Scrap Quilt of Valor Blocks

I have been working on the quilt "Vintage Sampler" for the last few months.  Always, when working on BOM programs, there is plenty of fabric left over from cutting out the pieces for the blocks.  Since the colors for this quilt were red, white, blue and a little black, what was a girl to do, except make Quilt of Valor blocks!!

I found the pattern for this block on the fabric collections manufacturing page, Paintbrush Studio Fabrics.  You can find the pattern here if interested in making something for yourself.

This is my scrappy version of the block, and it's perfect that they turn out to be 12" finished.  Perfect for the Quilt of Valor program.  I am going to be able to get 9 blocks out of the scraps.  Well almost, I did have to add some of my own red to get the 9 blocks.

Then I had a lot of small scraps left over, so I made some very scrappy filler blocks as well.  

I was again laid up for another couple of weeks, recovering from eye surgery on the same eye that they put the gold into the eyelid back in April.  The gold made my eyelid too heavy, and I had a slight allergic reaction, so they had to go back in and remove the gold.  The biggest drawback from the surgery, is I can't lift more than 10 pounds, or bend over for almost two weeks. I have much yard work, kitchen cabinets to be finished refinishing, canning fall harvests, laundry, and my list could go on and on.  I am getting antsy.  

Warmest...

Quilt of Valor Blocks

The Quilt of Valor group that I belong to through FaceBook has had another block drive for the next few months.  I made a few blocks to send their way, and I am working on a another batch.

They gave out two patterns for the block drive.

This one is called Martha Washington's Star.  Not a fan, and would not want to make them for myself, but it gave me practice on the pinwheel block that is in the middle.

This stars is called Starflower.  Much better to block to make, so I made more of these than the other one.

The group is also asking for as many of these Rail Fence blocks that they can get.  I just made these, until I ran out of the flag material.  I only had a small scrap.  These blocks measure 6" finished, so they must be wanting them to be used as filler blocks for the normal 12" finished blocks.

Interesting side note about these blocks.  I posted this picture on the group's FaceBook site and some one commented about being careful about the layout looks like a swastika symbol, and that would look bad for our group.  I had to look hard at the picture to see such a symbol, but I doubt they will  e laying out the blocks in this manner.   I went back to look at the post, and the admin for the group, had removed this picture and all the comments.  Interesting how things get perceived, even in quilting.  Personally, I don't really see that symbol, but the commentator must have and hit a nerve somehow.  Oh, well, I really don't care, as I am just making the blocks, and happen to lay them out this way for a picture.  

These blocks were sent off last week, so that the other volunteers will be putting them together.

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2017 Quilt of Valor Stars - June Block - Ohio Star

I am moving right along in getting the monthly blocks done for the Quilt of Valor Stars program.  This is the block for June, the Ohio Star.  

Again, I made a block of colors each in opposite color placement.  Notice the background fabric this time, stars!  How cool is that, when making star blocks and using star white on white background.

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2017 Quilt of Valor Stars - April Block -Brasstown Star

I am working on getting caught up on my Quilt of Valor Star Blocks.  They have posted the block patterns through July, so I am going to get them done so I don't get behind.  I much rather be ahead then behind.

April's block is called Brasstown Star.  I am doing two blocks with each block have the colors in opposite placement.  Here is the one color way that I got done this evening.  I will try to come back to this post with the other color placement when I get it done. I came back and posted the opposite placement of color block.

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Quilt of Valor Stars 2017 Project - March Blocks - Army Block

I am a little behind the eight ball in getting blocks done timely.  But last night I finished the blocks for March.  This is called the "Army Block".  I struggled with making it because I cut out the fabric a couple of days after my eye surgery.  Bad idea.  I believe in brain fog from the anesthesia was the cause, because either didn't cut enough of one piece or other pieces were not the right size.  Note to self, wait a week to do any cutting, figuring, or stitching after any anesthesia.  Hopefully it will be a long time before I will need one again.

Anyways, here are my block for March.  What is interesting is they are the same pattern, but different use of color.

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Quilts of Valor Stars 2017 Project - February Block - Heart

I said I would be back to show you the February block for the Quilt of Valor Stars project.  This block is easier than it looks, and went together faster than I realized.  Actually the cutting out the block pieces took longer than sewing it together!

This is the pattern, if you are interested in making a block for our group.  You can find the information and all about the project here.

This is my first attempt at this block, using the scraps from January.  I need to make at least another one, as the group would really like blocks to come in pairs.  

I have been very busy working on a full complete quilt for this group, so I haven't gotten to getting this other block done.  I will be posting more about the full quilt in a few days.

I have been out of town every weekend since the new year, doing trade shows with my husband.  When possible, I visit a local quilt shop, and I have been able to pick up some appropriate fabric for future blocks and quilts for the QOV Stars project.

I am hoping to get to making some blocks this week and next week, as the weather will keep me inside.  It is and supposed to be raining here for the next two weeks.  Sigh.  I guess that's better than snow, right?

I also have been up to my eyeballs in that four five letter word - TAXES.  Our tax return has 17 schedules and forms.  SEVENTEEN.  I can remember it being only two.  But, that is behind us now and I can get back to quilting, gardening, and anything else that might be fun.

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Quilt of Valor Stars 2017 Project - January Block - Friendship

Since last year was the year of getting UFO's done (25 total), I wanted to do something that would give back to the community.  One day I was pursuing FaceBook, and came across a group that makes blocks for quilts that get given to Veterans.  

The FB group is called Quilts of Valor Stars.  They are not the QOV.org group, but follow their guidelines for making quilts for veterans.  

Each month, members are asked to make a block or several blocks with a chosen block pattern, and then asked to mail them to the organizers who then will assemble the blocks, add borders, donate batting, add backing and then they have long arm quilters who donate their time to quilt the finished product, and then finally they have someone do the binding.  

For each block made, you can donate a name of a veteran you would like to receive a quilt.  When they have a completed quilt, they draw a name out of a hat and make arrangements to present the quilt to the veteran.

You can find out more about this group here, and you can join up as well and start making blocks.

January there was a call put out for the group to make 600 blocks.  The need it greater than the supply.  So they asked that the members make the Friendship block for January's goal.

I was able to pull from my scrap buckets and found some red, blue and white.  I made these blocks, mixing it up a little bit and ended up making 24 blocks.  The blocks are 12.5" square, and it only takes 12 blocks to make a quilt (adding sashing and borders).  

Next week I will be working on the February block and give you a look at it in my next QOV post.

Warmest...