Patriotic Quilts

One of the perks of serving as program chair for my quilt guild this year is getting to choose wonderful programs like the one we experienced Monday night. Judy Howard, of Oklahoma City, gave a trunk show called "Under The Covers With Granny".

First we were fortunate to be able to view one portion of Judy's "God Bless America" patriotic quilt exhibit that is touring the country over the next 3-4 years. Children and adults across the country are invited to submit 22" quilts with patriotic themes to become part of this exhibit. The quilts travel in groups of about 60 quilts each, with proceeds from the very reasonable rental fee going to benefit wounded soldiers and their families. I was pleased to submit one of the Purple Heart quilts that I made for my son to distribute when he was in Iraq (I thought I'd blogged about them, but guess not..I will one day).Each quilt has a fold down label attached that tells the story behind the quilt. They are very inspirational to read and see. The exhibit has even traveled to Iraq.

Please visit Judy's website Heavenly Patchwork to learn more about this amazing exhibit and how you can participate. If you don't want to make a quilt, you can submit a story for inclusion in a planned book too. But hurry..the deadline is approaching.

Seeing all of those little quilts and hearing some of the stories behind them would have been great by itself, but Judy also brought many antique quilts that she has for sale on her other site, Buckboard Antiques & Quilts. Be sure and visit her site and learn more about these beautiful quilts, as well as many, many more she has available.

Judy in front of the awesome display of her antique quilts.

These are some of my favorites. Read more about them on the "Museum Quality" or "Early 1900's tabs

An 1834 Mariner's Compass. Gorgeous!

Ocean Waves ..early 1900's

Loved this Rising Sun quilt..info on the Museum Quality page




Check out the amazing quilting on this circa 1900 Rose of Sharon







And this 1875 Tulip Basket is so unique! This is about 1/4 of the quilt. See the entire piece on the Museum Quality tab.

The little circular quilt that spoke to Judy about the new directions for her life. Read about the quilt on the Museum Quality tab.


Part of what made Judy's program so interesting was hearing the stories behind the quilts. She has done considerable research on each and every quilt and provided not only stories but pictures of the quilt makers and their families. I highly recommend her program to anyone looking to fill their guild's schedule.


What a wonderful night it was! Judy is one of the most generous people I've had the chance to meet. Her work on behalf of our nation's heroes is a testament to the way God can work in your life and lead you in new directions. Bless her for what she does.