Quilts of Valor

As quilters we know that part of the joy of making quilts is giving one away.  Quilts of Valor (QOV) foundation provides a way to be patriotic and donate a quilt to a veteran. The QOV website states that:

"The mission of Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover 

ALL combat servicemembers and veterans 

touched by war with comforting and 

healing Quilts of Valor.  

This foundation is not about politics.  

It's about people."  



Kristy & Josh

My nephew, Josh, is one of those people. He recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq. His wife, Kristy, sent him off just a few months after they were married. He is the youngest veteran in our family and joins my husband, my father, and my father in law. I was excited to design fabric and a quilt that could be donated to QOV or given as a gift.  

If you are interested in making a quilt for a veteran or to donate to the Quilts of Valor program, take a look at Patriot Dream Fabric and Project Book. This kit provides all the tools and instructions you need to piece and quilt, creating a beautiful patriotic throw. 

Have you given a quilt to a veteran or donated a quilt to Quilts of Valor? Email your story to renae at rgadesignquilts.com.

Lunch with Great Grandpa

My cute 8 year old granddaughter, Natalie, came home from school on Friday with a problem.  Her elementary school is hosting a "lunch with a veteran" next week.  Natalie was concerned because she wanted to invite someone to go to lunch with her, but she didn't know a veteran in their town.  She wanted to invite someone that she knew and would be comfortable with.  Her mother (my daughter Andrea) remembered that her grandfather (my father) served in the Korean war.  My father is in his eighties and he lost his "Young Bride" just over a year ago and he has been very lonely. When Andrea suggested inviting Grandpa Gilbert, Natalie got very excited and thought it would be the perfect thing to cheer up her Great Grandpa.  She and her mom went to his house that night and gave him the invitation.  He told Natalie he would be honored to go with her. Even as a little 8 year old, Natalie found a way to thank her grandfather for his honorable service to our country. The lunch they will have together next week together will be an experience she will always remember.  

My father's service in the military was part of my inspiration for my new fabric line Patriot Dream. Check back this week for a great program available (perfect for quilters!)  to honor other servicemen and women who serve our country.

Check out my new project with Henry Glass!

I am excited that my Patriot Dream fabric line is now in shops.  I first met with the Henry Glass & Co. team at Spring Market 2010 so it took well over a year to arrive.  We wanted a beautiful fabric line which would also be a great machine quilting practice project.   Patriotic Dream line has two printed panels with twenty six different blocks, two border prints and a 57" wide red back fabric -- ready to assemble and quilt!