun
Invictus 2018
Sydney
poppies
Aussie flag

F

Q

91

The country, Farm animals, highland cows, horse riding, Baby Blue and natural beiges

F

B

92

Photography, cameras, video camera, in red and black colour theme.

M

LB

93

Weightlifting, pastel yellow, green, blue, purple, pink and orange colour palette
(image available for weighlighting)

F

LB

94

Oceans, Campfire, Sunset colours, "FFH 156" and "Clubs" Text.
(text easily appliqued)

M

LB

95

West Coast Eagles

M

LB

96

South Sydney Rabbitohs

M

LB

97

Expansive forests, waterfalls, mountain ranges

M

LB

98

Hot, bright and baby pink colours. My initals (XXX) in turquoise with pink and turquoise florals/sunflowers/frangipanis in it.

F

LB

99

Maldives themed - ocean, palmtrees, shells

F

LB

100