Quilt of Valor, formerly known as Antique Reproduction quilt
 

I finished my antique reproduction quilt today. I did decide to go old school with it and tie it. The main reason is that my good friend, a decorated Vietnam vet had reminisced with my husband about how his mother used to tie her quilts. I also decided to use a self binding, blanket style, and stitch it in a whip stitch with the same cotton yarn I used to tie it.

Ever almost instantly regret a sewing design decision? I did. As I pulled each stitch through with a pair of pliers and struggled to thread the needle, I regretted it. But wait. I later discovered that this decision was a gift to me. As I was stitching I was given the opportunity to meditate on many things, each more emotional than the next. I reflected on how much respect I have for our fore mothers who made quilts by hand and by candlelight out of necessity. I wondered with each hot flash spaced about about every half hour, how they might have handled that with a heavy blanket piled on top of them without ever knowing exactly what was wrong.

Next, I started looking at my stitches. Not one of them perfect. I was given the gift of meditating on God and how each one of us is a labor intense pulled stitch. Maybe not perfect, but perfectly placed in the cloth that warms our lives. I was given an extra dose of gratitude for His hand guiding mine in my design decision where I was committed to carry through with action allowing myself to take a time out not not pray, but to listen to Him.

Gave Phil the Quilt of Valor this morning. Pictures to follow.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]376194[/ATTACH]

Rainy today so not great light. It's larger than a lap quilt, but a bit smaller than a twin. Perfect size for Phil in his Lazy Boy.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]376196[/ATTACH]
Back side with the label.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]376197[/ATTACH]
Up close label.
Next post, pictures of Phil with his quilt. He was stunned. He had been casually watching me make it all last week.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]376198[/ATTACH]
Phil opening it up
[ATTACH=CONFIG]376199[/ATTACH]
Inspecting the label
[ATTACH=CONFIG]376200[/ATTACH]
Mini test drive.

Thanks all for letting me share my spiritual journey with this quilt.

You made him a beautiful quilt and he will treasure it!!

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us... brought tears to my eyes. Great quilt and great job!

Thank you for sharing your journey with us and reminding us about the important things in life.
I know your friend will treasure his quilt.
well done

Oh my! What a blessing both to you and to Phil! Will you please pass on to him my gratitude for his service. (I'm sure I speak for many.) Isn't it awesome that we can receive so much pleasure from something we do "for others?" I loved your story; so powerful!

Thank you for sharing - the quilt is beautiful.

I think it turned out beautifully! Also love your bargello in the background.

Thanks, this QOV was an experiment in traditional...I tend to go for the more garish and complicated stuff.

what a nice story the quilt is beautiful thanks for sharing!!!maureen

Just a wonderful story & gift. Thanks for the warm fuzzies. :)

I got choked up reading your post. Great quilt and great story!

This is a wonderful gift.

I loved reading your thoughts and spirtual journey - thanks for sharing. Love the pix of Phil with his quilt.

this all made me cry too, you did a great job on this quilt and look how grateful and happy he is!!

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!

nicely done and so wonderful to capture a happy recipient

What a beautiful quilt--and what an inspirational journey, thanks so much for sharing with us.

What a wonderful story!

Oooooh my. It is beautiful. Great job.

A wonderful gift!

OMGosh, thank you for sharing this with us. I love the quilt, but I love the pics of the man you gave it to, so wonderful to see his appreciation on his face. I too, thank him for his service to our country. God Bless America. and God Bless him.

((((Quilty Hugs)))) and Blessings to you. What a treasure you are to have put so much thought and love into your dear friends quilt. Just in case you've not been told lately, you are a WONDERFUL person. I so enjoyed your "Spiritual Journey", and appreciate you sharing your thoughts and feelings while quilting this O' sew special quilt.

Beckie

Wonderful quilt and pictures! Thanks.

Tears in eyes? me, too. So many of my friends went to 'Nam and by a miracle they all came home safe and whole. (Well, except for a few tatoos)

What a wonderful story.

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing. The gratitude the "Nam vets have even when we just say, "Thank you for your service", is astounding. I am so thankful you were able to make this beautiful quilt for your friend. Please thank him for his service from me, also.