These interesting vignettes will renew your hope, inspire your faith as these everyday heroines stitch true tales of courage against insurmountable obstacles into heart-warming patchwork. Each leaves behind a legacy of love and faith in God to future generations. Heavenly Patchwork tells the larger story of God’s faithfulness to sustain, heal, comfort and strengthen women through hardships.

See www.HeavenlyPatchwork.com for ordering information and a sampling of quilt photos and stories and information on Judy’s Centennial Quilt Trunk Shows, power point programs and three quilt exhibits available for your Centennial event. See also Judy’s web business, www.BuckboardQuilts.com for 200 antique quilts at affordable prices.

All book profits go to nonprofit organizations that provide quilts for orphans, sick babies and victims of fires, tornadoes, and disasters—all those most in need of God’s love and comfort that quilts represent.

God Bless America 22x22”Quilt Entries to Tour US to Benefit Soldiers

Theme:  Patriotic, Stars and Stripes, Support our Troops or Biblically Inspired.

Deadline: ASAP for possible publishing. Quilts accepted through December for touring.

Schedule this exhibit for your quilt show, library, school, church now. BuckboardQuilts@cox.net.

All quilts will tour the U.S. for three years. Quilts with your patterns and stories will possibly be published by Judy Howard, Dorcas Publishing, award-winning author of three quilt books.

Mail each quilt with signed consent/entry form immediately if you want to be published, or by December 31 to tour, to 12101 N. MacArthur #137 Oklahoma City, OK 73162.

Quilts will be 22” x 22” with a 4” opening sleeve or loops sewn along the upper back, plus four plastic ½-1” drapery rings spaced along the upper edge. Please include on the back of your quilt: title of quilt, your name, address, phone number and email.

 Please also attach securely along the bottom of your quilt (that can be flipped up for shipping) an appromimately 18”wide by 8”high fabric quilted label that includes the quilt title, your name, town and state, and a brief story of what inspired you to make the quilt. You can type, embroider, cross-stitch or paint it on fabric, quilt it and coordinate it as part of your quilt art. Please include the sales price and contact info if quilt is for sale. You will deal directly with the buyer and receive 100% of proceeds.

Please write a 50-700 word story about your quilt—what inspired you, your name, address, phone, email, quilt title and your quilt pattern with instructions (pattern and directions optional) and email to BuckboardQuilts@cox.net. If you’d like to sell your pattern with instructions with 100% proceeds going to you, include your contact info and price on the quilted label. Or if you’d like to print out your pattern with instructions for each venue to sell for you, state that patterns are available at the front desk on your quilt label. The venue may keep 20% of the pattern cost for their work selling it.

Entry Form and Consent to Publish

Independence Quilt Comforts Soldiers in Iraq

           As the nation celebrated Memorial Day and July 4^th with bands and parades, Kaye Vicars Hansen, State Coordinator for the Oregon Home of the Brave Quilt Project, was stitching comforting commemorative quilts for families of U.S. soldiers killed in action.

In 2005, Kay’s brother Don Vicars volunteered to serve in Iraq to train the Iraqi police officers.  Don sent photos of his new quarters, with a glimpse of the dismal blanket on his bed. Immediately, Kay felt compelled to create a colorful quilt to make his new surroundings feel more like home. But to overcome this tough ex-marine’s protests, she suggested he use the quilt until he came home and then pass it on to other soldiers in Iraq until the mission was completed, in that way reminding each man that we’re grateful for their service and covering them in prayers. 

Kaye sent a blank journal along with the quilt, asking those who slept beneath this blanket of love to write about themselves in the journal. Don awoke Christmas Eve morning with the name of the ideal recipient of the quilt—Gunny Larry Sizemore, a retired Marine and decorated Viet Nam veteran, the Supervisor in charge of The Stables. Camp Striker Stables in Bagdad, Iraq offers a sanctuary for the weary, a place of rest for the tired, and a touch of home away from home for U.S. and Coalition forces.

     Kaye’s “comforter” now adorns one of the couches waiting to cheer and warm our troops far from home and missing their loved ones.  Every American soldier, press or dignitary who passes through the Stables take turns wrapping up in Kaye’s quilted stars and stripes. As the daughter of a proud Marine veteran, Kaye is honored that her Independence quilt takes a little piece of her where she cannot go to touch lives a world away to comfort and reassure each soldier of our deepest support and gratitude for their dedicated service in the name of freedom and Independence for all.

On behalf of the Oregon Chapters of The Hugs Project and The Home of the Brave Quilt Project, Kaye recently received a donation of $1000 from advance profits from Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Quilt Exhibit that is touring the U.S. for three years to benefit troops and help heal our torn nation.

          Kaye submitted a 22” quilt entry for the GBA exhibit replicating her Independence Quilt and also a miniature of the 48”x84” memorial quilts created by HOTB volunteers. Started in 2004 by Don Beld of Redland, California, HOTB quilts replicate the Civil War-era bedroll quilts given to wounded soldiers by the U.S. Sanitary Commission, now known as the Red Cross. Kaye’s quilts were included in the GBA exhibit that recently cheered troops at Camp Striker Stables.

     Children and adults are invited to enter their 22x22” patriotic quilts that pay tribute to our unsung heroes, depicting “liberty and justice for all” and their flag-waving loyalty to our “one nation under God.” Deadline is April 30, 2009.  Mail your quilt to 12101 N. MacArthur, #137, Oklahoma City, OK 73162.

     All profits from the $100/week-end quilt exhibit rental, along with possible publication of the patriotic quilts go to provide quilts for wounded and the families of the fallen. See quilt photos, entry and rental forms on www.HeavenlyPatchwork.com. Email BuckboardQuilts@cox.net to reserve the Patriotic Quilt Exhibit. See www.homeofthebrave.org for more about volunteer opportunities.

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The mournful sound of taps echoed in the memorial service as troops marched past the helmet-adorned rifle to say farewell to SPC Douglas Desjardins. His dog tags swayed silently in remembrance. Killed November 5, 2006, when a bomb detonated near his MlAl tank in Iraq, Doug was described as a steadfast, laid-back comedian with a trademark smile.

As Americans celebrated Memorial Day with picnics and barbeque, The Home of The Brave volunteers in chapters across the country were sewing commemorative quilts for families of U.S. troops killed in action. Kaye Vicars Hansen, State Coordinator for the Oregon HOTB Quilt Project, recently presented a quilt to Doug’s mother Cindy Suprenant of Scio Oregon signed by Governor Ted Kulongoski and seven Mark Twain Middle School students who, under the guidance of Robin Leubold, helped make the quilt.

On behalf of the Oregon Chapters of The Hugs Project and The Home of the Brave Quilt Project, a donation of $1000 was recently sent to Kaye from advance profits from Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Quilt Exhibit that is touring the U.S. for three years to benefit troops and help heal our torn nation.

Kaye will be submitting a 22” quilt entry for the exhibit which will be a miniature of the 48”x84” memorial quilts created by HOTB volunteers for the families of fallen soldiers. Started in 2004 by Don Beld of Redland, California, HOTB quilts replicate the Civil War-era bedroll quilts give to wounded soldiers by the U.S. Sanitary Commission, now the Red Cross.

Children and adults are invited to enter their 22x22” patriotic quilts that capture the essence of America the Beautiful by paying tribute to our unsung heroes, depicting “liberty and justice for all” and flag-waving loyalty to our “one nation under God.” Deadline is June 30. Mail your quilt to 12101 N. MacArthur, #137, Oklahoma City, OK 73162.

     Quilt Artists Cheer Troops in Baghdad

           By Judy Howard

            “The troops here in Baghdad are overjoyed to have your patriotic quilt exhibit. This quilted tribute to the troops boosted their morale and spirits when they were forced to spend Christmas thousands of miles away from home. Please thank each quilter for honoring us by creating these beautiful quilts.”

Larry (Gunny) Sizemore

Supervisor, Camp Striker Stables

            What an honor to receive this e-mail from retired Gunnery Sgt. Sizemore. I sponsored the God Bless America Quilt Contest and Exhibits which are touring the nation for three years. The project pays tribute to our brave military heroes, helps mend our torn country and inspires patriotism. It was my objective to donate all profits from the $100 exhibit rental fees–which are free to military and veterans groups–to supply batting and fabric for the volunteers who provide  quilt to wounded soldiers. I had no idea the exhibit would travel all the way to the battlefront.

            Gunny went on to share that some of the men stayed for hours examining the quilts and taking pictures of themselves posed in front of the display. They loved reading the accompanying stories which thanked them for their service. Many soldiers shared their own foxhole tales, or the heroic acts of fathers and grandfathers who served in Vietnam and WWII. One colonel and several others even shed tears as the quilts evoked memories of our brave troops and lost loved ones. The VIPs thought it was a wonderful gift of heart-warming patchwork.

            Since Camp Striker had been a 45^th Infantry Division, Alma Johnson’s bold red and gold “Thunderbird” quilt touched the hearts of the artillery soldiers. By creating quilts to donate as fund-raisers for the veterans groups, this Chickasaw Native American from Shawnee, Oklahoma, honors many 45^th Infantry veterans such as her husband and grandfather.

            Gunny placed the POW flag above the “Peace Be With You” quilt made by Robin Corvin of Oklahoma City, and “Praying Hands” quilt by Barbara Freed of Okeene, Oklahoma. Kaye Hansen’s 22 inch copy of the full-sized “Independence Quilt,” which she made to permanently comfort the troops at the Stables, also told about her “Home of the Brave” quilts. These memorial quilts are gifted to the families of the fallen troops and replicate the 1860s bedroll quilts issued to Civil War soldiers.

            Joan Ballew created a portrait quilt of her wounded marine son, Logan. He received a quilt from a Quilts of Valor volunteer honoring him when he was airlifted from Iraq to the Bethesda hospital. Joan incorporated zipper and buttons from Logan’s uniform, and used a fabric collage to replicate his brave facial features.

            Gunny e-mailed me almost one hundred photos of the troops admiring the patriotic quilts. Following are a few of the comments penned by the troops in his journal.

            Major Mick Kerr, Camp Striker Mayor wrote:

            “I was in the office when the quilts arrived. As I helped unpack the precious package, I was captivated by the beauty of the quilts and the stories they told. Each quilt is unique and original. And each story is a “once in a lifetime memory.”  Taken together, there is no better testament to the blessings bestowed upon our nation through the valiant service of its men and women. Looking at the quilts, it’s evident that “freedom is not free,” but no sacrifice is too enormous to keep our great nation free. I am proud to have served with this country’s finest—the American soldier.”

            Major Mitchell N. Moss, Chattanooga, Tennessee, wrote that the quilts transported him back home to the hills of Tennessee. “Each quilt tells a story and reminds me of why we’re here and what we’re fighting for. None of us wants to be here. But the Lord directs the paths of all and there’s a reason for everything. Thanks for bringing a little touch of home to us during the holidays.”

            SFC James Hine, Ashland, Kentucky wrote:

            “Coming from the hills of Kentucky where Grandma’s quilts meant comfort and love, I feel the heart and soul that went into each and every quilt.”

            Jennifer Fisher CPT/CRMF, 86^th, Baghdad, Iraq:

            “Thank you for your heartfelt efforts in preserving the memories of our fallen soldiers, and creating and displaying these quilts that artistically express the heart of our free nation.”

            From SFC Thanus:

            “Last night as I examined the quilts, a quote came to mind. ‘The love in your heart was not put there to stay, love is not love ‘til you give it away.’ Your quilts are just that—from your heart to ours. Thank you for caring.”

            GySGT Sizemore, USMC, Retired and staff at Sizemore Stables:

            “Your patriotic exhibit delighted thousands of troops passing daily through our transit facility at Camp Striker. They also gave much pleasure to the VIPs in the Victory Base Complex and the hundreds of the newly deployed and re-deployed troops. These troops came in and shared their stories and talked for hours as they viewed the display. I came from a military family of five generations who have always been proud to stand and serve Old Glory. Thanks so much for honoring us with these beautiful quilts. God bless you and yours. God bless America and our military family.”

            When Gunny returned the God Bless America Quilt Exhibit, he included a surprise for me—a United States flag that had been flown in my honor over Camp Striker Baghdad, February 12, 2009. With it was a signed certificate authenticating the honor, along with commemorative coins from the Marines and Navy for Operation Iraqi Freedom. I’ve never felt so overwhelmed or humbled by such a gracious thank-you gift. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I touched the precious flag that had flown in the face of the enemy.

April 17-19, 2009, Friday & Saturday 9 am-5 pm, Sunday 9 am-4 pm. "God Bless America" Quilts will be featured at the Best of the Valley Quilt Show at the McDermott Field House 365 N. Sweet Briar, Lindsay, CA www.botvquilts.com psaada @aol.com, $8

April 18, 2009 9:00 am-4:00 pm the Seabreeze Quilt Guild proudly features Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Exhibit at their show, The Cooperative Middle School, 100 Academic Way, Stratham, NH 03885, $5 Pat 603-436-3509

April 30-May 3, 2009, 10 am-6 pm. The Mancuso Denver National Quilt Festival IV proudly features Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Exhibit at the Denver Merchandise Mart, 451 East 58th Avenue, Denver, CO. $12 www.quiltfest.com 215-862-5828

May 2, 4:30 p.m. Judy Howard signs her Heavenly Patchwork I and II and Centennial Stitches books at the OWFI Conference at the Embassy Suites Convention Center in Norman, OK

May 2-3, 2009, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The Sinnissppee Quilters proudly feature Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Exhibit at their show at the Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, ILL

May 7-9, 2009, (10:00-5:00 Thursday, 10:00-9:00 Friday, 10:00-5:00 Saturday) “God Bless America” Quilts will be featured at the Home Machine Quilting Show at the South Towne Expo Center, 9575 So. State Street, Sandy, Utah. 801-298-3844

May 18, 10:30-1:30 The Calico Cut-ups Quilt Guild proudly presents Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Quilt Exhibit May 18 at the Wesley Methodist Church, 107 Trafalgar Rd, Bella Vista, AR and Judy Howard’s Quilt Trunk Show Program at a luncheon/lecture.

May 22-23, 9:00-6:00 Friday and 9:00-5:00 Saturday. The Knot Sew Perfect Quilt Guild and the Kiowa County Home and Community Education Association proudly exhibit Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Patriotic Quilt Exhibit at their Kiowa County Quilt Show at the Western Technology Center, 1000 S. Bailey, Hobart, OK. $3 includes door prizes, free demonstrations, a Celebration of Freedom quilt display.  The show is part of the Celebration of Freedom activities including a Neal McCoy concert, grand opening of the General Tommy Franks Museum, parade, fireman’s barbeque, Arts on the Square, motorcycle poker run, activities at the Kiowa County Historical Museum, Freedom fly-in, carnival, trap and skeet and fishing tournament. www.CelebrationofFreedom.net. Diana Clark 580-3119

June 4-6, 2009, 9 am-6 pm the “God Bless America” Quilts will be featured in the Needles and Friends Quilt Guild Affair of the Heart Quilt Show in Liberal, Kansas at the Seward County Activity Center, 810 Stadium. $5, 620-624-4379

June 5-6, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The Thumb Butte Quilters’ Guild proudly presents Buckboard Quilts’ “God Bless America” Quilts in their Prescott’s Gone Quiltin’ Show at the Prescott High School, 1050 Ruth Street, Prescott, AZ, $5, www.tbqguild.com

July 4-11, 2009 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., The Three Rivers Museum, 220 Elgin, Muskogee, OK proudly presents Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Quilt Exhibit in their Celebrating Freedom in the USA event. 918-686-6624, www.3riversmuseum.com.

July 9-11, 10-8 Thursday, 10-5:30, Friday, 12-4 Saturday. Country Traditions, 330 N. Main,  presents BuckboardQuilts’ God Bless America Quilt Exhibit at the J.C.Fremont Days Celebration with car show, parade, reenactments, history walk and entertainment along Main Street.. Fremont NE. 402-721-7752

August 1, 2009, 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m., The Eureka Mountain Quilt Show proudly features the God Bless America Quilt Exhibit in Eureka, MT, 405-297-7746

September 11-20, 2009, 9:00 am-9:00 pm, The Kansas State Fair features Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Exhibit at the State Fair, 2000 N. Poplar, Hutchinson, KS, www.kansasstatefair.com, $8

September 26-27, 2009, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday and 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Sunday. The Endless Mountains Quilt Guild proudly exhibits Buckboard Quilts' God Bless America Patriotic Quilt Exhibits in their "Quilts and Friends - Bound Together" Quilt Show at Lynch-Bustin Elementary School, 253 Pennsylvania Avenue, Athens PA 18810. $5 entrance fee. 200+ quilts, members' boutique, Hoffman Challenge exhibit,
vendors, raffle quilt, handicapped accessible. For additional information, email info@emqg.org or visit our website www.emqg.org

October 2-4, 2009, 10:00-6:00 Friday, 11:00-6:00 Saturday, Sunday 11:00-4:00, The Red River Quilters proudly features Buckboard Quilts’ God Bless America Quilt Exhibit in their Quilt Show at 600 Clyde Funt Parkway, Shreveport, LA, 222.redriverquilters.com

October 9-11, tba Shelby, NC