It was with a huge grin that I read the request by a
serviceman on the Aussie Hero Quilts (and Laundry Bags) Facebook site. He wrote to Jan-Maree,
“Good Morning,
I have just been told that you are the contact for the amazing quilts that I
have seen over here.
It would be fantastic if I could get myself one without having to steal someone
else's......
you can save me from a life of crime.
I would love one with an Australian flag on one side and the UAE flag on the
other if possible.
And please let me know how I can make a contribution to help keep you guys
going.
Thank you,
DD “
A myriad of ideas soared through my mind as to how I might
tackle a quilt and laundry bag for this cheeky Aussie Hero. Immediately I was compelled to think outside
the square and his words just begged me to be a little mischievous back.
The chaos of the end of year, Christmas
looming and some family challenges were reasons I would normally hesitate on
taking up the challenge of making a quilt and laundry bag in December.
How could I resist this playful soul? Not only did he make me smile, he displayed
some of his character in asking, even though it is he who is serving overseas
away from his loved ones, what he can do for Aussie Hero Quilts (and Laundry
Bags). No excuse of being time poor
could make me ignore his request. Within
minutes I had messaged Jan-Maree and taken on the challenge.
Time was at a premium and I’m NOT a super-quilter! My daughter’s quilt was 10 years in the making
and my son still doesn’t have one!
How could I save this Hero from going to the Dark
Side??? I can’t tell you how much joy I
had in creating DD’s laundry bag. I set
to work on finding an appropriate theme for DD.
An awesome vintage ‘Waltzing Matilda’ tea towel was for sale. “Great,” I thought, “an iconic thieving Swagman
that most Aussies know.”
Disappointment erupted
as the realisation that he already had a swag and didn’t need to flog someone
else’s quilt; he just needed a feed. The
search continued.
Eureka! An ‘Aussie Dunnies’ vintage tea towel was
ideal. DD was certainly going to end up in
the #%*! if he stole someone’s quilt!
The most iconic Aussie figure I could think of to
illustrate to DD that crime doesn’t pay was Ned Kelly so the reverse side was
now decided, Ned Kelly and DD’s initials.
Breaking normal tradition, I sent DD his Laundry Bag (LB)
in a separate package. Ned had those wobbly googly eyes so they could follow DD
and keep an eye on him whilst he waited for his quilt to arrive. I know they are impractical for a laundry
bag but I couldn’t resist and figured that Ned’s eyesight just needed to
survive until DDs quilt arrived. Alongside
Ned (I chose a version similar to the great artist Sidney Nolan – basically
because of the simplicity of his Ned and I love his work) I added my
recipient’s initials.
In my letter to DD I expressed my anxiety and reasons why I
sent LB first. He needed to know that he
was clearly on my mind and that there was no need to steal someone else’s quilt
as one was being made just for him. As a
gentle reminder I included some extras in his package … some dry biscuits
(prison food); Lego Policeman and thief (complete with handcuffs – totally
impractical to a deployed serviceman but made me laugh); some toilet paper (I’m
sure I don’t need to explain that one); and some positive treats that all good,
non-thieving fellas can expect. Fingers
crossed it would be enough to deter any light fingered activity.
For DD’s quilt I kept to the brief. Immersing yourself in all things Aussie is an
uplifting and cementing experience. I
made every attempt to make DD proud to have his quilt on his bunk, or for him to
want to wrap himself up in it. Quilts, for me, can provide a tangible way for
an Aussie Hero missing loved ones at home, or Aussie soil under their feet, to
wrap themselves up and know that many people are thinking of them, including
me. It can provide warmth in many ways. When I
make a quilt or laundry bag, every stitch is created in gratitude, respect and
thanks. I’m sure I’m not the only
quilter who feels strongly about what we do.
For those of you who may be reading this wondering if you
should become involved with Aussie Hero Quilts (and Laundry Bags), DO IT! Creating something uniquely special for a
worthy recipient is a very rewarding experience. There is no doubt that the saying ‘it is in
giving that we receive’ is true. There is
an immeasurable intrinsic value in giving and I personally have gained more
than words can express.
On Christmas day, with a full belly, I sank into my couch
and hand-stitched the binding of DD’s quilt and then wrote a letter to him. I can’t think of a more fitting activity to
do on such a special day. Boxing Day saw
the final touch of a label added to the now complete quilt for DD.
I began to sew a ‘Ned Kelly Helmet’ to add to DDs
package. Ok, I know, I have a warped
sense of humour. Here I was, just about
finished when it dawned on me that maybe, just maybe, there may be another
Aussie Hero who could have more fun with this than DD.
Remember I said the request begged me to be
cheeky? I contacted JM and asked for
help. Could she find someone who would
have some fun with DD where he was deployed?
Surely, that would cure him of ever wanting to steal someone else’s
quilt.
Eureka! Contact
made. An additional package was then
posted with Ned’s ‘Helmet’, a Ned Kelly pencil case I found on eBay, some goodies
for those ‘helping’ and another special inclusion.
I dropped into a local police station with a
special request. I explained that I had
made quilts for Aussie Hero Quilts. The
policeman knew they were for deployed service personnel so word must be
spreading. Having a cheeky serviceman
and some willing colleagues working with him, I hoped Vic Police could assist
with some police tape to mark the crime scene.
After checking with superiors he came back with an envelope with police
tape enclosed and warmly added, ‘Send our best wishes and regards to them all.’
Package ready and off she goes … fingers
crossed only joy will come from my mischief and DD will finish with a smile and
will be warmed by his quilt, in more ways than one.
I waited. No news
of the arrival of LB …or the quilt.
Eventually I heard from my contact, M
“Jenny,
I have the parcel, the atrocity of missing quilts will
have to wait for (DD’s) return from holidays. The "cops" are on side
and the scene is set, wait out for photographic evidence........”
At least I now knew that my parcels had arrived. Then M made contact again –
"Jenny,
Apparently the excellent quilt that you sent to (DD) has
gone missing.........expected to be recovered by ADFIS (ADF Investigation Service) soon (lots of fun had by
the Kelly gang member too)."
I’m sure you can imagine the smile that erupted when
reading this. I hoped those on the other
end, including DD, were enjoying it as much as myself (and Jan-Maree). More waiting ensued.
Jenny,
ADFIS has allocated it's most experienced Investigator to
"Quiltgate" and he is hot on the trail of the suspect, DD should
have the missing item shortly.....photos to follow."
Well, got to love M … she has a way with words. And
then … photographic evidence of the crime!
I’m sure the pics speak for themselves.
I’m quietly pleased that DD is smiling.
Oh, and if you’re reading this DD, remember your original request? You did ask what you could do for Aussie Hero
Quilts (and Laundry Bags). I think
giving everyone a smile goes a long way to supporting the organisation.
I am proud to be an Australian. I am proud of our Aussie Heroes. I am proud
to be a part of Aussie Hero Quilts (and Laundry Bags). Just quietly, I am proud
of what I create. I’m not a perfect quilter
but I quilt with love, respect and gratitude.
You also don’t need to be an award winning quilter to become involved.
I have nothing but admiration for the Aussie Hero Quilts
(and Laundry Bags) organisation in helping our service personnel.
To our Aussie Heroes, thank you. To Aussie Hero Quilts (and Laundry Bags)
organisation, thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your team. To those of you wondering if you should do
something – PLEASE DO IT! You don’t even
have to sew to be involved. Talk to
Jan-Maree, she’ll help with ideas. You
never know how your life and that of others may change.
Special thanks to M for all your efforts, the Kelly Gang
Member, ADFIS, the Victorian Police (Bairnsdale) and all those behind the
scenes. You’re an amazing group of
people! And an extra special thank you
to DD for being just a little bit cheeky and a good sport (I haven’t received a
‘what were you thinking?’ email from him!).
Now I sit, patiently waiting (and a little nervous) for the
next instalment … last email from ‘M’ …
Ned was supposed to be hung, following an Australia Day
kangaroo court in true military style. They had way too much fun to get off
free felt M but in the end they were saved by the arrival of a VIP so all traces of Ned were swept under the carpet.
Thanks everyone!
Still smiling here Jenny S
And a big thanks to Jenny for making the effort to go the extra mile and
give us all a bit of a laugh!
Till next time..................keep spreading the word and happy stitching!
Jan-Maree xx
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