If you sew for Aussie Heroes, or want to, please read this

Hi all,

One of the biggest problems with running an organisation that is Australia wide and internet based and voluntary is disseminating information.  

If you sew for Aussie Heroes, or you want to, then I really need you to keep an eye on the blog.   Maybe you don't have time to read the posts every night.  People are busy, I get that. I am eternally grateful, as are our defence members, that you squeeze time into your lives to sew for us.  I don't expect you all to sit and read the blog every night (though I love it if you do).   I do need you to keep an eye on it though in case there are changes to requirements or procedures etc.  

I will make it easy for you.  Each week I have routine posts.   These might change occassionally if we have something special on, but most weeks they will stay the same. The week's posts go like this...

Monday and Thursdays are my information nights.  If I need to tell you something - a change of requirement or procedure - I will include it in the Monday or Thursday post.  If Quilters or Laundry bag makers need to be reminded of something or need some new information, it will be posted on this night.  Blocks of the month will usually be posted on Mondays and Thursdays as well. Usually the title of the post will give you an insight into the contents that night.

If there is nothing new or no business matters to cover on Mondays and Thursday I will usually put up some sort of story or information post.

The other three nights are usually fairly routine.

Tuesday - Gratitude Post, the thank you messages we receive from the defence members

Wednesday - Caroline's Happy Mail Post - all the blocks, quilt tops, completed quilts and otherwise that we have received in the mail

Friday - our Weekly Dispatches - the quilts and laundry bags that have made it into the mail that week.

So, if you only read a couple of our posts each week, please check out Mondays and Thursdays.  

It can also be challenging because we are looking after deployed service men and women and yet, I am a civilian, and not privy to all the information that surrounds new deployments etc.  In many ways I am operating in the dark and working intuitively.

That is not an insurmountable problem but it does make it hard to accurately tailor supply to the demand.  

At the moment in Kabul there is not the demand for laundry bags as they have received a good supply. 

I am checking into Kandahar to see how they are situated but I suspect they are in a similar position.

If you have been watching the news then you will know that a whole bunch of new defence members have just arrived in Al Minhad Air Base (AMAB) and so will be needing our bags.  The new influx has lead to an increased workload for those that are there and so it is not always easy for me to get information back quickly.  Afterall, they have much higher priorities than answering questions from me and given the current state of the world I am sure you all understand.  I know some of the excess bags from Kabul are going to be sent to AMAB so am waiting for advice before I send more as well.

Don't think for a moment that laundry bags are no longer needed as that is not the case.  The new members who have deployed will want some and there is a new ship waiting to deploy later this year which will have over 200 members on board, most of whom will appreciate the laundry bags. 

There are still around fifty people on the request list who would like to receive laundry bags.

Are you happy to post spare laundry bags 

I am also really keen to start getting laundry bags to those who are not actually deploying on long deployments who travel regularly within Australia or elsewhere for weeks at a time. You would probably be surprised to know how many of our troops do that.  To do that however, you would have to be prepared to make laundry bags and post them to me.  I know not all of you can afford, or are interested in paying the postage but if there are any of you out there that are happy to sew a batch and send or deliver them to me then please do so as I can definitely find good, deserving homes for them.

Do they already have a laundry bag???

Whilst on the laundry bag topic, more and more these days, a laundry bag is not required to accompany a quilt when requested.  If the recipient has not already picked up a laundry bag from the ones that are made available in common areas, then they have received one whilst they are waiting for their quilt.  If you take on a quilt request it is wise to check with me to see if your recipient actually requires a laundry bag or not.  

Laundry bag and Quilt Sets

If you are making a quilt of your own choice, then perhaps you could check with me to see who it will be allocated to, and if they need a laundry bag before you make a matching one to go with it.  More often than not these days I am not able to allocate a quilt to the person who is perfect for it because there is a laundry bag that goes with it and that person already has one.  

Quilt Top Size

One final request.  Please please please.  If you are going to send me a quilt top to have finished here can you please make sure it it is 42" wide and 70" long.  

42" is narrow enough but I am receiving some that are 40" and sometimes even 38" or heading in the other direct 45" wide.  Length is also an issue.  Tops that are too short or too narrow need to have extra added to them and this takes time and sometimes material has to be bought especially which adds more time and more expense to what must be done here.

Also all of the backings and battings used here are cut at a standard 50" wide and 80" long to allow the quilters, who generously volunteer their time, plenty of fabric to work with.  I have to work as economically as possible with both time and money.  I just don't have the time to cut the batting and backing especially for each quilt top that comes my way.  When I have helpers here we cut up a whole roll of batting at a time.  Another time we might cut or piece a whole bunch of backings.  We don't have the time to cut and piece backings to specific sizes to match the quilt tops so please your cooperation with sending the tops to me at the correct size would really be appreciated.

As always if the names below are those who have sent off either quilts or laundry bags this week. If you are not on the list and you think you should be please let me know.

Anna
Barbara
Berrima Patchwork
Bev
Carolyn 
Cath
Debbie
Elaine and Pauline 
Evelyn
Irene
Jacqui
Julie 
Julie Ann
Keryn
Kitty
Linda F
Linda H
Mary
Nerida
Noelene
Pennie
Rita M
Robyn B and Wendy B
Sally
Su

No photos specific to the post tonight so I thought I would end with a few group shots that you have not seen for a while or maybe, if you are new to Aussie Heroes, at all.  

I love looking back on these photos and always appreciate the effort that people when to to arrange them for us.  Most of these recipients are long home by now.  

Enjoy!

Taken in 2012 - no idea where this was 

Taken last year in Kandahar 

Just last year in Kabul

Some of the members of 17 Construction Squadron in Tarin Kot in 2013

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

Jan-Maree xx

Happy Mail 24th September

Hi Everyone

A few lovely groups of BOM's this week for happy mail.  We are going to be able to make some really great scrappy quilt tops with these. Keep up the good work everyone.

Sue N

Tina N

Kinnie P

Thanks for participating everyone and have a great week.

Happy Stitching

Caroline

Grati-Tuesday 23 September

G'day all. 

Time for some more thank you messages and some great pics. 

Firstly a quilt made by Anna being put to good use.  

 This quilt top was donated. Please let me know if you made it so that I can give you credit.  The recipient wrote a lovely message on Facebook (shared here so my non-facebook readers can enjoy it) 

"I got my quilt today. Wow, you made me feel so special, thank you - I love it."

Well, that makes us feel pretty special too doesn't it! 

There is a letter on its way to you soon for this awesome sequinless quilt (in joke!) Debbie, but in the mean time, don't you love the smile!

And one more from Facebook for good measure.  Well done to 23 year old Roxy who designed and made her first quilt (with a little finishing help from Mum as she moved interstate) to send off to an Aussie Hero!  Way to go Roxy!

"Thank you very much exactly what my bland room needed. It puts a smile on face Every time I open the door.

Your time & effort is appreciated."

.....

Hi Rachel

I was lucky enough to receive one of your laundry bags the other day.

I would like the thank you very much for your time and effort which you put into making my bag, it definitely made my day. I have only been in the Middle East for a little over a month but your gift lifted my mood hugely.

I am 21 years old and I am based in XXXX near Brisbane. This is my first deployment and we expect to be home a week before my birthday in late Feb next year. When I get home I plan to take some time off and travel down the coast with my swag and just stopping wherever and hopefully making it to XXXXX for my birthday.

Once again thankyou for the laundry bag, it is greatly appreciated

.....

Good Morning Rachel,

I apologise for not replying sooner!

Ive been flat out as I’ve only just arrived and am getting used to the heat (50˚ C!!!) and slowly falling into a routine, which is rather difficult as I am Transport and we tend to work irregular hours.

It was truly wonderful to receive a laundry bag from you. This is the first time I have deployed and your gift reminded me that even though we work in the heat and sand and are sometimes so busy we forget what day it is, that we are not forgotten by the people we leave behind, even if we do not know them. I also love the polar bears and ice-cap fabrics, it’s a great contrast to my current surroundings.

I shall try and write again soon. Thank you again for brightening my day.

.....

 Hello Cassandra

Id like to let you know I received your laundy bag today and it certainly did put a smile on my face. I also appreciate the other items that you put inside it for me. Id like to thank you for it all and for your support.

.....

G'day Gale and Jenny,

Just wanted to send you a quick thank you for the quilt and laundry bag (and tim tams!).

It definitely surprised me! It's very much appreciated and it's great to be reminded that people back home, even though we've never met, are thinking of us!

If you ever find yourself in Canberra after I get back, please send me an email - I'd love to buy you a coffee!

Thank you so much,

 .....

Hi Jan-Maree, 

I received the quilt today. It is beautiful and it's going welcomed addition to my room. Will put a photo up on FB soon :-)  

Looking forward to receiving the laundry bag!

Warm regards,

.....

Dear Sue,

Thank you so much for my quilt, laundry bag and the treats. They are excellent. You have done a great job and I really appreciate it. I really like the dogs on the quilt. I am hoping to get a dog next year although still haven't decided on which breed of dog yet. 

Well better get back to work.

Take care 

.....

"Hi JM,

I just got a call from hubby and he really appreciates his Laundry bag (made by Pennie) and he wanted to thanks all the ladies for their time and dedication for making him a bag,it was a really nice surprise for him today,he hasn't been having good days lately so that parcel made his day and says thank you.

Just thought I would let you know and I really appreciate the time and effort you guys put in for the men and women over there. It's a very caring feeling knowing that others are thinking of him and looking after him Thank you and the Aussie hero quilters again it means a lot to my husband and I

Cheers

.......

Good Evening Gail

I would like to take the opportunity to say thank you for the laundry bag that I have received. The bag I received had iconic places of Gundagai, where I have passed through numerous times on my travels south. The laundry bag will always remind me of the kindness shown by you and all the people involved in making Aussie Hero Quilts / Laundry Bags, where you are all providing a little touch of home to service personnel deployed overseas on operations.

Thank you / Kind Regards
.....

We had the opportunity, thanks to Cassandra P, to present a quilt to a special Aussie Hero recently and he has graciously consented to the photos being shared on the blog. 

Fred Smith is a diplomat and a musician and I am really pleased that we were able to present him with an Aussie Hero Quilt. Thanks for suggesting it and following up on it Cassandra.  Many of you will be familiar with the name but for those who are not then you can check out the Australian Story featuring Fred here.  If you look extra closely at the 3minute mark you will see one of our Block of the Month Quilts hanging on the wall in one of the rooms!  YAY!

Anyway, recently Cassandra visited Fred and presented him with an Aussie Hero Quilt.  

  

Fred was extra lucky as Cassandra, an exceptionally talented quilter, gave him the choice of some quilts she had already made and he chose this one.  As he was able to take delivery of the quilt in person size was not an issue.

Till next time........................keep spreading the word and happy stitching.
Jan-Maree  xx

A sewing day at Berrima Patchwork.

G'day all.  I hope you have had a great weekend.

When I traveled down to Canberra to attend the Soldier On Ball I stopped off along the way in Berrima to talk to Tamsin from Berrima Patchwork.  They have now jumped on board and on the weekend held their first sewing day for Aussie Heroes.   They did a fabulous job, finishing 6 quilt tops and creating two more that just need their borders added. It won't be long and they will be quilted and sent off.

Cherie, Sue and Michelle

Lyn and Jenny

Bronwyn

Sue and Bronwyn

Lyn

Jenny

This one is going to get an Aussie Flag Border

Sue

Thank-you to all those who attended. The quilts look fabulous! 

The next sewing day will be on Saturday 18th October

And talking about sewing days - the next sewing day at my home is tomorrow.    Contact me if you are interested in attending. 

The next sewing day in Penrith is Sunday the 19th of October.  Please let me know if you are interested in coming so I can be prepared for you.

Finally, if you are a blogger and leave a comment which requires a reply from me please make sure you are not a "NO REPLY" Blogger because I have no way of contacting you.  Lainey I hope you read this. Please send me an email at friendsofAHQ@gmail.com so I can get back to you with an answer.

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

Jan-Maree xx 

Weekly Dispatches 19 September

G'day all.  Time to grab a cuppa and enjoy this week's show and tell.  
I have to say some pretty awesome work has headed off this week.

805 quilts and 1069 laundry bags for 2014.  

3167 quilts and  4917 laundry bags in total.

This is one of our Mystery Quilts with blocks sent in by Dasha, Claire, Liz J, Coral, Debbie and Melanie was put together and quilted by Dasha who added "She'll be Apples Mate"! Love it!

Anna N

Barbara

Betty  

Bev

Carol W

Cindi

Debbie

Deni

  

Donna P

(front)

Back 

Donna P

Grace

Jacky

Jo B

Joan

Kate

Kerri

Kiwi Karen created this laundry bag with the Rising Sun embroidered by Kerri B.

Louise created the next two quilt tops and Beverley quilted, bound them and sent them off.

Linda H

Louise T and the Dolphin Quilters 

Maree

Melissa R

Naomi

Pauline and Elaine

Pennie

Rachel

Rhonda

Robin 

Rosemary

Sue P

Till next time,.........keep spreading the word and happy stitching!  
Jan-Maree xx