WWQ Update and Dog Tag Clad Heroes

Update on our Wounded Warrior

I was delighted and felt very privileged  to receive this update on one of our special Wounded Warriors this weekend.

Hi Jan-Maree, I know you don't expect photos of all your quilts' locations but I took this picture of the quilt at a different hospital where my husband has gone for surgery.  We had a new bunch of nurses that we could explain its origins and the stuff that "Aussie Hero Quilts" does.

I was telling his physiotherapist about you guys and she said her mother, who is part of a group - rotary or something else - but she said that someone came to speak at her group about sending quilts and laundry bags.  A small world.

Small world indeed - that must have been the talk I gave to the Rotary Club recently.  You just never know who are you are going to reach when you talk about Aussie Heroes!

They are right.  I do not expect photos of where ever the quilts go, but I LOVE getting them.  I am so pleased that the size seems to be just right for what it is needed for.  It is just so good to see that the quilt is serving its purpose, not only to cover and warm, but also to raise the spirits.   I never thought about our Wounded Warriors spreading the word, but I am so touched that they do.  I know, once again, I can say that all of the Aussie Hero Friends will be sending prayers or good wishes their way.

Proof that Aussie Heroes don't wear capes they wear dog tags

This fellow will blush (I know this as he tells me I have already made him blush!) when I say this but this email is one of my favourite thank you messages so far.  This relates to a quilt that Liz H from WA sent over.

The quilt arrived today. What a fantastic quilt, I am speechless to the quality, to call it a scrap quilt just does not do it justice.

I hope you don't mind but I gave it to one of my soldiers that is just about to go out to one of the patrol bases and he has only a summer weight sleeping bag. He certainly needs it more than I at the moment, night temperatures are getting down to 5 deg and below now.

Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart, what you ladies are doing is fantastic. Please pass on my gratitude to them all.

Keep safe and bless you all

What a gorgeous, selfless man.  Could we not do with more like him in this county! 
Before you ask, I headed to the post office yesterday morning with a second quilt for this Hero.  There is just enough time to get one to him.

Seriously - who would head over to winter in Afghanistan with only a summer weight sleeping bag and why are we not issuing these blokes with appropriate gear - why do they have to provide it?

Finally, speaking as a MUM, guys if you are heading over in the near future please ask around and find out what you need and take the right gear!  Our quilts are good but they are no match for the snow and the cold that you will experience over there!

Only a very few items of the loads that we have sent to HMAS ANZAC have made it through so far.  Karen B received a thoughtful hand written thank you letter from this young man and I have type up part to share with you.

I would like to thank you for taking time to make a laundry bag and pillowcase that I received after our last port visit.  You probably do not realize but to receive gifts like this lifts morale and makes one feel appreciated in the past that we are doing under hazardous conditions.
Once again, thank you 

Did you know it is actually easier to get mail to those in Afghanistan that it is to those on HMAS ANZAC?  A very small mail delivery made it in mid October, another was due around ten days later and it was supposed to be a big one, but it didn't happen, probably because they were too busy keeping the shipping lanes free!  Now they have to wait till mid to late November!  I guess they are used to it but I am not sure I would be so patient!
Please be encouraged, if you are working on an ANZAC quilt to get it in the mail sooner rather than later (if you can) so that it makes it to the ship.  I want to send the Chaplains quilt off in the next week or so and even though it is late October there is no way to know if it will make it in time for Christmas!

I have three more lovely thank you messages for tonight!  

First up these ladies combined to send a fabulous quilt (Liz), Eagles laundry bag (Marg) and care package to this lucky but very deserving fellow.

Hi Liz and Marg,

WOW.   I just received my quilt, laundry bag and care package just when I thought my day couldn't get any better.   It is such an awesome thing to receive not one, but two, items like that, especially when one has the West Coast Eagles' emblem beautifully embroidered.  They are truly sensational and I can't thank you both enough. The winter months are rapidly approaching and the quilt will be sure to get some serious use and laundry will now be high on the agenda.

What a shame (but lucky for me) that this is the last of the production. ( he is referring to Marg's FINAL Eagles laundry bag)  XXXXXXX (his mate who requested the laundry bag for him) looked after me well with the timing of this order that's for sure.

Thanks again guys, I really, really, really appreciate it.

Yours gratefully

The next two messages were posted on Facebook but I am sharing it here so that all you non-FB ladies can enjoy it too!  This first one relates to quilt that Nancy sent off from Kalgoorlie.

I just want to say thankyou,I received my quilt last week and so appreciate it.The difference you guys make to us over here means a lot. Keep up the good work and again thankyou.

This one relates to a quilt that Tracey sent off.

HI, Just letting you know that the quilt that you sent off for my Nans friends son was recieved. He is greatly appreciative and says a HUGE THANKYOU!!!!!! 
He will be taking a picture so I can post it on here.

:-)

Update on the Sydney AHQ dinner.
WOW!!!  I am so delighted by the number of you who are keen to attend, especially from interstate!   The date is set for Saturday the 8th of December.   
Email Caroline (aka Deputy Nut) if you can make it.  
carolinejgunn@gmail.com

BOMs
The end of the month is coming up.  I am dying to see what new BOM blocks have arrived at Naomi's this week - only another few days to go till the new November BOM block is released.  I think you are going to like it and Kylie has already picked the December BOM and I am sure you are going to like that one too!

Great work this last week everyone.   
Hope you have all had a great weekend.

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

This is what it is all about

This is only a brief post as I am flat out today and am yet to head off to the post office to send off this lot - 28kg of fabric including three quilts and laundry bags!  Anyone got a trolley?  Do you know it is virtually impossible to send 3kg of fabric in a 3kg bag!  Who knew fabric was so heavy!

Tonight's post is extra special!  To me this is what Aussie Heroes is all about.  We don't need a thank you message or personally written letter or email for every quilt that we send off to know that what we are doing is worthwhile and appreciated.  A message such as I am about to share is way more than we ever need, but oh so much appreciated.

When I first started Aussie Heroes I was just content to get as many quilts as possible to the guys and girls "over there".  Then a smart chaplain suggested we might like to send some Aussie themed quilts to be sent along with the wounded as they transit to Germany.  Bless that clever chaplain!  No sooner had he suggested it that we started doing it.  A few quilts have now made the trip to Germany with our brave wounded soldiers and one even accompanied a heroic US Marine after he was injured coming to the aid of some of our fellows.- you can read about that here.

We call those quilts Wounded Warrior Quilts  (WWQs).  A couple of weeks ago I shared a message I received from a woman whose husband was injured in Afghanistan and received an American Quilt whilst in hospital in Germany.  You can read that message here.  

I have always said that I deeply appreciate the generosity of the Americans towards our troops but I am so pleased to know that we are now looking after our people ourselves.  

That is as it should be. 

When she wrote to me she explained how her husband liked to use the quilt but found at times it was a bit big for his needs.  I offered to send them one of ours to "road test".  I would have wanted to send one to them anyway -  I cannot think of a more deserving recipient.  They accepted my offer and received the quilt.  Here is what they said.

The quilt arrived.  Thank you.  My husband loves it. the day it arrived he used it whilst he sat in his recliner chair.  It came at the perfect time.  He ended up in hospital the next day and its the perfect size for the hospital bed.  We have proudly told the story of where the quilt came from to the staff.  My husband turns the corner of the quilt to show the printed "Aussie Hero Quilts" label.  Thank you so much.

This message and this photo still moves me, perhaps more than any of the other hundreds of heartfelt messages I have posted on this blog from the troops and their families and friends.  Look at that gorgeous quilt, made by Kaye, sitting proudly on that bed.  Isn't it wonderful to know we could give this man and his wife such a gift.

If you want to make a WWQ go right ahead.  You just need to make a quilt that is as Aussie as possible - include a flag, or the southern cross, applique a kangaroo, use Aussie fabric.  Just make it however you want, stitch it with lots of love and send me a photo when it is done.  

And to the couple who sent me this message and shared this wonderful photo - thank you so much for letting us in just a little bit.  Please know that all of us from Aussie Heroes around Australia will be wishing the absolute best for your husband's recovery and we all appreciate his service and the sacrifice you both have made.

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

Photo Information and Returning the Favour

Hi all.  Over the last couple of weeks I have had to prepare some information to send off to some magazines about what we at AHQ are up to.  Now I try really hard to include a good range of pictures to illustrate what I am saying and I usually don't include any pictures if my quilts because everybody knows I am involved.  I like to show as much as I can of what everyone else is doing.

The last magazine I was approached by wanted photos of at least 1MB in size.  I really struggled to find suitable pics.  Either the size was too small, or the lighting was too dark or the whole quilt was not shown to advantage.

Now don't worry!   I am happy with the pictures I am getting for the sake of the blog.  I do not want you to go out and get a new camera or a professional photographer etc.  

If you are doing the best you can and don't know what to do to change things and don't have the time energy or whatever to change things that is absolutely fine.  I am happy with what you are sending me.

The purpose of this post is just to inform you. If, in the future, you would like me to consider your photos for other articles (assuming there will be more in the future) then you need to know what is required.

I thought I would put together some hints and tips for the average photographer out there (or maybe like me "the point and shoot" photographer")  Some of the tips will be over the heads of those of you like me but I have included them as I also know there are some of you out there who will understand.

Firstly some requests from me.  Often when I received photos the files are really small.   I know some of you do that out of consideration for me but as much as i appreciate that it is not necessary. I do not seem to have trouble down loading pictures in larger formats. If you could send your pics to me around 1-2MB that would be great. I re-size every photo I get down to less than 100KB for publication on  the blog thanks to a tip from (The Lovely Warrant Officer's Wife, Posie - see note below).  

Please try to make sure the quilt takes up most of the background, unless you are taking photos where the background is special and adds to the picture like these ones.

If possible. try for  good contrast between borders and back ground.  A dark quilt on a dark background does not work well. 

I know it is not always easy to get someone to hold your quilts up for you but you could try hanging then on a clothes line.

Finally sending pictures as an attachment, rather than embedded in an email are much easier and quicker for me to work with and anything that saves me time is much appreciated.

Now for suggestions and tips from others.  Of course I cut and pasted everyone's suggestions into the blog without thinking to include their names to give them credit and now I just don't have time to go searching back but you all know who you are so hopefully you will just accept my thanks here for taking the time to contribute.

I do know that the first lot of tips came from Deborah as I recognize her blog name.

My tips are put your camera on the maximum quality setting.

I hang my quilts from the pergola and try to take photos when the light is good but not directly shinning on the quilt. The two web posts show how

http://www.pilgrimsquilts.com/2011/04/hanging-quilts-for-photographing.html

http://www.pilgrimsquilts.com/2012/08/auturm-fairy-large-panel.html

Firstly choose a dull-but bright day to photograph your quilt

Secondly hang quilt against wall outside but not in sun, clip a couple of weights if won’t lay flat

Use tripod to place camera on

Aim the camera at the centre of the quilt, making sure that all is in frame

Make adjustments to settings if using a more complicated camera

Take the photograph ideally two or three

There are lots of good blog articles on taking pictures of quilts and some can be found here, here and here

Anne was kind enough to forward my request for help with photos on to her son, Matt, who is a photographer.  He was lovely enough to draft not one, but two emails to me.  The first one you can read below in red.  It will be appreciated by the shutter bugs among us.  Though I am sure the first sentence is one which all of us will appreciate.

Then I explained that I needed some simpler info for people like me! and he was kind enough to re-draft.

Keep the camera as steady as possible and try to get natural light to help out (through a window etc) watch or any dark shadows for loss of detail or any extremely bright spots, again for loss of detail. Anything too washed out or over exposed won’t print.

Should you have anyone in the Canberra that struggles with taking images then I would be most happy to take photos for them and to send them to you. So please pass on my email address.

I kind of know my way around a camera =) haha

The same for anyone in Wollongong, given my Mother is up there and I try to get up there a fair bit. 

If you would like to take him up on his offer in Canberra or Wollongong just email me for Matt's details.

And now here is his more technical email.

First off, as an Ex-Army Soldier, thank you for the effort you’re putting in.

There are a few factors that will come into consideration.

1. The type of camera you are using and how much control you have over the settings.

2. The quality of light available to you and

3. Whether you are using a flash or not.

I will expand on each point below and try to not confuse you with detail.

1. A camera will automatically compress the jpeg file based on what it thinks needs compressing, such as darks and lights. The type of camera dictates to some degree the size of the file it produces. The more control you have over the ISO (the cameras sensitivity to light), shutter speed and aperture (how much light is let in) the better the picture you will produce. A camera doesn’t always pick the best settings.

2. The quality of light is natural vs artificial (globes, flashes etc) Natural light is reasonably constant. When using lights in a room or a light from a flash the temperature will differ. For example a fluro light will throw off very white light that is almost blue, so the photo will look cold. A standard 60w globe will be relatively warm (yellow/orange) thus making your whites the same colour.

3. Using a flash on the camera requires 2 considerations. A. It will throw off nasty shadows and is very harsh and B. You have no control over the direction of light as it is on the camera.

So how do you achieve a good, sharp photo?

Use a tripod. This will remove any camera shake created by the person taking the photo. This will be more noticeable if the shutter speed is slow. The less light available the longer the shutter has to stay open to allow light to hit the sensor. The longer it is open the more noticeable any movement. This will also negate the requirement of a camera flash.

The faster the shutter speed the less light that will be let in.

If you have control of the aperture (which is also called F/stop) then open it up as far as it will go. The lower the number the wider open the lens becomes.

It is ideal to start with a larger than 1mb file and then edit it as required THEN resize down to 1mb. Generally most cameras produce a file larger than 1mb.

And as the title said - recently we got a chance to return a favour but I have only just found out.  I have heard about Aussie Soldiers being given Quilts of Valor in the past.  I don't know what the circumstances were but it doesn't matter to me.  I have just found out that we made it possible for the Aussies to present a WWQ (wounded warrior quilt) to an american marine who was injured whilst "saving our bacon" to quote the article.  You can (and should) read all about it here

Because of the backing used in this quilt, and the fact that we have only sent over about nine WWQs so far I am able to tell you that this quilt is one of the first ones we sent and it was pieced by Claire and quilted by Caroline and the backing was donated  as well.

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

NOTE.  if you don't know who the Lovely Warrant Officer is then you need to go back to the beginning and check how we got started

A sad day for us all

No words feel adequate to describe the news that five more Australian soldiers have been killed and two seriously injured in two separate incidents.  I am sure I can speak for all those involved with Aussie Hero Quilts when I say that our thoughts are with all those touched by this horrible day.  

I had another post prepared for tonight but it does not seem appropriate so instead I thought we would have an abbreviated version of what would have been the Quilts of the Week for this week.  Lets send all our love to those that are hurting and then lets focus on what we can do to make things better for those we can.

Firstly a parade of HMAS ANZAC goodies.

Julie Ann made these five laundry bags for HMAS ANZAC

 A sneak peak at Marg's quilt for HMAS ANZAC

You might remember this gorgeous quilt that Liz made.  I have been waiting to find the perfect recipient for it and finally found one among Club 25 - there is no point in showing a sneak peak of this one as it has already been seen and is eagerly awaited.  

There is a laundry bag too but no peaks at that!  

And now for some Doggie Treats.

Angela had outdone herself with her ensemble for the Dog and his best mate, his handler.  First up for the handler..

Then for the dog...

and finally the laundry bag.  

Julie from SA was organised and got this WWQ in the mail to replace the one that has been used recently.

Liz is back again with a laundry bag and a quilt 
that prove that quick and easy doesn't have to be boring.

This laundry bag and quilt ensemble is from the Singleton Quilters the end of  their mammoth effort of 60 quilts.

I love this gorgeous bright quilt from Carol.

I made the laundry bag to go with it 
and I can only show it because the fellow has know idea it is coming.

Judy C whipped these next six laundry bags  - love the horse one!

Check out the dragons one too!

And we finish off tonight with this striking quilt from Kaye.  
Simple blocks but very striking because of the colours!  

This quilt is the combined effort of Maria who pieced the top and Caroline who quilted it. 

Till next time..................LEST WE FORGET!

WWQs, FWQs and Thank you messages

Tomorrow another Wounded Warrior Quilt (WWQ) will hit the road and air to wing its way "over there"  from Julie in SA.  As most of you will know by now another four of our brave soldiers were injured by an IED explosion in recent days.  Only one was injured seriously enough to need to be transferred to Germany and one of our quilts went with him.  

A big thank you to those of you who heard the news and contacted me to make sure that I was aware of it - which I wasn't.  It means a lot to know that we can get a replacement quilt in the mail as soon as possible.

Thanks also to Gail who has a WWQ waiting to go, Julie Ann who has one ready for quilting and Jill who is going to get one started.  It is good to have them in various places around the country in case I am not home and cannot get one in the mail.   Also, these are the quilts that we hope we will never need but we also never want to be caught short.

It goes without saying that all of us at Aussie Heroes are sending the best of wishes to the injured fellows for their recovery and that they and their families are in our thoughts, especially our most wounded hero in Germany.

Now on to the good news.

Some thank you messages.

First up a message that was passed to me from the wife of one of our recipients. There will be more to come on this one but not just yet.  In the mean time this little snippet will leave you in no doubt that what we do makes a difference.

I'd like to say a huge THANK YOU to the ladies of the Aussie Hero Quilts and to XXXXX and XXXXX (the couple that requested the quilt for their friend) for their part in bringing this wonderful gift together for my darling hubby!!  Thank you all so much.

The quilt is amazing!!!  He told me the other day that he got it and he was so grateful and touched by the fact that someone (or several) went to such an effort for him!  And he was so grateful that you thought to do this for him.  We both can't thank the ladies involved enough.  It's perfect!!  :-D and believe me, its no little thing what you did.....It really means a lot to both of us that you all took time out of your certainly busy lives to put this together for him!

It truly has made him feel special and thought of and for that I can not thank you all enough!

I may or may not have had something in my eye when I read this for the first time.  It is so good to know that there are lots of ladies out there like me who want to sew for these guys so that as many of them and their loved ones can know that they are appreciated by more than just their families and friends. 

Good afternoon Caroline and Jan-Maree,

I wanted to say thankyou very much for sending me the quilt. It looks fantastic plus passes the sleep test :-)

Thanks again and keep up the good work at AHQ.

Nadene received a postcard from a fellow who received her lovely chocolatey quilt in Egypt and here is what he said in part

I am writing to say thank you for the quilt you sent me.

I really appreciate the hardwork and effort you went to in making sure someone you've never met was a little more comfortable at night.

Thank you and God Bless.

A lovely thank you for Liz for this gorgeous quilt.

I have just received my beautiful quilt and wash bag in the post and wanted to thank you so very much for the wonderful surprise. It is simply stunning and I am blown away that people take such care to keep us deployed troops in mind.  I don't know how to thank you enough.

Now I am no quiltist I am the first to admit, but I can see the amount of work that has gone into making it. The colour scheme and pattern is amazing. Mary must be a very astute lady, please would you thank her for me. I will treasure it as a great memento of my tour of Afghanistan. The chips and rocky road were also very welcome and were shared over a cup of tea in our office! 

Your kindness and efforts are very much noticed over here and help keep morale high when at times things can be a little lively and worrying. 

With very best regards and grateful thanks.

(Mary donated the centre of this quilt to Liz - it is a gorgeous panel )

Naomi and the group from the Berri Uniting Church received another lovely thank you for the quilts they sent over to Egypt.

G’day Naomi,

Firstly, thanks so very much for the quilt that you and your team have taken the time to make. It has honestly come in handy as I have no doona cover over here and it adds a little colour to my room. I can guarantee it will be coming back to Australia with me and held as a memory to me and what it is to be an Aussie. What I find even more remarkable is that it has come from the riverlands (I’m currently posted to XXXXXXXX in the Adelaide Hills) and I have been to every one of the five towns mentioned in your letter. Unfortunately, I will be posting away from SA on my return to Australia, I’m a Queenslander at heart, but will possibly be driving through that way on my way north for a quick bite.

To all those involved in the making of these quilts, I hope this letter of appreciation conveys atleast a small portion of the gratitude and “warmth” I have for your kind efforts and makes it atleast a little worthwhile for you.

Again, thanks to all of you,

Fallen Warrior Quilt (FWQs) Block Update

It seems, from emails and notes that have arrived with the blocks for the Diddams family quilts, that some of you are a bit unsure of your colour choices and whether or not your blocks will fit in.    Firstly I thought I would split the blocks up into their groups so that you can see how we are going.  Secondly, I leave making my blocks till last.   If I think the quilt needs more balance then I will choose my colours accordingly.  For example in the first group we have here for SGT Diddams' wife, TA, the pale one stands out but it won't once I have made a couple more pale blocks as well.  Remember this is only 8 blocks and I know of more that are to come and there are probably some of you out there who are yet to choose your fabrics.  A couple of you have told me that if you block just doesn't fit then feel free to not use it.  If it comes to that rest assured that your block will go into another Aussie Hero Quilt.  In fact I have a bit of an idea for what we can do if there are too many blocks but I don't want to put it out on the blog in case it isn't necessary.

So, now for the blocks.

TA's blocks

Ellie-Lou's blocks

Hens' Blocks

Peter and Cate Diddams blocks 

(SGT Blaine's Parents)

I won't be posting pictures of all the blocks together again in case the family is sneaking a peak as I don't want to spoil the surprise. I will be putting up the blocks as they arrive and I will update you on progress and when the quilts might be completed

There is still time if you would like to make some blocks. 

 Please use the February BOM tutorial - pdf available at the side of the blog or tutorial  post available here

Post them to me at 
PO Box 248
Cherrybrook,  NSW,  2126

All blocks to be with me no later than the 14th of September please 
to be guaranteed inclusion in the quilts.

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