No one really explained to me why no reds or pinks except as small amount of colors in prints, I assumed it was for that reason. On the other hand, Patriotic quilts are okay if you use predominately the blue (remember the need for dark colors) with red and white in lesser quantities. I am sure the soldiers will keep these quilts because aside from the obivious need to keep them warm in transit, they are a gift of love and support. If you can whip out an awesome pattern relatively fast, I know they will really admire that; but since I am a "slow" quilter, I have chosen simple patterns like 9-patch, etc. to work with. I have even toyed with idea of a very simple plain one side and 5ft length of print the other machine quilted in simple grid to get a "volume" of quilts to them.
Thanks for your participation and support.