soldier quilt - advice needed
 

A friend of mine asked me to make a quilt for her son - headed for his first posting after boot camp. He'll be in the states until February then head to Afghanistan (current plan, anyway). She requested camo, but I opted (with her permission) to downplay the camo - and not to try to find an official Army camo - because my Marine Corps son-in-law did NOT want more camo in his world when he was active duty. I'm planning on putting flannel on the back because of the bulk that occurs when you use batting - thinking of stuffing in a duffle bag. I've prewashed the flannel and include a pic of it here.

So - those of you who have made soldier quilts or who have family members who are deployed - is the flannel/no batting okay? This is not meant to be a bed quilt, but it would work for one. It's a generous throw - it's on a double bed in the pic - 63 X 79"

What about a label on the back? Name, US Army, 2012 --- yes, no? add a sentiment? from Mom and Dad?

beautiful!

Whatever you do, it is a gorgeous quilt. He will love it. Good colors too. Beautiful colors!

I have not... but I am interested in the answers that you get back

Very nice. He will love it.

however you finish it, it will be fine, but I would put a label on it

I made a quilt for my husband. He's retired Army and I used some of his old patches. He was a Tank Commander, so my label was titled something to that effect. Maybe if you know what his title is, you can use that for a label. I would think the flannel would work because of it being thin. That or using a bed sheet instead of batting/flannel. I am sure you will come up with something.

Good job on the quilt!!

Since he's just starting out I don't want to use anything specific since it will change. I really like the way the flannel feels and am very pleased with the one I found so ... think I'm going with that. Unfortunately ... I lack 6" having enough for the backing. Grrrrrrrr. And don't know if it came this way or picked up something in my washer, but there are some faint black streaks on the flannel fabric. Double Grrrrr. So I'm going to Walmart when I think someone will be in the fabric dept to see if the rest of the bolt has these light marks on it. If it does I'll return what I have and buy more - with that extra 6" added! Thanks for your input!

TYour quilt is very nice and will be appreciated very much. My son was deployed to Afghanistan and said he really liked the warmth of the quilt because where he was stationed it was really cold in the winter. In my opinion the label should say how proud the parents are of their son and thank him for protecting our country.

Great quilt. I agree with Grandma Peg about the label. Sandy 64

A very nice quilt for a Soldier. I don't put labels on very many of my quilts. Fabric will tie into the colors over there. So good of you to make it.

Your color choices really made another wise blah quilt shine. Those of us that don't live near a desert don't realize how cold it gets at night. The sand does not retain the heat. I am sure he will treasure this quilt. The duffel bag sounds good. I agree with the rest on the label it should be from mom with love.

Gorgeous! quilt! He will love it! :)

Peg is right...he will love it! Flannel is a great choice as it is very durable. Soldiers always appreciate having anything that reminds them of home when they are deployed. My husband (retired now) was deployed to Iraq twice for 18 months each time. I made him a lap quilt and sent it to him just so he would always be reminded that he was in our thoughts and prayers. Our oldest son is now in the Army as well and he is presently stationed in Okinawa. I am sending him a lap quilt, also. It was mentioned about not using much camo print fabric...I agree. Practically everything issued to them is camo and they so appreciate getting things that do not utilize the camo prints. Please tell your son "thank you" for his service to our country!

That is an awesome quilt. I definitely would put something special on the label. He will treasurer it even more.

You could always piece the back with one or some of the other fabrics to give you enough.

Jan, Your idea of using flannel/no bat is spot on. It's not that difficult to quilt, either. It will cut down on the bulk in his duffle bag too. Definitely label it with your sentiments. He'll appreciate a little bit of home to take with him. May God watch over him if he is deployed & all the rest of our troops!

Just wonderful, great job and thank you for sharing
Have a Blessed day
Ellen

You must put a label on it! I'm sure just seeing it will make him more comfortable while he is deployed. It's amazing how the least touch of home is soothing to our deployed kids!

Very nice. The soldier will love it.

I always use fleece on the backs of my military quilts, no batting. It provides that extra warmth without adding much weight or bulk and no shrinking issues. So far, it has been working out great!

Your quilt is great and will make a soldier very happy!!

I think you have done a great job on this one. I think maybe some little inscription would be nice or maybe just the word TOUGH or PROUD would be good.