Request List 28 July 25

Hi all

Good morning,

Since early 2016 we have sent out a weekly email containing Jan-Maree's message to volunteers and the Request List.  But on and off  our volunteers tell us this email just doesn't arrive. Have you missed out on receiving your weekly Request List by email?  

This email is sent out on Monday mornings to those who've subscribed.  If you are a subscriber yet have not received the Request List email in your email inbox, please check  your "spam Folder".  If the email is not in the Spam folder, please email clarissaluxford at gmail.com and let me know. To increase the reliability of receiving the weekly email it is important to open the email each week. This teaches your email software that the AHQ emails are NOT spam. Let me know how you get on. 

If you wish a friend to receive the weekly email and join our happy band of volunteers, please email friendsofAHQ@gmail.com , thank you :) ~ x Clarissa

 

PRIORITIES

As always, the requests are listed in priority order. There has been a big changeover of staff on deployments so we have lots of new requests from places in the Middle East. The first 6 are for folk on deployment overseas so obviously we would like to get these requests completed. 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.

Numbers 7 and 8 are also priority for other reasons.

All the rest of our requests are listed in priority order. Please let me know if you can help.

POST BY DATE

The post by date for all Requests on this list is 1 Sep 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

Blue/green/white Rising Sun with text, RACT Badge Australian, Ukrainian flags NATO Flags (We can provide a lovely photo with all flags) Ukrainian Coat of Arms (trident), Photo of two bulldogs (can provide badges, Coat of arms and dog pics)	F	Q	1
Army themed Rising Sun, Super Heroes, Surfing (we can provide a Rising Sun)	M	Q	2
Half and half - Hot Wheels theme with XXXX written on it. The other half Disney Princess theme (eg Belle from beauty and the beast) with XXXX on it. A union Jack and AUS Flag	M	Q	3
RAAF Roundel, RAAF Ensign, NATO Insignia, Baghdad city skyline silhouette; sandy coloured sky, Red Roo, Snow gums / Snowy Mountains skyline / Australian bush river (we can provide the Roundel, Ensign and NATO insigina)	M	B	5
Australian National Flag with Red Poppy flowers along the bottom  edge of the flag on both sides if possible please	M	LB	6
Shades of pink and black Sydney Swans AFL, Dancing, Family (we have a photo)	F	Q	8
Rising Sun, Green and Blue, Cape Solander crest, Harley Davidson motorcycles (we can provide the Rising Sun and Crest and a Harley Davidson Embroidery)	M	Q	9
Carlton Football Club and Canberra Raiders theme	M	Q	10
Wolverine and the X-Men theme	M	Q	11
1990's Toyota Hiliux theme	M	Q	12
Oklahoma City Thunder (US National Basketball Team)	M	Q	13
Rottweiler dogs and Police sirens	M	Q	14
Black and Red with Crossed Swords	M	Q	15
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	16
Trucks & 4WD	M	Q	17
Brisbane Broncos	F	Q	18
North Queensland Cowboys	M	Q	19
Ships, Guns, Helicopters, money, Navy White Ensign, RAN crest We can provide the RAN crest and Ensign	M	Q	20
Navy theme, blue with ships and images from Invictus games (we can provide the images and the Navy crest)	M	Q	21
Dark Blue RAN themed ( Guns or ships ) with White Ensign We can provide the RAN crest and white ensign	M	Q	22
Jabba the Hutt (Star Wars)	M	Q	23
Demon Slayer	M	Q	24
Gold/Purple, sunset, FFH silhouette, FFH 156 in text (FFH 156 easily appliqued and we can provide the HMAS Toowoomba crest)	M	LB	25
Joker and Bane themed	M	LB	26
Warhammer 40K Black Templar Space Marine Black and White theme	M	LB	27
Blue, White and grey. Initials 'XXX' on the front. 'Boats AB' written underneath the initials. A white monster drink. A scuba diver. A RHIB boat - (We can provide an RAN crest and can have the initial and text embroiderd for you)	M	LB	28
South Sydney Rabbitohs and Queensland Reds	M	Q	29
Garfield theme	M	Q	30
Slush Puppy theme	M	B	31
cartoon Dinosaur theme	M	Q	32
Roger Ramjet on a dark Navy Blue Background. (can send a picture for inspiration)	M	Q	33
Plants and forest	F	Q	34
Australian Shepherd dogs/puppies. Merle coloured dogs preferred (Green/Blue)	F	B	35
Light green with capybaras	M	Q	36
St Georges Illawarra Dragons	M	LB	37
Warhammer 40,000 Space Marines	M	Q	38
Poseidon defending a sail ship from a kraken	M	Q	39
Moby Dick,Blue Finn Tuna	M	Q	40
Diablo 4	M	LB	41
Magic the gathering mana symbols - very easy to applique	M	Q	42
Ancient Greek ships sailing across the waters with Poseidon	M	B	43
Bear in the big blue house TV show	M	Q	44
Thomas the Tank Engine	M	Q	45
Star wars, Navy theme, colourful, vintage, Floral please. (We can provide the Navy crest)	F	Q	46
Rising Sun, AAPRS Badge, Neutral colours (beige, white, and Army greens) Australian Army theme, enjoys writing (We can provide the Rising Sun and AAPRS Badge)	F	B	47
Initials on quilt, photgraphy, outdoors, camping, beach, NO PINK	F	Q	48
RAN crest, Navy photographer, seascape/sunset theme (We can provide the RAN crest)	F	Q	49
Track and Field related, Army green/Gold colours	M	Q	50
RAAF Personnel Capability Officer/ Public Affairs Officer, ADF Tri service theme (working in Joint environment) (we can provide the Tri Service badge and RAAF crest - a Personnel Capability Office is an Admin officer and an Public Affairs Officer is like a journalist)	M	B	51
1JPAU themed quilt with 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit 2002-2025 along the bottom. Joint/tri-service  colours: pale blue, red, and dark blue with the 1JPAU diamond (can provide images and the 1JPAU crest and Public Affairs Office crest).	F	Q	52
Army themed, Rising Sun, Army drones (black hornet, shadow, intergrator) with 1JPAU embroidered (see picture for drone image)	M	B	53
Olive green, oatmeal, neutrals. Theme - Blue Staffies (dogs) with text "Can I pat that dog" We can provide the text as an embroidered patch	M	B	54
Star Wars Anakin Skywalker	M	LB	55
Los Angeles Clippers NBA team	M	LB	56
Cronulla Sharks NRL team	M	LB	57
Minecraft Themed with Minecraft rowboats on the ocean. With a text box with "Ships Spy"	M	LB	58
Maplestory (Video Game in 2003) themed	M	LB	59
One Piece anime themed	M	LB	60
Wants to share with his daughter when he gets home. pink/purple, Dragons for him Unicorns, mermaids, fairies for her and anything shiny/sparkly WILL BE POSTED TO THE USA SO POSTAGE WILL BE REIMBUSED.	M	Q	61
American bull dogs and ship cannons with black, white and red colour	M	LB	62
Black with the S symbol from Slipknot (band) (S symbol easily appliqued)	M	LB	63
Liverpool FC  theme	M	LB	64
Old School runescape (old computer game) (image available)	M	LB	65
KFC logo with 'LGK' instead of KFC in the logo - white/red background.	M	LB	66
Sailor Jerry Tattoos with a red and white colour scheme.	M	LB	67
Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins theme with nickname	M	LB	68
Rick and Morty running from aliens while drooling	M	LB	69
Traditional Japanese Building with Cherry Blossums	M	LB	70
Green with crossed lightning bolts and a missile theme	M	LB	71
Southampton FC Badge and theme	M	LB	72
Miami Vice themed. 80's, palm tree, sunset vibe. Purple, Pink, Orange, White	M	LB	73
NAVY themed with "White NAVY ensign" and "Collins Class Submarine" (submarine panel available if needed and we can provide the RAN crest)	M	B	74
Air Force white and blue, karate, ocean, military dog, F-35 plane  (we can provide the RAAF crest)	F	B	75
Golden retriever dogs, Nottingham Forest Soccer team logo, EA-18G Growler, Northern Territory (Notthingham Forest Logo available)	M	B	76
Airforce themed in earth tones please  (We can provide the RAAF crest)	M	B	77
Rising Sun, AAPRS badge, Runescape bald character, sihouette of Australian animals (We can provide the Rising Sun and AAPRS Badge)	M	B	78
Spiderman on a white background	F	LB	79
Green hills, blue sky  with a cloud or two, angus cows grazing with surname in running writing	F	LB	80
Old School runescape (image available).	M	LB	81
Scotland Theme with job role	M	LB	82
Light Purple with wombats and flowers	F	LB	83
Sunflowers, Pink	F	LB	84
70's décor style, Mystery Machine van from Scooby Doo, Mushrooms, orange & green (image of Mystery Machine available)	M	LB	85
Red with cats and cookies	M	LB	86
Fremantle AFL football club.	M	LB	87
Brisbane lions football club with premiership cup 2024	M	LB	88
Essendon AFL logo, colour blue bag	M	LB	89
Dolphins and pretty sailboats, light pink, light purple, and light blue	F	LB	90
Richmond Tigers themed with a pirate ship	M	LB	91
Iced coffee with light beige brown	F	LB	92
Brisbane Bronco's themed Bag	M	LB	93
Saint Kilda AFL Theme	M	LB	94
West Coast Eagles AFL Team	M	LB	95
Penrith Panthers (NRL Team)	M	LB	96
Wests Tigers theme	M	LB	97
Winnie the Pooh Theme	F	LB	98
Would like the text "YOU BE FREE"	M	LB	99
Navy theme with sextants and ships and a golden retriever dog. We can supply the RAN crest and an HMAS Warramunga crest	M	LB	100

 

Weekly Dispatch 25th July 2025

Hello Friday!!!

Another week of Amazing Quilts and Laundry Bags being sent off to our ADF pers!!

I think we can all agree, a great display of quilts and laundry bags, yet again from our amazing volunteers....

Please enjoy!!!

🌟 🌟 🌟

This week we dispatched 10 Quilts which takes our yearly total to 448 and our grand total to 17,250!!

We dispatched 34 Laundry Bags which takes our yearly total to 852 and our grand total is 37,043!!

Ruth S

Ruth S

Ruth S

Sheena B and embroidery by Joan B

Bel P

Bel P

Bel P

Bev F

Bev F

Kerry B and quilted by Philomena H

Bridget R

Bridget R and embroidery by Inge C

Cathie J

Colleen S

Colleen S

Bridget R and embroidery by Inge C

Janis K

Jenny R

Joy H

Karen R and embroidery by Joan B

Lynn F, quilted by Philomena H and embroideries by Joan B

Lynn F, quilted by Philomena H and embroidery by Joan B

Marilyn S

Marilyn S

Noeleen H

Pat G

Ruth S

Ruth S

🧵🦘🇦🇺🪡

Grati-Tuesday 22nd July 2025

             

Happy Tuesday Friends!

There has been a deluge of thank you's this week from far and wide so grab a cuppa, sit back and relax while you soak up some well-deserved gratitude!

AHQ Thank You Dinner is only 95 sleeps! 

Don't forget to buy your tickets. 

***

It is amazing.  I love the colours. The geometric style.  The Rising Sun reminds me of an old Army counterpane. I can't express how much I appreciate this. It is an honour.

The most powerful actions are often simple statements from genuine people. It is such a special thing.

I still remember some people sitting outside with their AHQ blankets on deployments. Nobody questioned it. It didn't look out of place... It just was...

So much effort and care that has gone into it. I love it. I love everything about it.  Thankyou again. So much.

Quilt by Lynn F, embrodiery by Joan B, quilted by Philomena H

***

 Dear Bel P,

 Firstly, from all of our deployed people here in the Middle East, thank you for your ongoing support and commitment through Aussie Hero Quilts. I absolutely adore the quilt, but I don't think it will be mine for long. I know my daughters will 'borrow' it just as soon as I get home.

My apologies for the delayed thank you note, your parcel arrived on the same afternoon I flew out for my 'Relief-Out-Of County' leave and we have been incredibly busy ever since. 

From your letter it is clear your service goes well beyond Aussie Hero Quilts. It seems that we may have some shared experiences. I've also done time on HMAS Tobruk and Choules, and spent more time at HMAS Kuttabul than any Army officer should! 

Your grandson sounds like an amazing handful. I've got two daughters of my own aged nine and eight. I'm already looking forward to getting home for their final weeks of football.

Once again, I'd like to sincerely thank you for your time, commitment and service. It means more to us than you probably realise.

Warm Regards

***

Hi Bridget R,

Just a short note to say my quilt was delivered safely by Heather B and Sue-Ellen S. We had a lovely cup of coffee before the presentation was made to me. But yes I am delaying the real purpose of this email to you. 

After many questions from the above ladies I agreed a general description of what would suit me, BUT when I opened it I was really gob smacked by the design and quality of the work.  Both were miles above my expectations and I am totally in awe of the quilt.  It represents so much more to me than just a thing to scatter upon my bed.  It represents the many highlights of my military career and my presence within our Aussie culture.    Wow wow!

I have to admit I am stunned by the speed of the making the quilt and the collection of the positive memories it represents to me. I cannot say enough about what it means to me, and I will treasure it forever.

I have shown it to my family and friends all of whom have been very impressed by its value to me in this time of my mental challenges. I hope your family are as proud of you as they can be.  Another but… to consider me as an Aussie hero I am very humbled because I feel I have only done my duty to Australia in a small way. I think if anyone should be classed as a hero it is you and all the others who contribute to this venture through Jan-Maree. I know that everyone I speak to are struck by the efforts of so few with such a magnificent impact on the service people.  

Such an impact of his service is brought starkly in focus in the recent Netflix show called the Quilters. If you haven’t seen it, it is worth a look. It views the men in a US Prison who have been incarcerated for some bad crimes who set up making quilts for disadvantaged kids. It shows the personal growth of many who ultimately return to society as changed people. 

Once saying Bridget thank you for your work and generous time you gave to me.  I am bery grateful for your efforts. 

Kind regards and wishes 

PS. I have just gained a new member to my family of my wife, six grown children and 7 grandkids. The newbie is a gorgeous 4 yo Maltese shi tzu dog.  He is such a calm and delightful paw that he blends in to any situation at home and is a great comfort to me and my wife. 

 

Quilt by Bridget R with embroidery by Joan B

  ***

Good evening Bridget R,

I wish to express my gratitude in receiveing my new laundry bag, I absolutely love it and the quality is excellent.

Myself and many of my friends have received quilts and laundry bags from Aussie Hero Quilts whilst on deployments and it really does raise morale and makes our living spaces feel a little more like home.

Thank you for your time, hopefully I can get a photo with everyone to send your way.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

  ***

Good Evening Ellen N,

 

I wanted to thank you dearly for the beautiful quilt you have made, and your interpretation of the ocean with RAN theme. It’s a spectacular piece, I really look forward to putting it to good use when I get home in August!

 

You certainly do have a proud history of military service in your family, each I’m sure have their own incredible story. Equally exciting are your travels over the past few years; definitely sounded like a good way to spend COVID in the countryside on the move. I’m actually from Cairns, I hope you enjoyed FNQ!  

 

After a 5 month deployment I’m very much looking forward to getting home and repatriating back into society. Receiving this quilt has been a lovely way to round out the trip and has been the perfect return home present rolling into a nice Sydney winter. Thanks again for this wonderful piece, and all the other works you and the team at Aussie Hero Quilts have provided over the years.

 

Kindest regards, 

 ***

Hello Abbi (Gayle W),

Thank you for making my Laundry bag I appreciate it so much. Thank you for also sharing a bit about yourself. I am currently on deployment hearing from someone is always nice when your away from home. I also live in Sydney and have there my whole life and decided to come back after my training in Melbourne to stay close to my family. It was also nice hearing about you fostering a dog, that is something I want to start doing to give them a home they feel safe in while I’m not out at sea and can have a little buddy with me everywhere I go.

Thank you again for my laundry bag

Kind regards,

***

Good morning Bridget R,

I’m writing to let you know that the blanket you made for me has arrived safely here in Western Australia — and to say a huge thank you.

A little bit of background: I’ve been in the Navy for 11 years and have moved all over. I’m married, and we have one young son, (the blanket is for him). Paw Patrol is currently his favourite show, and when I showed him the blanket this morning, he was absolutely over the moon with happiness so again, thank you!

My parents have been enjoying retired life for a couple of years now, though to be honest, it doesn’t entirely suit them. Mum was a teacher for 40 years, and Dad was a shift worker, so they stay busy volunteering at local cafés, Orange Sky Laundry, and Marine Rescue. It’s a big shift from working every day, but they’re adjusting.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for your 40 years of service as a nurse. I don’t think our first responders get enough recognition, so thank you sincerely for your dedication to your community.

Once again, thank you so much for the blanket, my son absolutely loves it and will cherish it for years to come.

Warm regards,

Wishing you all the best in your retirement!

 *** 

Hello Cath Hpr,

 

I am so thrilled with my quilt everyone including myself are so impressed with how detailed and well-designed my quilt is.

 

I have been in the Navy for 2 and a half years. I was only 17 years old when I joined. It was a big step for me to take but I have experienced things I’d never even think of doing, along the way I have met so many people and feel so blessed to be in the position I am in. I have served on HMAS Sydney for 1 and a half years now and been away from home on deployment for 5 months last year and now 4 months this year, It’s been a journey.

 

I loved hearing your story it has made my day. Thank you for including photos of yourself and your dog I have a white lab that lives with my mum back home. He was also my best friend and got me through high school and my parents’ divorce. Dogs are just amazing and really do save your life.

 

I hope I get the chance to meet you in person to show my appreciation of my quilt. I chose Lilo and Stitch as it was my favourite movie growing up, I can’t imagine how much effort you have put into making this quilt but it really is so stunning and will look awesome on my rack, it matches my stitch water bottle that everyone on the ship loves and thinks it’s so cool. I can’t wait to show them all the quilt I have just received from you.

 

Thank you again,

Quilt by Cath Hpr, quilted by Keryn M

***

Hi Bridget R,

Thank you very much for making my Aussie Hero Quilt. It has arrived safely and was presented to me at my retirement. It is very well made and I love the layout. My family also think that it is fantastic. It will have pride of place in my home after over 40 years service in the RAN.

Once again, thanks for my quilt. I love it.

Kindest regards

***

We recently delivered some random laundry bags to HMAS Choules before they sailed. These are a few of the thank yous.

Hello Bel P and Jan-Maree B,

 

I have finally distributed all the generic laundry bags and people were absolutely wrapped. The volunteers, once again, have done an amazing job and I love seeing the bags in the laundry when I go put my washing on.

Thank you again for all your hard work, it’s people and organisations like you that help keep going when the going gets tough.

 

Have a beautiful day.

***

Good afternoon Sheena B,

I’m writing to you to say thank you for the laundry bag you made. It’s being put to use on board HMAS Choules where I serve as part of the deck team who handles mainly navigation.

I also live near North Sydney and enjoy spending my time away from work surfing, spearfishing or training in the gym. My ship has been very busy this year so I haven’t been able to see friends and family very often or get out surfing. The pattern on your laundry bag reminds me of some surf trips I’ve been in Indonesia with both family and mates and brings fond memories whilst I’m away on deployment.

Once again thank you very much for the laundry bag, I wish you all the best.

Warm regards,

***

Dear Clarissa L,

 

Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to sew a laundry bag for me. I love the design and it really brightens up the excessively grey interiors of my warship, so please also pass on my gratitude to your granddaughter and her excellent taste in fabrics.

 

I am an Engineer and have been serving on-board HMAS Choules for the past year and have been lucky enough to travel with her all around Australia and the Southwest Pacific. I too am a Rugby fan, I play second row or flanker and it is one of the things I greatly look forward to doing again, once I post off my ship. I love hiking and rock climbing in my spare time but I cannot say that I have caught the gardening bug yet. Hearing about your Labrador has made my day. They are my absolute favourite dogs and I grew up with a black lab named Boof; he would eat anything and everything and once even ate through the trunk of the palm tree in our back yard.

 

Once again, thank you and your granddaughter for my laundry bag. I will treasure it greatly :)

 

Kind regards,

***

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

Cheers Bel P

💖💖💖💖💖💖