Happy 4th of July!

Started thinking about the patriotic items I've made over the years and realizing I only have one for myself. I guess looking at pictures is almost as good so here goes...........


I made these Uncle Sam dolls sometime in the mid 1990's. I had no pattern..just made them up as I went along like most of my dolls, so they each unique. Sold or gave away all three. I think I should make another for myself.

A crocheted flag afghan for son, Jeff, about 1995.

It's not surprising that most of the patriotic themed quilts I've made have been gifts for either our career Army son, Mike, or his son, Greg.


Signature Flag Quilt made for Mike on his promotion to Sgt. Major in 2002. Close up showing all the signatures of his peers and friends. It was a big surprise to him.





"Serving Proudly" 20 X 24" Christmas present for Mike 2003




Fons & Porter's Patriotic Sampler quilt birthday quilt for Mike 2004

"A Star Is Born", made for our grandson, Greg, to celebrate his graduation from Army Basic and AIT training in 2005.

The first shipment (Oct 2006) of 40 Purple Heart quilts made for Mike to distribute to his wounded soldiers in Iraq and one for him (in front).

"American Storm" 12" square. Birthday present for for Mike in 2006.

My July table runner from the "Gather 'Round the Table" series from Iowa Star Quilts. This one uses the Martha Washington's Star block. 2007. This is the only patriotic item that I made and still have. I was the pattern tester for Cynthia and I'm honored to have pictures of all 12 of my runners in the book alongside her versions.

Large wall hanging made from an X-block pattern in 2008. This one I sold.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July everyone! Celebrate Freedom!

We are off to Grove, OK for a quilt show.

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.