Quilts of Valor, Veterans Day Awards

This morning, our guild awarded Quilts of Valor during a Veterans Day Program at the Civic Center.  My quilts were made using the Red and Blue Blocks, and a few of yellow/gold blocks,  from the 2018 Rainbow Challenge.  "Freedom Flyer" used four-patch/nine-patch blocks and framed double half square triangles.  Finished size appx. 59" X 77". (2018 Quilt of Valor #2; 2018 Rainbow Challenge #1)

Due to the response, I think next year I will be making Red/White/Blue Blocks all year long.  The nominated veterans receiving the quilts were so surprised....only their family knew of the special award.

The above quilt, "Crowned Stars" started out square, however with the addition of crowned borders, I was able to make a rectangle size of 60" X 74" large throw size. (2018 Quilt of Valor #3; 2018 Rainbow Challenge #2).

Linking up with:

Confessions of a Fabric Addict

2018 Rainbow Challenge, So Scrappy

Rainbow Challenge - Dark Blue and QOV

The album blocks in dark blue are DARK!  They nest nicely with the red album blocks from a few months ago, as did the blocks below.  My B'Box (Box of Blocks) is starting to overflow; which is why I am starting to pull them out and play.

"Freedom Flying" will be donated as a Quilt of Valor:  The framing of the double HST has completely changed the look -- I tried twisting and alternating the double HST and still came back to them facing in all one direction.  I can see this representing military planes flying.  

Linking with So Scrappy for the 2018 Rainbow Challenge.

Dark Blue Stars, B'Box Quilt Top

This week, I finished the dark blue stars. As fall approaches (even though it is still in the 90's down in south Louisiana), I am preparing for the assembly of charity quilts, pattern samples, gifts and quilted decorations. 

Its also time to start pulling from my overflowing B'Box (a box of blocks).  Boys and girls have their Box of LEGO Blocks, quilters have their B'Box(es).  Randomly pulling and playing with blocks from a variety of shapes and colors is so satisfying ..... and sometimes .... those blocks never make it back into the B'Box.  

From the B'Box to design wall:  dark red and blue expanded 9 patches and double half square triangles (half-framed).  A Quilt of Valor will be assembled by combining these two sets of blocks, then adding a couple of borders. 

Linking up with So Scrappy for the 2018 Rainbow Scrap Challenge.

Quilt of Valor, Stars Over Scott

Back in 2011, I designed "Stars Over Scott" as a way to use up Half Square Triangles -- there are 168 HSTs in this top, nothing else.  The Top comes together easily and when a call comes in for an Emergency Quilt of Valor, it is a great "Go-To" pattern.

Finished Size:  72" X 84" (used 6 1/2" HSTs)

Every so often, I will search Google, or Pinterest and find a new "Stars Over Scott" someone else has made.  It doesn't matter what size HST you use, the results are always the same.  The above version is without a border .... however below is one I made in 2013, with borders because I used smaller HSTs. (Donated for Breast Cancer Awareness).

Linking up with Sarah, Confessions of a Fabric Addict.

Scrap Control Update and Quilt of Valor

The 2 1/2" strip scrap bin is still full .... as I have only added 3 more blocks. As soon as possible, I will pull out all of the long strips (brights only) and start matching them up into strip sets. 

The Quilt Of Valor below that has taken over the sewing room, was loaded on the long arm, basted, then quilted.  I used my pattern "Stars Over Scott", for a quick finish. Once the binding and label is done, it will be off to California for a young veteran, whose service we are so thankful for. 

The "Stars Over Scott", uses 6" (finished) half square triangles, and measures 72" X 84" -- since I used larger HSTs, I omitted the borders.  The great thing about this pattern, you can use any size HST you want to achieve the quilt size needed.  

I follow along with Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict, who helps us stay accountable to the growing scrap bins. Check with her often for ideas on how to tame the stash.