Lately we have had a dramatic upswing in quilt requests. We try to honor all requests. It became quite frightening to realize that we had given out over two hundred quilts recently and as usual, there is a slump right before the holidays. We had a reserve of less than twenty quilts.
On Thursday November 3rd I had the honor of speaking to the Stray Threads quilting group in Woodinville. Some other people from sewing groups in the area also attended. I can’t express to you how amazing it was when I finished my speech for volunteers to do a “parade of quilts” showing off American Hero Quilts they had made to donate. Fifty beautiful handmade quilts for heroes.
That Saturday I got a call from Bagram, they only had two quilts. I called people to come sew on labels, take pictures and pack them up. Off went 97 quilts on Monday. Three days before Thanksgiving I got another request from another medical group in Bagram. They had 15. Here came the Port Angeles group with 75 and a group from Tukwila Washington with 15 gorgeous quilts.
The problem, not quite 100 and then I was going to have none again and no hope to have much needed quilts until well after the first of the year after folks got over the holidays. Today 2 huge boxes arrived from the Piecemakers in Montana. Beautiful quilts made for heroes.
To each of the quilting angels, Thank you, thank you. Think of all the wounded warriors we will be hugging. You are wonderful!
Sue
How does an individual or guild become involved making quilts for your organization? Our guild has done other types of service person quilts and are always looking for more opportunities to support needs with our quilts. I am located in Wisconsin – the center of the state area.
Thank you for any additional information.
Hi Sondra,
We would be thrilled for your help. Some groups send us quilt tops, others make the whole quilt and send it. We have individuals from all over the nation as well as England, Australia and Scotland who very generously send quilts.
If you go to our website http://www.americanheroquilts.com and look at how you can help I think it covers the basic information.
Most of the quilts are now going to Afghanistan and Qatar to cover our wounded warriors and give them a metaphoric hug.
If I haven’t answered your questions please don’t hesitate to write back.
Sue
Is there a requirement for the quilt stitching? Is it preferred to be machine quilt stitched or can it be hand quilted? Where are the quilts shipped to for distribution? What are the requirements for the quilt label? For the binding what is preferred – hand stitched or can it be machine stitched? Is a presentation case needed? It states to wash the material prior to creating the quilt, should it be washed after completed? The ‘How you can help’ area is rather vague on the requirement details. Please provide this additional information as I know these are questions the guild members will ask. Thank you.
Hi Sondra,
I am sorry you couldn’t find what you needed on our website. I will be happy to answer your questions. We only use machine quilting. The quilts are washed so often that this seems the best way to keep the quilt together.
All finished quilts return here to be photographed before they are sent to their owners.
Currently most of the quilts are going to Afghanistan and Qatar. Qatar appears to be the base that most wounded warriors pass through. Those not from Afghanistan did not have quilts so we started sending them to Qatar two months ago. We just got a request for more which is quite stressful.
Most of the quilts have binding which is machine sewn on one side and hand sewn on the other. Some people are able to machine sew both sides Unfortunately if the binding is not caught on the edge it creates an IV catcher and has to be redone. Please do wash the fabric before sewing. If you have animals we would appreciate it if the quilt is washed since many people have allergies. Remember the color catchers, some of the reds really bleed.
No we do not ask for presentation cases. In fact we strongly discourage them. The quilts are placed on warriors as soon as they are stabilized. There is just not a place for a presentation case.
We provide the label. It simply says, “you are our hero, thank you.”
I hope this answers all your questions. If not, just let me know.
Sue
This website popped up on my Turn Back Time and how surprised am I to see that it’s still going strong!! It’s hard to believe that it’s been twelve years now. Even though I am not active in this project, it’s near to my heart and I cannot thank all of you enough for the work that you put into this.
You see, it was my brother’s story that started this. Never in a million years would I ever have thought that his memory would be carried on with quilts, but it’s so perfect.
So thank you! Thank all of you for doing what you’re doing!
Thanks Desiree, very nice to hear from you. American Hero Quilts continues to be a very rewarding experience for all of us.
Desiree, I often think of your brother as I am working on these quilts. It is an honor and a privilege to be making something that will bring comfort and encouragement to a wounded service member.
Is there a way I can join in helping making quilts for our Hero’s??
Hi Rose, you didn’t say where you were. If you will write to helpinghands@americanheroquilts.com we can figure out how to get you going. I am so thrilled you want to help and we want to welcome you to AHQ’s. We need you.
Sue
Sue, I am happy to be a part of this great organization for which you work so diligently! Thank you for your service, day after day, month after month, year after year – I know that there are thousands of soldiers out there who truly appreciate it! And to Jill, we can always use quilt tops, backing fabric and DONATIONS to buy said fabric and supplies. I do believe that the dimensions and list of requested quilt colors, sizes and fabric type, etc. is at the website Sue mentioned above. Without the volunteers, there woudn’t be enough quilts to go around! Sue can’t do it all herself, although she tries! Hugs to all! Roberta Joiner in Santa Cruz, CA
I would like to help your quilting mission in some way. Is there a list or site to see how I can help. I live near Pittsburgh PA. MY SON is active in the ARMY …. it would be great to see if I can help you all… I would be honored and proud!
Sincerely and Proudly the mom of an AIRBORNE SOLDIER,
Jill Hutchinson
Hi Jill, Please feel free to go to http://www.americanheroquilts.com. We do appreciate your help. We are fortunate to have so many wonderful volunteers and would love to have you join us.
Sue
Jill, I made a comment under Sue’s reply but also want to directly say Thank You to your son for his service. And to you for “letting him go” and supporting him. We do appreciate his service. Hugs, Roberta