Thursday, October 01, 2009

thank you!!!


So far I have received 108 blocks (plus my block brings the total to 109), several yards of backing and a few rolls of batting. This quilts of valor undertaking has been AMAZING! I'm overwhelmed, in the best possible way, by your generosity. thank you. thank you. thank you!

In the spirit of giving and helping, I want to mention a little about Margaret's Hope Chest. They have a goal to collect 400 quilts in October to give to the needy and hurting in the Grand Rapids, MI area. You can read all about the organization and the Hope Squared project specifics here. It's a project that touches my heart. Here's a brief story why. When my mom passed away I was only 5. The community that we lived in poured out their support to our family and it was overwhelming. I still remember how the food covered the counters in our kitchen. Ladies from the local church brought over a stack of quilts. I believe they brought 5 of them. Each of us kids got to pick a quilt for our own (except my youngest brother) and we literally loved those quilts to bits. Even though I was quite young, I still remember the generosity of those who reached out to us while we were deeply hurting. It is for that reason that I am happy to contribute to a cause like this. And I hope that you will consider to do so as well.

51 comments:

Anonymous said...

Amandajean, the blocks are beautiful. I would have made one, but I don't think I am that good. If you should need anymore batting let me know. I have a warm and natural that is still in pkg that is king size. All your quilters that contributed need to take a bow including yourself. Bonnie from Jax,Fl

Debbie said...

These blocks look great and I was touched by your story. Quilters are a very generous bunch. Your project was full before I could sign up, but kudos to you and all of your helpers. Maybe I can be in the next round. I enjoy all of your projects and love your creative use of all fabric (the Ikea sheet, etc.). Thanks!!

Chris and Suzette said...

FABULOUS!!!!!

tims_mom said...

How fantastic and unique each star square is! Thank you Amanda for letting me be part of such a great project, and many thanks for all the assemblying the quilt.

Nancy

Sherri said...

The blocks look wonderful!

barefootgirl27 said...

WOW! what a community... And so sorry for your loss at such a young age.....

You are truly an amazing woman!!

I am making quilts for the quilts for kids organization.. I try to alternate 1 quilt for them with 1 quilt for my family/ friends........


Bottom line~ you rock!

Michaela said...

I'm so proud to have been a part of this! I peeked around (like a nerd) giddy at the thought of one of my blocks in such a lovely quilt. I aspire to be the kind of thoughtful, giving person you are.

If you ever need more help, let me know!

Libby said...

WOW!!! It looks GREAT!! Thank you for letting me be a part of such a heart warming moment!

marty said...

Thanks for sharing your precious story. The squares look amazing. I was glad to be part of your project.

Michaela said...

I forgot to ask...would it be alright if I use the photo to show my facebook friends? I'm new to the blog world so I'm not sure of the etiquette.

Rene' said...

Thank you for sharing your touching story. I will definitely check out the links. The blocks you have received are beautiful. I have not made any blocks for Quilt of Valor because I am a little intimidated by their work and standards. Don't think I am there yet. I like to make quilts for Project Linus. If you ever need any supplies, etc. I would love to help in that way. I think quilts represent love and warmth and love that quilters share their gifts so generously.

Renee said...

The blocks are spectacular. What a lovely way to give back. Your generousity will be greatly appreciated.

Rene' said...

P.S. Just went to Margaret's Hope Chest and signed up. Thanks for passing along the information.

Mama Pea Quilts said...

The quilt blocks are beautiful . . . and all the moreso because of the reason they were made. You should receive lots of appreciation and thanks for engineering the project. And especially for the time and energy you will have put into the quilt(s).

Thanks for sharing the story of your mom's death when you were five. That must have been so unbelievably hard for you and your siblings. So sorry you had to experience that.

Audrie said...

The blocks look amazing together! I think I see mine but I highly doubt it is lol I'm going to do my utmost to donate a quilt to Margaret's Hope Chest :)

Elizabeth said...

Glad the contributions were so many!!

Julie said...

These are so wonderful. I'm very proud to have participated and hope you can use my block. If you do it again, I'm in. You're terrific for having done this.

Chelsea said...

Not only is the quilt beautiful, everyone who has helped you out is a darling soul themselves!

It's funny how much a snuggly blanket can lift your spirits, huh?!

Thank you for sharing your story and getting involved.

Cheryl Arkison said...

Thank-you for such heartfelt inspiration.

Roxanne said...

The quilt looks amazing! We just started a knitting group at church with the same hopes...that something handmade can touch someones heart and leave a lasting impression. Thanks for sharing.

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

Those are awesome blocks! I can tell you that some soldiers are going to be so touched by the quilts you will make with them. Thank you for taking this on, and thank you for thinking of the soldiers. I can tell you first hand that these quilts are TRULY important them, and are sometimes the thing that leads them out of a depression.

Journeying Five said...

It also helps to explain your passion for quilts, especially when some given with love filled a special place in your heart when you needed it. Your quilt of valour looks amazing.

Lisa said...

Thank you for sharing about your loss and how the outpouring from your community was so helpful in your time of need. It's amazing how receiving what you need can provide comfort during the healing process....and, at the same time, those who give to others get so much back it's a pleasure to help. Your leadership in the development of this quilt (or is it these quilts?!) is commendable. You are an amazing woman. Thanks for all you do. Please let us know if you need more wonky stars!

Quilts on Bastings said...

They are stunning blocks and are going to make some fabulous quilts.

Dena said...

All those blocks look great together.

craftytammie said...

Looks great!

Renee said...

Just beautiful! thanks for sharing with us such a touching story behind.... you're just great Amanda ;)

Kristine said...

Beautiful! Thanks for the link to Margaret's Hope chest.

Emily P said...

Amazing!! I see my uber-wonky block in the first row!! :)

CJ said...

All the stars are beautiful!

Nile e Richard said...

Oi amiga,bom dia.
O seu labor está belíssimo.
bjtosile.

Ann said...

Wow! That is fantastic Amanda! Way to go. I am looking forward to seeing what you do with them. Did you kids have fun at the package opening party? Did you? I would be like a kid in a candy store!!!

ZippyZippy said...

That quilt looks amazing!
Well done to everyone involved.

heather said...

i just think i'm going to have to make a quilt for this!!! it is so much fun to give a quilt to someone who would need it!!! your squares look so fun laid out all together!:) have fun!!

Petit Design Co. said...

the quilt looks AMAZING!

Needled Mom said...

Beautiful stars!

Rebekah said...

The blocks look wonderful together! And I'm glad that I'm not the only one that used navy for the background color.

Thanks for highlighting the organization. That's really great what they do for families

Shawn said...

Hi Amanda,
I always wondered about your Mom, whether she was a sewer/quilter. I have all the quilts my Mom made and it feels like a hug when I use one. I visited Margarets and will make a donation. All the quilts of valor Stars look great together, I feel lucky to have donated to a great cause! You're an inspiration.

becki said...

So very nice! I am glad things have slowed down around my house, now I can get working on my donation quilts! You are an inspiration! Way to go!!

beth said...

thanks for sharing your story. Quilts are a wonderful way to give to others! And the stars look STUPENDOUS!

West Michigan Quilter said...

Thanks for sharing your story. So glad you mentioned Margaret's Hope Chest. It is truly a worthy cause.

carol said...

What a fantastic project!!! I'm so proud of you and all your helpers that my heart is overflowing with love this morning. Blessings to all of you who helped!! (I only sent some thread. :( to sew them all together since I'm not much of a star maker.) Loved your story too! I lost my father at 6 from a heart attack so I sort of know how you felt.

Hugs, Carol

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

wow they look amazing! that's awesome, the margaret's hope chest! Let's see what I can find!!

Cheerful Homemaker said...

What a wonderful gift to give. I was in an organization in college that made blankets for Project Linus and we always had a blast working on them.

Julie @ Jaybird Quilts said...

wow that is one HUGE response!!!

Lise said...

I'll be making a quilt for Margaret's Hope Chest for sure; Grand Rapids is near and dear to my heart. Thanks for spreading the news.

Unknown said...

Amanda the blocks are just fabulous!!! I had wanted to join in on the project but was too late and you had already closed the post for volunteers. What a wonderful idea. May the Lord bless your efforts and the ones recieving such a thoughtful gift! Thanks for sharing your story too!

sulu-design said...

I knew a little about your background, but hearing the specifics of this story, hearing how much it touched you, and seeing how you're turning the goodness of your childhood community around to do goodness yourself - it's beautiful.

Jessica Christensen said...

Do you need more blocks? You closed comments before I could sign up to help. Let me know.

jacquie said...

fabulous! these are going to be so meaningful...and fun to put together. definitely an illustration of ask and you shall receive!

Carla said...

Wow What Generousity. Thank you for letting us get involved and taking on this great task. (I can see my block!)