Valerie is a very nice lady who went WAY out of her way to solve a title search problem for me. DH said we should send her a very big bouquet of flowers, but I decided to make this for her instead. I spoke to her boss and found out that purple was her favorite color.

This is, I think, the 10th in my series I call Inititial Success. I generally start with a FQ (this was a bit bigger). Where I know something about the person, I can make it more individualized. One friend's letter had climbing red and pink rosebuds and leaves on it. Another had a rosary of semi-precious stones twining around her letter. I have always had good reception for these.

Cute!

Lovely way to thank someone!

Very cute.

My brother's father in law said the best thing he learned in West Point was, "If you have a right to complain, you have a duty to praise." In the last 40 years, since I heard him say this, I have made a point of giving that praise in a concrete form. Sometimes it was just a letter of appreciation. Most of the time, I hear that no one had ever shown appreciation for that person's work before.

I sent a large bouquet of flowers to the secretary of my department who took her lunch time to chase my Master's Degree paperwork around so I would not have to travel 200 miles to do it. The head of the department later told me that he was ashamed that HE had never given her her due praise. I am not rich or powerful, but I can say thank you.

I like that! My daughter is a Valerie, as well.

Very kind of you, my daughter and I did title work in our local courthouse and often helped the "public" You can search your own records free, but few know how and the county employees don't have time. We were often thanked verbally, but this is so nice to have a keepsake. You are very thoughtful and talented!

I really like how you "walk the walk". Lovely gift!!

so cool! I am a former title searcher (now have my own title company) and I know this would be appreciated. You could have added a ink well and feather (like the old old days of writing) to the quilt. I use them on my letterhead, etc.

You did a gorgeous job- did you free hand the V? Beautiful!

Barb

Too often we hear only complaints, its nice to see and hear about the good things. Your quilt is beautiful and I am sure she will be thrilled.

Very nice and a wonderful idea!

What a nice way to say "Thank you! Very thoughtful of you, Valerie will appreciate it, I'm sure :).

Thoughtful personalized gift. Nice way to thank her for going "above and beyond".

Is that ever darling. Love the fabrics too

Is that ever darling. Love the fabrics too

I worked in the title industry for years and it can be very gruelling! She did you a very great favor and your gift to her is just beautiful!

Pretty!! I'm sure she'll love it!!

Very pretty! :D

A thought for life. Everytime you think of something unkind about a person make it a point to say something nice. It does wonders for both of you.

Valerie was thrilled. Her boss was thrilled. Even the receptionist was impressed.

Yes, I freehanded the V (on freezer paper) before putting it together. I used to do a lot of calligraphy (fancy writing) which helps with my layout. I have now done several of these letters, 9, I think. I call them, 'Initial Success'. The first one was when I was invited to a birthday fiesta, complete with great food and a mariachi band. DH asked me what I could come up with in just one day. I did the same sort of thing I have done with each one since. I begin with a really nice looking piece of fabric, usually a FQ. For the first one, I wrapped a gothic letter M with climbing roses. The stems were green cord fastened down with machine blanket stitch, points out, on each side. The leaves were raw edge applique. The rosebuds were made from red rectangles, folded, with the base covered by leaves. It was amazingly fast for its apparent complexity.

Not only do these gifts show my appreciation, they encourage the recipient to continue the good work and make it obvious to the boss what a jewel is employed there. The cost to me is negligible for the effect.

My master teacher told me to make 3 positive calls home for each negative one. It works in teaching. It works in most of life.

What a neat idea, and you do such a nice job

that is so sweet.