I just finished my 6th quilt and will find out tomorrow where it is to sent. Each quilt has a different destination. It will be mailed on Monday.

My third quilt was sent to Andrews AFBase. The Red Cross Volunteer wrote emails all who sent quilts to him (and his wife) for distribution. He said one of the returning military lads had what remained of his legs covered with a woolen blanket. The lad said the wool was scratchy and itchy and was so thankful for the cotton covering.

I enclose a short letter that includes my mailing and email address. I am anxious to hear from one of the recipients, or their family,of my quilts. I'll share this message when it comes.

Regarding the quilting: I am doing my own using clear thread (top and bottom) and although I not real good, my machine quilting is getting better with each quilt. So, if you need to practice machine quilting, this is an opportunity. Once the quilt and the presentation case are washed, the quilting stitches seem to hide.

Regarding the costs: The QOV articles says approximately $120. I believe this figure is a little high and probably includes three mailings (to the longarmer, return to topper, sent to destination). I find each quilt takes about 6 yards of fabric and approximately 3 yards of batting. I also attempt to purchase "on sale" or with coupons. I think mine run between $35-40 each including the shipping.

If any of want to have a really good feeling well up inside, just make one of these quilts, realize who will be receiving same, you cannot help but have anything but a good fuzzy feeling. You will be doing more than a lip service, you are making a difference in someone's life.

Off my box now!! Suzanne

Amen!

This sounds like a reall nice thing to do, I wonder if they would accept a quilt from another country. The mechanics of it could be a bit tricky, would probably be best to do all the work myself because posting it back and forth would not be feasable. Could quilt it on my home machine, Does anyone know if home machine quilting would be acceptable.

I would like to make one, I know I am form a different country but suffering is the same where ever it is. Is a nice thought that something you've made has brought comfort to someone else. Could maybe contact the embassey to see if they cold maybe put into their mail bags to get it over there. Any ideas anyone?

Hi , Look back in this posting . There is a site called Heartstrings. They have a group in Australia that makes quilts for different charities too. This may be a little closer for you to mail to. It sounds like a good organization.
Elaine

I am a tax preparer and have had to deal with IRS audits in the past, usually if you were to take a picture of the quilt, have a list of what went into the quilt and the costs (receipts of the materials if possible, the receipt showing you mailed it to the charitable organization and the cost of shipping, it should be enough to prove your charitable deduction.

You all have motivated me to try my hand at this, also. Bless You All

I just checked out QOV website and if you go there they have a approximate value on the average quilt received.... I will add a copy of that to my other documentation to help validate my tax deductions.

Thanks for the information, Amma, and good luck with your quilting for this wonderful organization.

Hi,
I belong to a group called Quilts for Kids. We make quilts and pillow cases for children who are ill, or hurt. We take ours to Gulf Coast Hospital in Fort Myers, FL.
We also make quilts and pillow cases for the veterans at Walter Reed Hospital.

Our large local guild does a baby quilt for charity workshop every year. They put out about 75 quilts or so each year. Both of our guilds do the QoV, and both guilds are involved in a local effort called Sherrif's Kids Ranch. I can't remember how many quilts and pillowcases have been made for that effort. Tons!! Many of the mini-groups also make quilts for the QoV and for the Sherrif's Kids. My mini-group makes those two, and we also do at least one quilt a year as a raffle quilt for a cause that we all agree on. We stay busy! And we love it. :)

Today I finished QOV #10 which will be mailed on Monday. I use patriotic fabrics and machine quilt on my home machine. I also use red/white/blue thread with a decorative stitch to secure my binding. I can see where my machine quilting quality is improving, an added bonus. So far I am able to make one quilt a week. My plan is to make 50 a year.

Just thought some of you would like to know. I'm not bragging. This is something I must do. Cathy Roberts, founder of the QOV Foundation, says at the end of her newsletter, "Still at war, still quilting" to which I add "until they are all covered".

Suzanne