Quilt of Valor Top

Awhile back (I start a lot of my posts like that don't I?) I posted about making a Quilt of Valor.  Well we (the Memphis Area Modern Quilt Guild) didn't quite all get our blocks finished by April.  But that was fine because I was super busy.  lol.  So when I got all of the blocks I tried laying them all out to see what pattern/order they should go in.

When I got to this stage ^, I knew I had it.  So I started sewing.  Lots of family visits and other crazy obligations kept me from finishing the top, until this past Sunday.

I love how all of the blocks stand out and kinda blend in at the same time.

Our state's Quilt of Valor representative lives on the exact opposite side of the state...So we will be working with our local VA Medical Center to give this quilt to a local OIF, OEF, or OND veteran (Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation New Dawn).  After speaking with the VA's volunteer coordinator and finding out that they don't get many QoV (due to the fact that the representative is so far away - we have a long state) I really want to make another.  But we will see...There is so much going on.  

Like finishing this up, for starters.  I put the top together, Janet over at Simply Pieced is making the back and will be basting it too, Kelly from My Quilt Infatuation is going to be quilting and binding the quilt, and then our newest guild member, Carolyn, will be making the presentation bag for the quilt to go in.  I am SO EXCITED!

Here is an up close shot at some of my favorite blocks from the quilt.

Made by Jenny

Made by Susan

Made by Janet

Made by Lori

Made by Sarah

Made by Kelly

Made by me

Quilt of Valor is truly a great project.  What a way to say thanks.  Not all of the recipients will really know what it means or what went in to it, at least not at first.  But they will someday.  And then they will get that we said thank you and really meant it.  You should check the organization out.

- Katelyn

Quilt of Valor Blocks

I have yet another WIP to share...
It seems like I am only sharing works in progress lately, but maybe I'll actually finish something next week. 

I digress. 
I am a member of the Memphis Area Modern Quilt Guild.  I love being able to meet and hang out with  modern quilters once a month. 
Last month we decided to make a Quilt of Valor Quilt together.  One quilt, for now - we didn't want to overwhelm ourselves. 
I am leading this particular effort - meaning I looked up the details.  Lol.

Kelly, from My Quilt Infatuation, came up with the fabulous idea of a sampler quilt. That way we can each make three 12in (finished) blocks and end up with enough for a nice sized quilt once put together. 
We are each making different blocks - whatever we choose, in any red, blue, white, gray - as long as we make different ones and they have patriotic colors.  We are going to use Kona White as a sashing to separate the blocks (the reason we could use what ever fabrics we wanted). 

We are a super small guild, only 7 due paying members right now - though we would love it if anyone wants to join us! 

The three blocks aren't "due" until our April meeting - giving three months to choose and make the blocks.  However, I finished mine last week. 

my three blocks

I used Amy Newbold's, of Sukie Don't Ya Know, Origami Star tutorial.  Only I did my own math and made it 12in.  So there are a few measurements I would change...but I'll do that for another project.  ;)

Then I choose a Flying Dutchman block.  I love the multiple flying geese.  If I do this block again I think I will make it scrappy.  That would be a bit more fun. 

Then, for my last block I used the Double Z block from the new (and totally fabulous) quilting book - Vintage Quilt Revival, by Katie Clark Blakesley, Lee Heinrich, and Faith Jones. 

I can't wait to see everyone else's blocks.  I am excited to see how the quilt comes together with different fabrics and looks.

Have a fabulous Wednesday!

XOXO -
    Katelyn