Feature You Friday - Quilts of Valor

Good morning StitchStealers!

As we get ready for a 3-day weekend, I thought it would be a great time to feature a worthy cause that gives back to the brave servicemen and women this holiday is supposed to help us honor.

I first heard about Quilts of Valor on Hoarders (yes, the A&E show, Hoarders!).  The woman on the show had a house filled with fabric and quilts and was very involved in her local chapter.  While I'm not going to endorse anyone turning their home into a fabric warehouse, I do think that what Quilts of Valor does is definitely worthy of a attention.


Quilts of Valor is a national not-for-profit organization that "awards" quilts to any American serviceman affected by war.  It was started by a mother of a serviceman who wanted a tangible way to express gratitude to the brave men and women serving our country.  The lap quilts are given at military hospitals, VA hospitals, and to units returning home after combat.

You can help Quilts of Valor in many ways: donate time as a volunteer, donate materials, make a quilt, teach someone else how to make a quilt, or send monetary support.  It's a great way to get involved in your community and to give back and give thanks.  Here is a link to a map of local chapters - check to see if there is one near you!

On this Memorial Day, I will be thinking of all of those who have served, or are currently serving our country.  I am so grateful for the sacrifices they and their families make for us.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Feature You Friday - Monica

Good morning StitchStealers!

It is finally starting to stay warm around here in Texas, but I know that some of you are still getting wintry weather worthy of cozying up with a quilt! (My mother-in-law sent a picture of her snow covered house last Thursday morning!) Whether it be cold or warm where you are, I'm pretty sure you will still love what I have to show you today.

Here's a few words from your fellow StitchStealer, Monica, and a picture of her beautiful quilt.

I live in Canada and have two children ages 21 and 15. I have made many quilts for them and it was a baby quilt for the oldest that got me hooked on quilting.  I absolutely love it. I used to make clothing for my kids when they were younger but now strictly concentrate on quilting.

I saw this pattern in a magazine a few years ago and simply had to do it. It took me two years to complete it, as I kept working on other projects, but I finally did. I do a lot of work with neutrals and so this was a nice change.

Gorgeous, isn't it? Thanks again for sharing Monica!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and don't forget to check out today's steal!

Would you like to be featured on a future “Feature You Friday”? It’s a great way to show off your skills, share your talents, or promote a business, blog or cause that’s dear to you.  All you need to do is send us a photo (or photos) of a project to blog@stitchsteals.com.  If you are chosen, your work (and links) will be seen by all of our StitchSteals Blog readers and Facebook fans.  Submit your photos today – we can’t wait to see what you have come up with!

Feature You Friday - Gardenpetal Designs

Good morning StitchStealers!

We have some serious eye candy for you this morning!   Your fellow StitchStealer, Steffany, shared some projects she's been creating for her business, Gardenpetal Designs.  Here is what Steffany had to say about herself, and how her business began:

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, a Degree in Education, was a Home Ec. Teacher for a few years before my daughter was born, but now I am a stay at home mom. I have been sewing all my life. I was taught by my mother at an early age and cannot remember not being able to use a sewing machine. I started having a passion for baby items when I was pregnant with my daughter, Lily. Before that I was an avid quilter.  The best part about making baby items is they don't take up too much of my time (which I don't have much to spare) and they are fun, and unique. Quilting, was very time consuming and would often take me a year to complete a project. This gives me a lot of satisfaction, especially since I know that the babies like them. My daughter was crazy about all the things I made her so I am just passing on the joy! I created my business to enable myself to continue to stay at home with my daughter instead of returning to the work force.

Gardenpetal Designs specializes in handmade, hand-designed mom, tot and baby items. Mostly baby toys, diapers and anything baby related that is soft, cuddly and made of fabric. Most of my business is custom work and one of a kind. I have a passion for cloth diapering and have perfected my cloth diapers over the course of 2 years using my daughter as a tester! I make the perfect diaper for a skinny child. Having a very thin baby, it was hard to find a diaper that would not leak, so i decided to embark on the journey of making them to fit her all by myself, and now I pass on all that hard work, research and redesigning to the customers with my diapers which are colorful, one of a kind, and baby and earth friendly.

Here are some of those unique creations:

 

I love all of the fabrics you use! Thank you so much for sharing with us Steffany.  Everyone, be sure to check out more of Steffany's work at the Gardenpetal Designs Facebook page.

Have a wonderful weekend (and don't forget to take a look at today's awesome StitchSteal)!

Would you like to be featured on a future “Feature You Friday”? It’s a great way to show off your skills, share your talents, or promote a business, blog or cause that’s dear to you.  All you need to do is send us a photo (or photos) of a project to  blog@stitchsteals.com.  If you are chosen, your work (and links) will be seen by all of our StitchSteals Blog readers and Facebook fans.  Submit your photos today – we can’t wait to see what you have come up with!