When searching for a photo to post on social media today to celebrate our country’s “birthday” I ran across a couple of military quilts I made years ago…for me, honoring our military with a quilt is as American as apple pie. I love that so many quilters are actually honoring our veterans with a program called Quilts of Valor…I have had the privilege of honoring two servicemen with quilts made from their uniforms…
This post is totally impromptu, it’s not a tutorial, and I’m not seeking new commissions. I just wanted to share photos of how I cut up uniforms, saving pockets, patches, buttons, etc to create quilts that would honor the men and women who wore the uniforms. I made good use of my Studio 180 Design tools and will point out the individual units made with these tools to inspire you to consider honoring someone special in your lives ~ and tell them thank you for their service from me.
The first quilt (2014) was made from multiple uniforms, the gentleman was from a family of military branches, he himself serving in two ~ among the uniforms provided for his quilt was indeed a female solider, if memory serves me correctly she was an aunt. The variety of fatigues made for good contrast in many of the blocks. The second quilt (2017) was made for a friend’s husband at church. Both of these quilts make me tear up with gratitude for all the men and women who have served and are serving our country. To me, this is what the fourth of July is all about! Our freedom gained by the sacrifices of the brave and their families.
Without further comments, here’s a photo collection of my attempt to honor our military. God bless America, the land of the free because of the brave.
As you celebrate our nation’s freedom with hot dogs, fireworks and family ~ I hope you will do so with pride and tears in your eyes full of love and gratitude for those who have sacrificed for our freedom. My personal thanks to my family members who have served and are serving. I’m proud of you and love you very much!
This is Karen Overton, The Quilt Rambler, Let Freedom Ring!
Karen your uniform quilts inspire me …I have my daughter in law saving my son’s uniforms because I plan on making him a quilt to celebrate his retirement from the army in four years.
Oh I’m so glad to hear this! Lots of uniforms make things easier as there really aren’t big patches due to those fabulous pockets! Thank your son for his service for me please!
Impressive quilts! Thanks for sharing this and thanks to all who served.
It was a true honor to make these – thanks for taking time to read ????
Love the way you used some of the pockets, flaps and buttons on the quilts. Gives them some real dimension and flair!
Thought they might hold a TV remote ????