Monday, March 26, 2007

June and Al - String quilting for Quilts of Valor

June has been sharing with us the work she's been doing with Al making string quilts for Quilts of Valor. She recently reported that she'd completed the first quilt made using string blocks that Al had contributed and that he's already made enough blocks for more quilts.

"Al keeps a journal, so we know that I first brought him supplies and showed him how to make the blocks February 9. He made his first block February 10, and since that time has made enough blocks for 5 Quilts of Valor, and two lap quilts for his family. He has the materials prepared for 5 more lap quilts for his sons, grandkids and great grandkids."

As June posted a photo of their first quilt she shared a bit about Al with the group. "I posted a picture of the first top made from blocks sewn by me and Al, my89 yr old former WWII POW block maker. He has made at least 100 blocks by now. Sunday his neighbor brought him out to see my studio and to pick up some more fabrics. I sent him home with a tub of fabric and 1 1/4" and 11/2" strips. He wanted a greater variety of light colored strips."

June and Al's first HeartStrings Quilt for Quilts of Valor

Close-up showing June's quilting.

June emailed me photographs of her and Al and told me "I visited with Al and Helen (his wife) yesterday and showed them the finished quilt. They loved the quilt, the backing, the label and the whole idea. Each of them thanked me for getting him started making string blocks. Together they made a small lap quilt and tied it. They are going to make them for their sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren."


9 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a great story! This HeartStrings thing has taken on a life of its own :-)

Helen in the UK said...

The finished quilt is fab! Great project to have involved Al in - he seems to be having a blast :)

Anonymous said...

thanks for sharing. al looks happy doing this. he's so prolific. good that he is also doing for his grandkids. june your quilting is spectacular as usual.
patti

Tracey in CT said...

Wow! This is great! I'm feeling inspired by Al and June! Way to go Al!!!

Carol said...

What a great story...thanks for putting a picture of Al up...we've heard all about him...fun to see him.

ForestJane said...

What a LOT of wonderful quilts being made! Thanks for posting this, and starting such a great blog, Mary. Kudos!

Bonnie K. Hunter said...

What a great pic! Al's shirt looks string pieced too! *LOL*

Bonnie

Elaine Adair said...

How nice to finally see "Al" .. and yes, his shirt DOES look like string! LOL.

All these quilts are turning out great - I haven't seen even ONE that isn't just wonderful!

BTW, I just finished another top -- my 4th or 5th??? and will be donated to Project Linus.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I am so impressed. Keep up the great work. You are an inspiration to the rest of us.