Aussie Hero Friend of the Day

Welcome to our new Post - Aussie Hero Friend of the Day!

I could have gone with Friend of the Week but I wanted the flexibility of not being tied to a regular schedule!

Melissa has bravely volunteered to go first and I didn't even have to nag her!

Melissa

My name is Melissa and I live in Rockhampton Queensland. I took up sewing while on maternity leave last year. Before that the last time I did some sewing was way back in year 8 Home Ec. 

I have currently been sewing items for Aussie Hero's for the past 5 months. At present the running total is 21 laundry bags and 1 quilt, which is currently being long armed stitched for HMAS ANZAC. 

 My husband Damian and my 17mth old daughter Holly are both very supportive of my sewing work I do for Aussie Heroes. Holly loves to help me pick out the material for each and every laundry bag not only giving it to me to work with but loves to model the material around the house just to let me know how it will look when worn by someone. Holly also loves to sit on my lap while I sew. 

 The best part about sewing is getting satisfaction of the finished product and gratification that someone will be using your products to help them with their time away from family and friends. 

Not only do I do work for Aussie Heroes but I am also a High School teacher. Yes I know!!!! A high school teacher! I really do love my job sometimes!   

How cute is Holly!!!  Thanks so much for sharing this week Melissa. Is there anyone in the Rockhampton area who is sewing for Aussie Heroes?  Melissa would love to know.

I heard a couple of great stories this week that I am so pleased to share with you.  First up from Wendy in VIC.

Today I had a very odd set of circumstances that you may enjoy.

My son asks me at 12:00am last night if I could take his girlfriend to High School.

It took another hour to work out the logistics (She lives in XXXXX so had to take VLine to Southern Cross then local train out to us, etc etc etc.)

Needless to say it put me on a road that I would not normally be on and sent me to a shop I do not shop at.

I was going through the register with some shopping which included a couple of sample packs of shampoo reduced to .50c ea. The lady behind me asked what they were and I told her Shampoo samples - we send them in care parcels to the troops overseas. She replied How wonderful! and the next I knew was I was being handed $3.00 and she had disappeared to 'get some more for you'.

Turns out her son had been in the Army in Afghanistan and she had sent him stuff while he was there but didn't know how she could help now he was home.

I gave your business card to her and the cashier who was also intrigued. I now have 6 more shampoos to send ;-)

Terry from Sydney also sent me a great "spread the word" story  - two on the same day!

Who knew? I live in a country village smack dab in the middle of Sydney. The post office is at the back of the news agents. I took in my first batch of laundry bags with goodies to post. I purchased some sukudo books to include. The woman on the register said "you know their all the same" I explained where they were headed. "Wait" she ducked out back and retrieved a batch without covers. The covers are returned for credit from the printer. "that's my donation hey I'll save them for you" Someone else doing what they can.

But Wait there's More..... at the local op-shop the already reduced yardage was reduced to 1/2 price for a good cause by a good cause.

I felt good and was happy that others were willing to share in Aussie Hero Quilt and laundry bags project.

That just made my day yesterday!

The following made my day today!  Both these messages are from the Father of one of our heroes.  First he wrote on facebook - 

Thanks for the Quilt my Daughter XXXXX received, I think its the best thing she has in her equipment. Her comment  "All ready to get into bed with my new quilt. Thank you to the beautiful person who made this for me you definitely have made my day". From a father of a serving troop. I thank you sincerely.

And then he sent me an email - 

Thank you for the quilt my daughter just received in Afghanistan. From her comments on her facebook page, it really made her feel good. As her father it also made me feel good knowing she has a Aussie made quilt made by a person that supports our Troops and their efforts over there. 

Joy sent off a batch of laundry bags this week, her very first, 
and she passed on this tip for those using Heat N Bond.

If you are using Heat N Bond Ultra to attach a label don't take the HNB to the very edges of the patch. Doing so may hold down the edges well, but it gums up the needle when you stitch them down. I learnt that the hard way - glue on the needle, thread breaking, etc. The last ones I did I left a 4-5mm gap on the outsid eedges - patch is stuck down and I could then sew around the outside edge with problems

:-)

Quilts of the Week 

LOADS of  laundry bags heading off this week.  I looks like you must be reading the blog!  
Here is the same reminder I issue every Thursday - if you have sent a quilt or a laundry bag of this week then please send me a pictures.  The following ladies have sent me pictures of quilts and laundry bags that have hit the mail this week.

Deborah, Deb, Joy, Julie Ann, Karen B, Kaye, Kirsty, Kitty, Lynda, Michelle, Pauline, Peggy, Rae, Terry, Wendy and Nan

If you are NOT on that list and have sent off a quilt or laundry bag can you please send me an email, preferably with a photo, and preferably sooner rather than later.  And if you have already emailed me and sent a picture and you are not on the list - please remind me.

If for some reason you can't send a picture through this week then that is okay - just send it when you can but please don't forget.  

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

Happy Mail Wednesday

Howdy Dudey everyone,

Tech Guru, aka Naomi here, revealing the BOM's I've received this last week, but first, let me just say, a little birdie has said there's over another 50 coming my way, which, with those already received, will bring the tally up to well in excess of 200 blocks....wooooo hooooo, well done everyone....Kylies' block from last month is still winning the challenge, but I don't mind admitting defeat when you consider ALL the blocks are going to end up being received from some very special people in the form of Aussie Hero Quilts.  There is still time to get some of this months block in the post to me:

Aussie Hero Quilts
Attn Naomi Vela
1 Obst St
Berri SA 5343

They are really easy to make, and going by the amounts I'm receiving, you're all enjoying making them.

So, onto sharing piccies of the ones that have come in so far this week....a couple of new senders, you know who you are, have done a wonderful job on their blocks and I'm blown away that there are so many fabrics out there that I don't have in my 'stash' lol

 These were from Carolynne (NSW), thanks heaps hun, love the Aussie fabric, and the croc on the diving board in his budgie smugglers is just sooooo funny lol

 Maddie (WA) sent these lovely colourful blocks in, omg they are great, such 'unusual' fabrics, and when asked, she had to dash my hopes of it being recent purchases, doh!  Thanks Maddie...who is one of our 'newbie' BOM'ists.

Maria (also WA) sent in these great pooch blocks, which will be great for one of the dog loving Aussie Heroes don't you think?  Thanks Maria.

 Next up was a small bundle of blocks from Sue (Vic, ha, bet you thought I was going to say WA again, didn't you?  Tricked ya!) sent millions, ok, the parcel felt heavy enough to have contained that many.....all up, Sue sent me 60 blocks, plus some fabric that I'll be able to use as borders on BOM's I make myself.  Thanks so much Sue.

Lastly for this week, were these blocks that really pop don't they?  These were sent by Wendy (Vic).  Thank you so much for these and will make a great quilt.

I'd best go now, before Jan-Maree boots me in the behind for hogging the post.  To all the friends of AHQ, I wish you a pleasant week.  I'll be back next week with more blocks....some from USA and more from other Aussie friends of AHQ.

To all our "HEROES" stay safe, and we thoroughly enjoy our sewing, whether it be quilts, laundry bags, or both....to show our appreciation for the job you're doing to keep us safe.

Hugs Naomi

*+*+*+*+*

Hi, Jan-Maree here, at last it is my turn!  Can you imagine how much Naomi must talk in person!  Just kidding!  One day I might actually meet her and I think we will have a ball!

For those that are not on Facebook this post appeared last night from one of our grateful recipients.  This relates to a quilt that Nancy sent - 

I received my Aussie Hero Quilt in the mail yesterday. I really appreciate such a significant quilt that I will have for the rest of my life. I would also like to take this opportunity thank you for your support and for the time and effort that is put into the quilts. I wish I had taken a pic of the guys opening their parcels. It brought smiles and morale to everyone that received one, not to mention a warmer nice sleep.

Yep!  Kind of makes those cuts from rotary cutter blades all worth while doesn't it!  And here is another message that is sure to be encouraging.  When I started making laundry bags with my quilt group for the Lovely Warrant Officer and his team his wife told us that the laundry was sent off to Afghani laundries.  Since then I had heard that some of the areas had different conditions but, quite frankly I haven't had time to check them all out, so it is great that, once again, someone in the know has answered Jennifer's question for me and for all of us!

All the laundries are different. But pretty much across the board our clothes don't get washed and dried in the bags. Rather, the bags keep our clothes from getting lost, pinched or mixed up. Where I am, we put our laundry bags on the machines while they wash our clothes. We don't have time to sit by the washing machines and watch the laundry so we rely on each other (we're all working different shifts) to move clothes to the dryer when they are done in the wash. And again when they are done in the dryer, you or some kind soul roles/folds them up and leaves them in your laundry bag ready for pick up at the end of the day. If we didn't have bags, we'd have uniforms, boxers, bras and who knows what else from one end of the laundry to the other. In some places there is a wash service where the washing is dropped off, the bags are super useful in helping us identify which bag to pick up. We LOVE laundry bags! 

I reckon that comment was written by a female because no man would have mentioned bras!  LOL  Correct me if I am wrong!

And finally my Kandahar Liaison Officer sent this thank you message to Julie whose laundry bags were gratefully received.


Hi Julie Ann,

Apologies for the late response, but thank you thank you for the latest lot of laundry bags. The Aussie flag bags went like hot cakes; across the board, the boys here love the Aussie icons. The lovely floral number went to one of the new female arrivals.  The laundry here is still full of horrible plastic bags and white netted things, so if you happen to have some time free and another couple of sneaky laundry bags creep through your sewing machine, we Kandaharians would be very grateful!

I wish there was a way of capturing the excitement that the quilts and laundry bags bring, I keep passing thanks to Jan-Maree, but it doesn't quite cut it. 99% of the quilts end up on the beds, but some end up coming home and serving special purposes. One of my closest friends here, took his quilt home when he returned on leave last week to give to his other half while she goes through IVF. He wanted her to feel comforted and close to him as she went through the procedures while he was deployed. Special quilts they are! We appreciate everything you wonderful ladies are doing, thank you!


I can really relate to that gorgeous man giving his quilt to his lovely lady while she goes through IVF.   Been there done that to get our little boys (who are now 6ft 16 year olds!) and I did a fair bit of it while my husband traveled the world for work but he was never away more than a couple of weeks and never was he is a warzone.  So glad to know that one of our quilts is giving comfort at such a time and the very best of wishes to the special couple!

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

Lots of messages...

Just a little more on laundry bags.

Thanks so much for all the support re last night's post.  Your emails are a great encouragement!  

I was delighted last night to see that this comment was left by one of the fellows who knows better than any of us the value of the laundry bags!

From the mouth of a Soldier, the quilt was AMAZING but, the laundry bag was just as fantastic, it meant that I could identify my laundry immediately and stopped the confusion, it was also a talking point among others. This is how I was able to tell other Soldiers' what I had received, the quilt remained in my living quarter, but the laundry bag everyone saw, so to the person who said they don't want to make laundry bags, please don't stop, these are what everyone sees and gets to enjoy even if they have not been lucky enough to receive a quilt. 
Thank you Aussie Hero Quilts (and laundry bags) for what you do. 

Thanks so much for commenting!  
( must have had a little something in my eye when I read it!)

In response to last night's post Pauline made the following comment - 
not only is a good way to get rid of that 'what was I thinking' fabric, but I've also discovered that if I use the wrong side of some cream tone-on-tone floral fabric, I can line laundry bags with it and the floral is very muted and only noticeable if you look really closely. I *knew* there was a reason I bought so much of it so long ago! 

Not everyone has to make laundry bags.  I want people to sew for Aussie Heroes because they enjoy it.  If laundry bags are outside your means or your comfort zone that is fine.   My comments re laundry bags are meant to inform those who have not, until now, realized how much they are appreciated and those that think that the quilts are our main priority.  

If you, for whatever reason, do not want to make laundry bags, that is fine but it is my job to make sure that everyone knows that the laundry bags were the reason I started the whole program and are just as important today as they were in the start.

The quilts are the luxury, the laundry bags are the necessity.

I also received this message from one the lovely ladies who has been with Aussie Heroes since almost its beginning, Marg, and I thought her perspective was worth sharing too.

most would consider quilts more valuable .. so an insight into what is most practical is great.

obviously many have never been in a mass defence force camp in the middle of nowhere with limited facilities; I haven't but have been in the mustering camp where the easiest and most practical is always the best.. like you value your enamel pannikin much more than the wedgewood dinner set at home!

Hilary made some great points too...

Re the laundry bag post. I can understand you wanting to get the message through to people that the laundry bags are not poor cousins to the quilts – although if your audience is mainly quilters, that does seem counter intuitive, so it does require a bit of explanation about WHY they are so important to the recipients.

I didn’t really ‘get’ the laundry bag thing to start with – I made one and wasn’t too thrilled at the work involved of having to make two (a liner and an outer), and it all seemed a lot of work for nothing that really impressed me when I was done. So I just did quilts. Then after following the blog and reading the feedback I started to understand how useful and valued the laundry bags are, so had another go, but was still concerned about the idea of ‘wasting’ 2 metres of perfectly good patchwork fabric (and yes, I have said exactly those words!) because that would leave me short of a quilt back.

Patchwork fabric isn’t cheap.   I felt a more sturdy fabric would be better. I haven’t seen a standard issue one, but I imagine it is made of something sturdy like drill – my husband said his in Vietnam was canvas. So I started going to St Vinnies and snapping up curtains/doona covers/assorted lengths of fabric etc, when I saw something suitable. On average, I can make a laundry bag for fifty cents to $1.00 each using this recycled fabric – and the cash goes to a good cause too! There is absolutely nowhere I can get 2 metres of patchwork fabric for that price – or even a fat quarter!

This works for me, and now I actually enjoy doing the bags – and the hunt for good fabric to use in them – and coming up with creative ways to put the names on!

I guess the lesson is that if quilters are drawn to participate in the project, then of course they will value a quilt more than a big cotton sack – the art is in teaching them that the recipients – the servicemen and women we are doing this for – really value the bags and, as one correspondent pointed out, they are actually a very good advertising vehicle for AHQ among the troops who are deployed – most don’t get to see each others beds (one assumes!), but the laundry bags are on display for all to see.

Hmmm, maybe I should get Hilary to do some guest posts - she put that very well.
Thanks Hilary.

This is the response I received today when I told a fellow his quilt and laundry bag are on their way.  I just had to share it with you.

Thank you so much, I look forward to receiving them and will email you when they arrive. It is very humbling to know that there are people back home that are willing to take time out to support the soldiers deployed overseas and I wish I was able to articulate how much that support is appreciated.

The following three messages came through Facebook and are for quilts that Nancy sent off.

hey.. I am currently overseas serving and would like to send back a big thank you for the quilt i received today in the mail. i am aware of 5 others that got one each today as well and we all really appreciate them. Once again thank you...

I received my Aussie quilt in the mail today and I absolutely LOVE it! Thank you so much to the people who put so much time and effort into making and sending it. ♥ Sara xx

hi, i am currently overseas at the moment and just received a lovely quilt in the mail from you guys, i am very grateful for your time and efforts, its beautiful. i will be sure to have it on my bed in the upcoming cold nights :) thank you again!

STOP PRESS!  JUST IN!  

Another exciting message re a quilt that Fran T sent off which is now home in Oz!

I’m a quilter & my boss has been telling me of her daughter who has just returned from active service overseas and received an Aussie Hero Quilt. She loved it to pieces & it takes pride of place on her coffee table!

 I think that this is a brilliant cause & I would love to join. I am going to start sorting through my stash & collecting more fabric now & I will let you know when I have my first quilt ready to go. I’m thinking that my mum might like to join me by making the laundry bags. 

Now that just makes my day.

And this thank you message made Melissa's day -

Just a quick email to thank you for the laundry bag. It is little things such as this that make life here easier in Afghanistan. Its is quite humbling to think that everyday people take time out of their day to make and send things to us.

:-)

A Sydney Aussie Heroes Dinner

Caroline (Deputy Nut) and I are thinking that a nice way to round off the first year of Aussie Heroes would be to go out to dinner with anyone in the Sydney area - some time in late November, early December.  It will be somewhere in the Hills District in Sydney (i.e. not in the city).  It won't be anything formal or fancy - just a booking at a nice restaurant though we may work out a price that will cover the meal so that everyone knows how much to bring (we will fine somewhere BYO if possible).  
Anyone interested in attending  please let me know.  
And please note - this is open to those who sew as well as anyone else who reads the blog.  If you support Aussie Heroes we would love you to come too.

Suggestions Please
Melissa had a great idea and she wrote to me with the following - 

Could I throw in a suggestion for the blog???????? - would love to know a little more about people who do the sewing etc. Could you do a sewer of the week on one of the blogs???? Ask for a short paragraph on the person to be emailed and a photo. I would love to know if there is anyone around here that is helping you out or close by.

I think this is a great idea.  I did threaten her with being the first contributor and she actually sent me a "Blurb" which you will see on our Inaugural Aussie Hero Friend of the Day Post this Thursday.    I am still working out a format or maybe a list of questions and then you can standby and watch your email inbox for an email from me requesting you be the Friend of the Day ............ unless there are any more volunteers!
Anyone?

In the mean time what questions should I ask?   
Suggestions?  This is what I have come up with so far.

Who are you and where do you live – if not in a house in suburbia please share some more info – farm etc. 

What is your occupation

How far to the local shops and how far to the nearest quilt shop

How long have you been sewing for AHQ

How did you find out about us?

Do you have any connection to the services

What are some of the things you have sewn for AHQ

Why do you sew for AHQ

I just have to say - I think Aussie Heroes is developing into such a lovely supportive group!  I find your emails and kind words extremely encouraging and it makes my job so pleasant and easy to do.  You all know that I spend a lot of time on it but who ever minds spending time with friends!   I really do hope in the future to get around a bit and visit a few of you so that we can meet personally but in the mean time we will have to make do with emails and occasionally, phone calls.

Gasp!  No photos!

How about a little AHQ quality control?  This is Snickers.  Now this quilt was sitting on the floor by my sewing machine table while I re-threaded the machine prior to stitching the binding on.
I guess she thought she should check it out to make sure it was up to standard!

She is indeed a quilter's dog!  Why lie on your purpose made burgundy dog bed (see it in the background) when there is a spare quilt lying around!

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

Another One Lost

By now you probably all know that we have lost another brave young man overnight.  Another sad day for us but oh how painful it must be for his family and friends and his colleagues who become like a second family.  I know that all our thoughts are with those near and dear to him tonight.

For me it helps to know that we are doing something to boost morale of those that are left behind, those that must carry on the job every day no matter how hard that is.   it just encourages me to sew a bit more.  

I have a contact in Afghanistan who receives laundry bags from time to time to hand around to her co-workers.  When a box arrives the contents are snapped up.  So, anyone who wants to make some bags with patches on them, just go for it.  You can fit five to six in a box depending on weight so when you get a full box just email me with a picture and I will tell you who to send it to.   I also have laundry bags going to HMAS ANZAC and Dubai and I share them around.

Not too long ago I heard that someone said - 

I don't do laundry bags any more as they take 2m of material and I would rather make quilts with my fabrics.

I am afraid that they are missing the point.  As I keep saying, the quilts are wonderful and very much appreciated but the laundry bags are the necessity that make every day life just that much easier.  The laundry bags are not hard to make - there are instructions on the blog - and you can often use the "ugly" fabrics or those fabrics that you look at and think "what did I buy that for?"  You probably wouldn't use that fabric for a quilt anyway.  

I have wonderful ladies who are searching Charity Stores like Vinnies and the Salvos for anything that is suitable.  Laundry bags do not need to be made from patchwork fabric.  As long as the fabric is in good condition with no holes or signs of wear it is fine.  They can be lined with sheeting or old doona covers.  Start looking around you  and asking around and you will be surprised what you will find or even better what people will give you.

And as always, if you can't sew laundry bags and quilts and still want to contribute maybe you can sew some of our Blocks of the Month (info here) or check out our How to Help Page here and see if there is something there that works for you.

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

All Sorts Sunday

Hi All

A brief overall update.  

No wonder I can't rely on my memory for who is making what for whom!  There are 66 requests on the books at the moment!  66!!!  WOW!
But we have room for more too!

I am now actively collecting names and addresses for those that are going to be away for Christmas and beyond, so if you know someone please get their name on the list.  

The lovely warrant officer (haven't heard from him for a long time have you?) has been back in touch and I hope to be sending quilts and laundry bags to the next bunch of guys and girls to be doing the job he was doing two rotations ago.  Just waiting for the number of women on the team and the address.

I can find homes for as many laundry bags as you can make at the moment, in Afghanistan, Dubai and on ANZAC, so if you are making some and are ready to post just contact me.  Photos too please if you would like me to share them on the blog to inspire others.


Lynda from Pilgrim Patchworkers, a group of 13 ladies a church who make quilts have made at least 10 hero quilts and about 15 laundry bags. 
Well done Pilgrim Patchworkers!

Rita has been planing too and looks like making ten quilts - one has a home already and the others will be up for grabs!

(One of Rita's quilts from earlier this year)

On the Headquarters AHQ front - that would be my sewing room and dining room (and sometimes the family room as well)  I have collected a bunch of quilted quilts from Carol (Turramurra Twin) which just need binding, including Ellie Lou's quilt.  I have delivered SGT Diddams' wife's quilt to Carol for quilting.  

I have about seven quilts that need binding.  I will do the machining but luckily I have lovely ladies who will hand sew.  

Paula has come on board as a new long arm quilter.  She lives about an hour south of me so I need to put together a bunch of quilts to go to her coz I can't go back and forth all the time but I am hoping to take a stack to her in a week or so.   

This cool quilt is one of Paula's and I would really like to find a motor bike enthusiast for it.
Know anyone?

So it is all go here!  
Most excitingly for me - there are no pre-paid satchels waiting to be filled and posted.

All in all a good weekend!

I thought you would enjoy reading the following emails or parts of emails.  Obviously I can't share any personal or identifiable information but this is what I can share.

A colleague of mine, (his quilt and laundry bag shown here), recently received his quilt and laundry bag. He showed off the laundry bag which was beautiful and I felt a heightened  sense of patriotism when I saw it.

A friend of mine has received one of your quilts, and laundry bags. She absolutely loves hers, and and I think they are fantastic as well.

Would I be able to apply for one of each as well.

Thank you in advance, and is there a way of donating something to you guys in return, as this stuff really lifts peoples spirits a lot.

Thank you all for your effort and support. The team here are so appreciative of the beautiful quilts and laundry bags some of the team here have already received. 

I wait with anticipation and excitement in receiving the quilt and laundry bag that Deb is making. It doesn't matter when it get here with, as patience was one of the many lesson that my mum and dad taught my brother and I.

Once again Jan-Maree, thank you to you and your team ( please pass on my gratitude to Deb also ) for this heartfelt and supportive service.

I have been over in Afghan for the last 6 months and have a few more left.

Thank you all soo much for not only your efforts, but showing you care.

My 2 year old son is using the quilt your team sent over for me a few months back.

Humble and grateful 

Hi Stephanie, I received your quilt and laundry bag yesterday and I just want to say a massive, massive thank you for the time and effort you put in to making both the quilt and laundry bag for me. It was a nice surprise and was a huge talking point in my section. To be honest I don't really want to use my laundry bag in fear of it getting wrecked.... 
They both look amazing and brought a smile to my face, not only because of how good they look, but to know there are still people in the world that are willing to put in a little of their own time to do something nice for others with out asking for anything in return. 
Once again thank you, your efforts are greatly appreciated and both the laundry bag and quilt is something I definitely will hold on to. 

(these are the quilt and laundry bag referred to) 

And this message came from the group that sent the lovely thank you card to me which I shared last Thursday.  I think it is referring to some of the quilts that we sent to the Special Forces guys.   Just goes to show that even though we can't send direct to them any more unless they make personal request they certainly appreciate what we are doing!

I think about three weeks ago a shipment came in- we sent the card the day after I think.   I don't know how they arrived or who they were addressed to.  From what I saw ( there was the one left when I walked past) they were just placed on top of the mail boxes as a pile of quilts. Laundry bags came in about a month before that.  Most from people's I have seen were from maybe Singleton quilt ladies and another group. Seemed to be two distinct patches placed onto the quilts. The ones sent here have well and truly gone to good homes and very appreciated.  One of the country boys got one that had John Deere patches on it and he is so in love with it.(see the photo below)  Any Aussie ones are massive hits and people I am pretty sure would fight over them if they had the chance. Also the ones with cool cartoon characters like Dr Seuzz. 

The mail has been slow of recent times 

(This was made by Julie from SA)

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

QOTW 19 October

657 Quilts 718 Laundry Bags to date!

:-)

It is another wonderful week of quilts and laundry bags again.  I just love seeing all the different designs and colours and styles coming in each week - from the traditional to the modern, the colourful and the more subdued, the simple, the fancy, the masculine and the feminine - there truly is one for everyone!

Now on with the show.

Rae from SA made this little beauty and the following laundry bag and I just love it!  How clever to use an apron in the middle.  I have made sure that this is going to someone very appropriate but that is all I am saying!

This little ensemble is Stephanie's work. Love the colours and that cool retro fabric!

Lorraine and her small quilt group made these three and sent them off this week.  
I love how they are all so different.

These next two were completed by my friend Louise.

Cat completed the following two just recently.

I do love stars!

This is also some of Cat's work except that she sent this to me as blocks and the quilt was assembled here.  Do you remember these Cat?

Kaye made this gorgeous bright quilt and a matching laundry bag!  I am not game to show the the LB just in case it is seen (if you know what I mean)!

Hilary pieced this striking red, white and blue quilt.  

And she made a very appropriate bag to go with it.  No prizes for guessing where this is going!

Now Liz made the next five quilts and laundry bags - she just managed to squeeze them in before heading off on holidays for a few weeks.  
She and Mr B are driving across country so be sure to wave if you see them!

 

 Those are not dirty marks on the laundry bags.
Clever Liz has hidden the initials so that noone gets a sneak peak!

  

This is another lovely quilt by Lorraine's group.

Melissa helped out with a few special order laundry bags this week.

This lovely quilt and laundry bag headed off from Miranda.

No prizes for guessing which footy team this fellow goes for though maybe only Sydney-siders will know!

The same lucky fellow scored this quilt - both by Michelle - another with the Dorothy McKellar poem on it.

Nancy got the next three quilts in the mail.

Karen B also sent off a great laundry bag for a special request.

 We have some great laundry bags by Sue and Aileen from SA.

Somehow I think those helicopter laundry bags will be pretty popular.

Naomi and her happy helpers (Terri & Wendy) had a busy day on Monday afternoon and they folded and packaged up the following quilts which are now on their way to Egypt.  Terri couldn't resist getting in on the act when the photo's were being taken....pity you can't see her do her impression of Gangnam Style (See the real one here so you know what it's all about) it's a classic, that's for sure!

In no particular order, here's all the lovely quilts, made by several different Riverland (Sth Australia) Quilters.

FYI: any dots/rings/circles you see on some of the pics, are something to do with the camera, and aren't faults/designs on the quilts!

And just because I find Friday nights very inspiring...

Each  Friday night I proudly show

all the wonderful quilts that we let go

across the sea and the land to they

that make us prouder every day.

They wear the uniform of our land

but on foreign soils they go to stand.

They are far from home and family

and they do it all for you and me.

They come from each and every State

and from all parts of this country great.

They are man and woman, young and old

but they are the best it should be told.

We are proud of them and they should know 

that we cheer them on wherever they go.

We want them to know that we really care 

and we want them to know while they are there.

So we stitch and we sew as much as we are able 

and on our quilts put a special label.

Aussie Hero is says in simple black font 

to say thankyou is all we really want.

Our quilts are all different, some fancy some plain

some bright, some muted, some bear a refrain.

Some have the flag, the Southern Cross or a roo

sometimes we do them with a special theme too.

We also make bags for their laundry as well.

To lose all your clothes must have been hell, 

but with our bags that is a thing of the past

and our bags are certainly made to last

Each week when I look at our quilts to date

I can’t help but feel that it’s really great,

And the laundry bags with each letter and patch;

Seriously each week is another great batch

To my Friends I hope you are feeling good

because for what youv'e achieved you really should!

To them "over there" on foreign sea and land

Please know that we are with you wherever you stand! 

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