lclang

If your quilts are rejected ship them to an old soldier's home. Those fellows are so thrilled and grateful that someone still cares, remembers, and thinks about them. They love the bright colors and the idea that someone made it just for them. They are certainly worthy of whatever joy we can bring to them.

fuail

>Am happier now doing my own thing. It's not that I don't feel for our soldiers, I do, it's that my work was not appreciated when my help was asked for.<

Seems to me that the problem isn't the soldiers, but the OCD "helpers" stateside - My suggestion is to find a group who appreciates what we do, not one who wants it to be "perfect". From reading the posts, I get the feeling that the troops don't care if it's perfect or not!

Greenheron

I am not sure who sponsors what but inspired by these posts I read several sites organizing quilt (and other) donations. The majority appear happy with most donations but, if I read correctly, Quilts of Valor are attempting to have very high quality quilts made that will become thank you/keepsakes. This differs from organizations who want to give active duty personnel, the wounded and veterans something to add to their comfort. Groups sewing for hospitals also have high standards and often give the reasons--durability, washability, ease of use, etc. along with their patterns.

Quilting Nonnie

You can get them in the garden department of stores. Home Depot has it and probably Lowe's etc.

Their original use is to mix with soil for a potted plant. The crystals absorb the water and you don't have to water so often. The crystals also "release" the water slowly.

Once I got my cool tie wet the first time, it lasted for hours. The puffiness never went down all the way, but is still good at absorbing water and staying cool. Ice water is the best!

zennia

mimisharon has a tute right here on this site for these. It is under tutorials.