Cleo anyone?

Slowly but surely I am taming the beast that is Windows 8.  Seriously not so sure that it is any better, just different and annoying as I can't do things the way I used to and who on earth has time for tutorials!

If you are interested in reading a little about some of our heroes who have been deployed and what it is like for them when they come home then you need to get yourself copy of the latest Cleo magazine as there is an article in it called "Life After War".

Now I read and watch everything I can to do with our military and their deployments but this article is extra special because you see that lovely young lady wearing the sunglasses?  Well she is none other than the daughter of Ruth, one of our very own Aussie Hero Friends!  So worth an extra special read don't you think?

P.S. Leonie, do you recognise the back drop?

For those of you who clicked on the links to visit Cat's tutorial only to find that both links lead to the same place you will be pleased to know that I have now updated the post and you can now find part 2 of the tutorial as well as part 1.  

It has been a while since I showed you some of the BOM (block of the month) quilts which is because they have been all over the country side being put together.  Oh please forgive me if I can't tell you who put which ones together - I did record it - until they went off to the quilters.  Janet did four of them and Ruth pieced two tops and then sent them to Hilary who quilted and completed them.  Those two are not pictured as they are destined to be two Fallen Warrior Quilts.  Jill is completing three more Fallen Warrior Quilts.  Incidentally one of two sets of blocks from the October and November BOMs will be put aside just in case as well.

These five are just waiting to be bound after Paul and Paula quilted them.   You are probably sick of me saying it but I love scrap quilts.  I think they are just so interesting to look at!

If you still have some of our BOM blocks and have not yet put them together can you please let me know.

This thank you came out of the blue from a female who received one of the extra laundry bags I have been sending over.

Hello Jan

 How are you?  I received one of your laundry bags overseas and just wanted to say it is much appreciated.  My laundry is so much easier to find now and it definitely is a nice change to the plain white ones.

Thanks again :)

To finish off another lovely thank you message for us and mostly for Deb for one of her lovely quilts.

Hello again Jan-Maree,

The quilt that Deb made for me arrived yesterday 17 Nov 12.  I have attached a couple of photos of the quilt on my bed.  It looks absolutely wonderful.  Sorry that the Laundry bag is not in the photo it's at the laundry with my uniform being laundered.

I shall send another card thanking you, Deb and your team for your efforts in keeping our moral in good stead.

The front

 and the back.

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

No Pictures till tomorrow.....

Hi All

Well, the new laptop is installed and I am now in the process of working out how to use it.  my photos haven't been transferred over yet but my husband will do that tonight.  Honestly I would love to be able to do all these things for myself but it is either a case of learn how to do everything or keep running AHQ and I know what i would rather do!

So, a picture-less post but I hope you can cope for one night.  :-(

Just a reminder that the Aussie Heroes Dinner in Sydney is scheduled for 

Saturday 8 December 
630 for 7pm.

at the Bistro

Hornsby RSL

4 High St

Hornsby

We thought this would be a good option for many reasons.   It is affordable.   We can be very flexible with the numbers changing them at the last minute if people find they can come.  

We can sit and after our meal as long as we want.  I
t's close to the train station for those travelling by public transport and it has lots of parking.  
We can chat to our hearts content and won't disturb anyone.

We tried to book our own function room, but left that option a little late, maybe next year !!

If you are a definite please get back to Caroline (aka Deputy Nut carolinejgunn@gmail.com) and she will add your name(s) to the list.

If you would like to come please let Caroline know - even if you have told one of us verbally could you please email her direct as it makes it easier for us to check the numbers.

We Sydney-siders and visitors are not the only ones who are thinking of staging a get together.

Nancy in WA has a bunch of ladies who are also interested in meeting up.  At this stage possible dates are 12th or the 13th of December, somewhere in the Midland Area.  So far the thoughts are for a 9-930am start for morning tea, maybe into lunch.

If you are interested please contact Nancy.

 Her email address is harvnan2@yahoo.com.au

How about some thank you messages seeing as I can't show you pictures - first for Julie Ann

My quilt and laundry bag has arrived. I'm sorry I haven't E-mailed you earlier, been a little busy. They both look great and I'll endeavour to take some photo's and send to you and the lady who made them.
Thank you very much and your ladies do a great job.

Hi Wendy, Jan... and Nan Scott!
I just received my laundry bag in the mail, with the assorted goodies.
Thanks very much - it's awesome.
Cheers,

For Rae (quilt) and Deb (Laundry Bag)

 I absolutely love both items. I have been going flat out, and it was one of my job list items today to write a thank you to you. Finally a little breathing space.
Was shocked to see it had my name on it, very touched as well. 
Can you please pass on my thanks. It is truly one of the nicest gifts I can recall receiving....ever...it really is that special. 

One for the Fabric Happiness Fairies..

I spoke to XXXX last night and he said he received his quilt.  It looks fantastic, and he was so thankful for the special gift.  You all do such a fantastic job and it is greatly appreciated.  This makes their time over there a little bit more comfortable.

 Thanking you,

Do you remember Diane's bright beautiful double sided quilt?
You can refresh your memory but checking it out here if you like.

Dear Dianne I received your quilt today, it's beautiful. 
I can appreciate the work you put into it even though it is not one of my strong points. The patience that would be required is mind blowing, personally, I would be lucky get out a small napkin. I love the colours too, while the landscape is beautiful over here it is exactly what you see in pictures.. 
My job is logistics in country, it is constant day in day out routine keeping up with requests from our dependencies. Never a boring day had so far and the challenges are ongoing. Having come from the top end I am freezing, I expect to look like a Michelin man shortly when the coats and pants come out. 
It is a great honour to serve the country and the thoughtful gifts the many women/men sent are appreciated. As a soldier and a mother I can't tell you how fortunate I feel being born in Australia, grateful everyday. 
Thank you again 

Cheers 

For something a little different, Cat recently made a couple of gorgeous Stack and Slash Star Quilts and an interesting modern quilt.  If you want to know what I am talking about you will need to go to her blog, but you should go anyway as she has been kind enough to write tutorials for both of them and they are worth checking out - here and here

Thanks so much Cat.


Seeing I can't show you any pictures I thought I would paint some pictures for you - some pictures of the appreciation for what we do that comes across in the requests I receive.

. Some people here in my work place told me about the quilts and laundry bags they have received from you, and I am very interested. They quilts are just lovely and would come in handy as it is really starting to get quite cold here, and I still have 4 months left on my tour.
Anything you could send over would be lovely, as well as a nice reminder of my time here.


May I please request one of you spectacular Aussie Hero Quilts.  My boss and a couple of workmates received them and they are awesome. 

And sometimes, not even a request but a thank you without asking for anything.  This in response to one of Michelle's gorgeous quilts.

Hi Jan-Maree,
I work with XXXXXXXXX and just saw the fabulous quilt and laundry bag that he received and would like to compliment you and your team on such a wonderful gesture.  XXXXX raves about the quality and workmanship on the quilt and laundry bag.
He doesn't usually brag much about anything, however, XXXXX is extremely proud and humbled by the wonderful gift that you sent him.
Anyway, I just wanted to pass on some feedback to you that you have made XXXXX's deployment that little bit easier knowing that there are people thinking of the guys and girls over here.
Kindest regards and thanks again,

Photos tomorrow night I hope.

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