Nov 11, 2018

Thank You For Your Service

Veterans Day wasn’t always “Veterans Day.” It used to be called by another name.

In the year 1918, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the Allies and Germany came together at Rethondes, France and signed an armistice that ended hostilities on the Western Front.

“The War to End All Wars” was finally over. Roughly 20 million had perished, but the November 11 peace lasted and the soldiers went home.

In the United States and other allied countries, November 11th became an official holiday called Armistice Day as declared by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919.

Several years later, an act of Congress made November 11th a federal legal holiday, calling Armistice Day, “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace.”

All around the globe, people embraced the tradition of pausing for two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. on Armistice Day as a tribute to all those who fought in the Great War, as well as to give thanks for peace.

The holiday began to lose its significance in 1939. As Britain and other western countries prepared for the impending war against Germany, it became clear that the “War to End All Wars” would soon need a new name.

In some countries, the two-minute Armistice Day silence was moved to the Sunday nearest November 11th to prevent it from interfering with wartime production.

Over 60 million people died in World War II -- the deadliest conflict in human history.

In the 1950’s, Armistice Day in the United States was changed to Veterans Day to remember all those that had served.

The original language about the holiday being dedicated to ‘world peace’ was dropped.

American novelist Kurt Vonnegut mentioned the holiday in “Breakfast of Champions." As an American WWII veteran and former prisoner of war, he wrote:

“When I was a boy, all the people of all the nations which had fought in the First World War were silent during the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour of Armistice Day, which was the eleventh day of the eleventh month. It was during that minute in nineteen hundred and eighteen, that millions upon millions of human beings stopped butchering one and another. I have talked to old men who were on battlefields during that minute. They have told me in one way or another that the sudden silence was the voice of God. So we still have among us some men who can remember when God spoke clearly to mankind. Armistice Day has become Veterans’ Day. Armistice Day was sacred. Veterans’ Day is not."

An outspoken humanist and anti-war activist, the establishment of Veterans Day disappointed him.

A holiday dedicated to peace and those who fought in the “War to End All Wars” was replaced by a holiday to honor a continually growing population of war veterans.

The name ‘Veterans Day’ itself suggests that we will always have living war veterans to honor -- that war will never be finished once and for all. That mankind has yet to learn to create a world where war is not necessary.

And I always, always remember...my own father and his four brothers. Members of a five star family.

Five brothers all went to war in branches of the military. But only 4 returned home once again when WWII ended.

My own proud veteran father has been gone for eight years now, but I think of him and bless him for all that he gave ..to our country, to our family, and to me.

And I think of his brothers..all gone now, as well. And my heart aches for so many losses. But the loss of my uncle who died in war, shot down at sea, at age 21...so very, very sad.

But he died with honor and a deep, deep sense of patriotism that filled my strong pioneer family even before Alaska became a state a decade and a half later.

On Veterans Day 2018, we find ourselves still at war. We may have gotten weary of wars far away in other lands, but for those with loved ones in active service, or those who have lost loved ones who were ever in war but still in service, I would like to truly honor the memory and the intent of this day.

11:11:11

*Place take a few minutes...perhaps at 11 a.m. as in tradition... or perhaps at 11:11 on today the 11th month and the 11th day to increase by the power of synchronicity......and honor veterans but also feel, be and pray for peace.

May the peace we pray for be sent forward to manifest into a universe of peace where Veteran's Day once again honors that original day of complete peace. And pray for nations to be at peace, with soldiers free....to once more come home again.

With Heart and Hands: Free Patriotic Quilting (And Sewing!) Patterns

And in remembrance, let us not forget the other nations who also served in so many wars as well as in time of peace:

In the Commonwealth:

Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day or Armistice Day) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of World War I to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty.

This day, or alternative dates, are also recognised as special days for war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth countries.

Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918. Hostilities formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month," in accordance with the Armistice, signed by representatives of Germany and the Entente between 5:12 and 5:20 a.m.

The saying "At the 11th hour"

actually refers to the passing of the 11th hour or 11:00 a.m.

My heart was so touched by the story a fellow quilter shared with me.. We both were volunteer quilting and blanket making at a monthly get together for "Alexia's Cozy Covers" here in Salem, Oregon.

I asked fellow volunteer, Terry Raphun, if she'd gotten her last project done. She'd not only finished it but delivered it personally to Pierre Van Der Wielen from Golden Valley, AZ in Arizona.

And the QOV Arizona State Representative came from Tucson to present this quilt making it an extra special event for everyone involved!

A heart touching tribute and lovingly given as well as gratefully received! Terry said it was an awesome experience. Just hearing about it brought tears to my eyes as it reminded me why we volunteer, why we quilt, and what keeps us giving and giving to others in our community and beyond.

The making of quilts from our hands, and filled with caring energies from our hearts, truly is the best gift in the world. But Terry also included a pillowcase for the quilt and a wonderful assortment of handmade gifts for the QOV Representative. A wonderful extra for making the day even more special. How nice is that?!

In honor of our soldiers and in the spirit of good work and service that so many do in our country, here's my collection of links to free quilt or quilt block patterns. In includes some that are traditional, some that date back to the Civil War, and some amazing and wonderful stars, stripes, flags and even service banners!

Making a Blue Star (all active military) and Gold Star (died in service to our country) Banners

After writing about Rod Raubeson, the former Marine who taught himself to sew in order to make Blue Star and Gold Star Service Banners, I decided many years ago, to make one, myself.

I was able to locate directions and a pattern for both the center star and the border measurements from The Quilter's Cache at: Armed Services Flag with alternate directions available from Blue Star Banner If a quilt is desired, directions and a pattern are available from the Military Mom's website at: Blue Star Banner Quilt

It is very important to understand that only families with actively serving members of the Armed Forces are to hangup an armed services banner such as this one.

Anyone can make one or buy one, but only families in active and armed military service are to actually hang one on display in a front window.

The concept of a service banner is both licensed and regulated. They are meant to honor and show respect for the families whose fathers, wives, sons anddaughters are away and serving during times of armed conflict.

Today, Blue Star Service Banners are displayed by families in all branches of the Armed Services, including the National Guard and the Reserves.

(https://www-perscom.army.mil/tagd/tioh/FAQ/ServiceFlagFactSheet.htm)

To Make a Blue or Gold Star Service Banner you need basic sewing supplies

and fabrics of red ( for (4) 2 1/2" strips), white ( for a 9" x 14"center panel) and blue ( for a star that is about 7" x 7") I chose to make mine a quilted banner, so I also used a thin batting.

The 2 1/2" red borders are attached to both of the sides and then boththe upper and lower edges. Trim evenly to size. By using a machinedzigzag stitch or turning under and hand sewing, the star is thenappliqued to the background (white) fabric and through the batting.

Right sides together, seam front and back together, leaving a small side opening for turning right sides out.

A narrow 'quilting rod' sleeve can either be hand or machine sewn onthe backing. I show it here with a cord indicating its location. Fold it under to the back and slip stitch down for the final project.

I also added free-motion or meander quilting stitches throughout thecenter panel's surface to create a decorative effect and emphasis the quilted banner aspect.

To 'hang', insert a wooden dowel or curtain rod through the quilt

sleeve unit in the back and hang with decorative cording, as desired.

As an alternative hanging method, you can use two narrow hanging loops and

insert the rod through them. Make them with two pieces of 2 1/2" strips stitched down or seamed right sides together. Iron flat, and insert between sandwiched layers while stitching top seam in Step #2.

To make a Gold Star Banner:

Make as above, only using gold fabric to create a gold star for a family that has lost a family member due to their active duty in the Armed Services.

To make a Family of Stars Banner:

Add additional stars for each family member who served in the Armed Forces.

My family had five members all serving at the same time during WWII. My father and four brothers all went to war from our little island in Alaska. But only 4 of the brothers returned home after service.

One uncle was killed when the plane he was co-piloting was shot down at sea. The pilot was killed, but my uncle managed to land the plane, losing his own life in the process.

There were, however, survivors of the crash that survived their wounds ..the count of survivors vary but the final tally does not.

My father and his brothers mourned the loss of their youngest 21 year old brother for the rest of their lives, but all of them were proud to be of service to our country...and this was before Alaska was even a state but still a territory of the United States!

Other Links:
The Blue Star Service Banner American Legion
To order a banner from the American Legion
Directions For Making a Blue or Gold Star Service Banner

Paper blue star banners for patterns or for personal use by military families with active members currently serving in the military ONLY to hang inside their home windows.

Download One-Star Blue Star Banner 8 1/2 x 11
Download One-Star Blue Star Banner 8 1/2 x 14
Download Two-StarS Blue Star Banner 8 1/2 x 11
Download Three-StarS Blue Star Banner 8 1/2 x 11
Download Four-StarS Blue Star Banner 8 1/2 x 11
Download Five-Star Blue StarS Banner 8 1/2 x 11

Please note:

Legally, only government licensed sources may officially manufacture true Blue Star banners in mass.

But just like paper flags during 9/11, unofficial forms of flags and banners, used and hung with respect do not infringe on copyright laws of actual manufacturing rules.

For

those who cannot sew, but have family members in the military and wish to display a banner in their window, banners can be purchased at the American Legion website and and paper banners are also available for download at:

Blue and Gold Star Service Banners

http://with-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/2008/03/blue-star-and-gold-star-service-banners.html)

I've been making and donating a variety of patriotic themed quilts, bags, banners, hot pads, table runners..you name it..to military bases, local veteran's centers, veteran homes and hospice care centers and to families' that could just use a patriotic pick me up!

Many of my quilts are simple 'make as you go' designs where I use purchased center medallions or string quilting techniques to create my one of a kind patriotic quilts. But my blog posts are filled with photos of my process and will most certainly help you be inspired with ideas of your own.

I also collect patriotic sewing and quilting links from around the world wide web and these are bookmarked and shared below with my readers!

Check out my own free patterns, tutorials and links at my primary blog With Heart and Hands where I also blog about all of the quilts and quilting projected I create with more about this same kind of free-spirited, and liberated quilting.

With patriotic, I often used store bought patriotic panels and simply create strings and bits to frame them..quick and easy and you can make a lot of them for donation in a hurry!

Free Patriotic Quilting (And Sewing!) Patterns: Updated 2018

String Quilting:Tutorial and Free Patterns

And here are the Directions For Making a Blue or Gold Star Service Banner

And right above, and below, small projects just to let a military family know that you are thinking of them! I love to make and give away so many patriotic bags, neck pillows and so many other fun items!

Patriotic Quilting of Small Projects: Potholders

same as one block of a Patriotic String Quilt!

And finish like any potholder, or mini quilt!

Ribbons to make in Red, White and Blue, Pink, and Yellow

Tie a Yellow Ribbon

Directions For Making a Blue or Gold Star Service Banner

Armed Services Flag for families with a member in active duty at this time! Fly proudly in your window!!!

3" x 6" US Ribbon Block

US Ribbon Block

Quilt, below

Amerihearts at Home

A nation's pride...'stained glass look quilt block pattern'

US "We Support" Ribbon wall hanging

Americana Flag

Navy Star

Army Star

Patriotic Block Patterns:

"A Dandy"...You will need six of these blocks!
CLICK HERE FOR THE PATTERN

"Log Cabin" ... You will need two of these blocks!
CLICK HERE FOR THE PATTERN

" Pieced Star" ... You will need two of these blocks!
CLICK HERE FOR THE PATTERN

"Starflower"... You will need eight of these blocks!
CLICK HERE FOR THE PATTERN

Finished Size: 15" x 33"
Moda Marbles Stars Tablerunner™

American Independence Free Quilting Pattern

Featured in the July/August 2011 Issue of Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting, this free civil war quilting pattern is perfect for quilters looking for a pattern that features a touch of tradition.
For instructions on how to create American Independence, please click on the link below.

Quilt Instructions

Patriotic Quilts E-book

Fons & Porter Design Wall

Patriotic Memorial Quilt

This free quilting pattern is offered in memory of the victims of September 11th.

American Flag Quilt

This free patriotic quilting pattern is perfect for learning how to quilt!

Grand Old Flag Pillow Pattern and Mini Block | FREE Pattern

Thanks to Everyday Celebrations: follow her links to her blog!

Grand Old Flag is now available as a FREE download right here on my blog. I included material lists for both a pillow and just a single flag block too. It measures in at a tiny 3.5" x 5.75".

American Glory

http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/07/american-glory.html

Of course, that doesn’t stop us from making quilts! Here is a great one from Janet Mednick called “Patriot Proud”.

click on the quilt to download free pattern

Heidi Pridemore’s quilt, “Stars and Stripes,” has a more whimsical feel, with fussy cut hearts made from the patchwork print. In fact, she might have called it “Hearts and Stripes” instead!

click on the quilt to download free pattern

American Glory quilt tutorial by Stefanie Roman for Moda Bakeshop

Stars and Stripes by Heidi Pridemore for P&B Textiles

Uncle Sam's Quilt by Andie Johnson for Moda Bakeshop

Variable Star Quilt by Alex Anderson, free pattern for Quilting for a Cause as seen at C&T Publishing

Flying Free wall hanging, design by Laurie Simpson, free wall hanging pattern at All People Quilt

Patriot Proud by Janet Mednick for P&B Textiles

Flag of Valor pattern by Polly Minick and Laurie Simpson for Moda Fabrics

Broad Stripes Bright Stars quilt, 76 x 76", free pattern at Robert Kaufman Fabrics

American Pinwheels Quilt tutorial by Crystal Hendrix for Moda Bakeshop

Patriotic Points wall hanging, 48.5"square, free pattern at All People Quilt

Sisters-Mary, 52 x 52", free quilt pattern by Chris Hoover for the Downton Abbey Collection at Andover Fabrics

Stretching to the Stars quilt, free pattern by Janet Wickell at About.com

Patriotic Quilt, tutorial by Courtney at Make All Things New

July Star Blocks tutorial by Allison Harris at Cluck Cluck Sew

Nine Patch Stars and Stripes, free pattern by Kathy Lichtendahl for The National Quilting Association (NQA)

A Cry for Freedom, Ohio Stars and Rails quilt, free pattern by Bonnie Hunter at Quiltville

Nine Patch and Four Patch Stars by Kate Laucomer at Quilters World

Flag Fanfare Quilt, free pattern by Retta Warehime at TLC Home

Betsy Ross Flag quilt, free pattern by Stephanie Kepecs at Sewing with Nancy

Star Spangled Sky quilt by Jo's Country Junction for Moda Bakeshop

Show Your Colors, free pattern with prairie points by Susan K. Cleveland at Pieces Be With You (the link to the free pattern is on the left sidebar)

Firework Flag, 18 x 18", free pattern by Gigi Khalsa at Quilters Newsletter

American Beauty quilt, free pattern by Leslie Sonkin for Windham Fabrics

Fourth of July wall hanging, free pattern at Sew Bitter Sweet Designs

Stars and Stripes Quilt, free pattern by Stacy Harpole, fabric by Pat Sloan for P&B Textiles

Vintage View - 10¢ a chance, free vintage quilt pattern at McCalls Quilting

Another Quick Flag Quilt tutorial by Tia at Tia Curtis Quilts

America Lives On by Larene Smith for Windham Fabrics

A Real Firecracker table topper, free pattern by Diane Volk Harris for Quiltmaker

American Flag Wall Hanging tutorial at Jill Made It

Long May She Wave mini quilt tutorial at Mel's Own Place

Old Glory quilt by Maggie Hall, free pattern for Quilting for a Cause as seen at C&T Publishing

Quilted Fireworks Table Runner, free pattern by Calli at Make It Do

Sweet Liberty Table Runner tutorial by Julie from The Intrepid Thread as seen at The Quilted Fish

Salute to Stars, free table runner pattern at All People Quilt

Patriotic Hexagons table runner, free pattern by Sherri McConnell at All People Quilt

Americana Summer Quilted Table Runner, free pattern at TLC Home

American Flag Quilt table runner, free pattern by Beth Lancaster at Moonlight Quilts

Flag Map Mug Rug, free paper piecing pattern by Caroline at Trillium Design

Patriotic Star Pillow by Kimberly Walus at bitty bits and pieces

Patriotic Pillows tutorial at Sewn Studio

Nantucket Knots Free Table Warmer Quilt Pattern Free Patriotic Quilt Pattern Here
Four Flags Quilt Block from Better Homes and Gardens Free Patriotic Quilt Pattern Here

Four Flags Quilt Block from Better Homes and Gardens Free Patriotic Quilt Pattern Here

July Flag from Quiltmaker.com : Free Patriotic Quilt Pattern Here

Rainbow Stars from Better Homes & Gardens: Free Patriotic Quilt Pattern Here

Stars & Stripes from Benartex: Free Patriotic Quilt Pattern Here

Union Star from Quiltmaker.com: Free Patriotic Quilt Pattern Here

Veteran's Pride from Quiltmaker.com: Free Patriotic Quilt Pattern Here

Free pattern, click here.
Susan K. Cleveland prairie points tool flag

New York State Table Topper

Pat Sloan's Patriotics: See all her free patterns!including these amazing beauties!
Liberty Heart

Download SWEET LIBERTY HEART Pattern
CLICK HERE for a KIT!

Liberty Stars made with her Sweet Liberty Fabric line
CLICK HERE to Download the pattern

Sweet Liberty fabric and her free Stars and Stripes pattern:

CLICK HERE to Download the pattern

Patriotic Heartstrings of Memory idea made by Michele Bilyeu "With Heart and Hands":

see:String Quilting:Tutorial and Free Patterns

Patriotic Checkers from Bernina and Sewing.org: Free Patriotic Quilt Pattern Here

Blue or Gold Star Service Banner

Patriotic Miniature Quilt

US"We Support" Ribbon wall hanging

Patriotic Wall Hanging

4th July Flag Map Mug Rug Pattern

PATRIOTIC MINIATURE QUILT

An 1890s reproduction quilt, and a free pattern for you

by Patricia Cummings

Patriotic Miniature Quilt

US"We Support" Ribbon wall hanging

Patriotic Wall Hanging

Military Free Printables

And for pure inspiration (but not free patterns) check out:America's 9-11 Memorial Quilts Web Site Military Free Printables

Check out:

Camp Sherman: A Token Gift, Left Behind

Patriotic Sewing Frenzy

Shown at top:
one of my lap-sized string quilts with a pre-purchased center panel, makes up quickly and easily and is perfect for someone who is usually seated, as in a wheelchair.
String Quilting
Comfort Quilts
Patriotic Heartstrings

Were you really looking for a Liberated Star Quilt Block Pattern???and google sent you here???? Check out:
wonky or liberated stars, churn dashes, alphabet letters, rail fences blocks, hearts, log cabins, etc.
Go to:

With Heart and Hands: Liberated Quilting: Free Pieced Blocks ...

with-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/.../liberated-quilting-blocks-letter...

Sep 5, 2010 – Great List of Wonky, Free-Pieced, or Liberated Quilt Block Patterns, Techniques or Ideas: ... Twinkle, Twinkle, Wonky Star from Sew Take a Hike ...

Wonky or Liberated Quilting..Free Patterns, Tutorials, Ideas

with-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/.../wonky-or-liberated-quiltingfr...

The idea of liberated or wonky, free-pieced houses and liberated stars was born...and it ... Great List of Wonky, Free-Pieced, or Liberated Quilt Block Patterns, ..

Michele Bilyeu Creates With Heart and Hands as she shares her imaginative, magical, and healing journey from Alaska to Oregon. Creating, designing, sewing, quilting, and wildcrafting... from my heart and with my hands

And best of all, sharing thousands of links to Free Quilt and Quilt Block Patterns and encouraging others to join her and make and donate quilts to charitable causes.

Help us change the world, one little quilt at a time!

54-40 (Fight)
Country Spirit Throw quilt
Crazy Anne Lap Quilt
Family Pride Mini Quilt
Hometown Tradition (Queen Size)

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