Inspiration-

Websters defines inspiration as:

in·spi·ra·tion  (ĭn'spə-rā'shən)

Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.

An agency, such as a person or work of art, that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention.

Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired.  








Check out our Photos page for lots of pix from past QOV Under our Wings Sew In Days.
Quilts of Valor, Under Our Wings Workshops

We are so proud to be part of this wonderful organization.  For years we have assisted our customers in making quilts for our soldiers returning from service. 

Now we are taking it up a notch!

We will be:
*Hosting "Under Our Wings" Workshops (see descriptions below)
*making kits with free patterns included
*long arm quilting donated quilts (special thanks to Russ and Rhonda from The Back Porch Quilters).
*labeling and packaging the quilts
*delivering the quilts to service men/women returning from combat service to our local area and veterans from previous wars.

Thousands of us, via Quilts of Valor, have made quilts of comfort for American service members.
Now, through Under Our Wings, avid quilters, AKA Coaches, can help someone who has never made a quilt before, AKA Rookie quilters, make a Quilts Of ValHow can you be involved?
Learn about Quilts of Valor:
The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover ALL those service members and veterans touched by war with Wartime Quilts called Quilts of Valor.
This foundation is not about politics. It's about people.

Learn about the Under Our Wings program:
National service can be as complicated as giving your life for your country or as simple as making a Quilt of Valor for a combat veteran.  Quilters already understand the therapeutic value of making a quilt and the joy of giving a or quilt.  In our Under Our Wings Workshops, we will be pairing up Rookie quilters with a Coach who cares, so that Rookies can confidently sew patchwork blocks into a quilt.  Together they will make a most precious gift of thanks for a local combat vet.

Be a coach:
When you participate in an Under Our Wings Workshop at Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop, an Official UOW Quilt Shop, you’ll bring your own sewing machine, your mat and cutter, your tools. Your Rookie buys the fabric (a kit). As Coach, you’ll teach your Rookie to sew a simple ¼” seam. During the one- or two-day workshop, you’ll do the cutting, pinning, and pressing as your Rookie makes patchwork blocks. It’s fun!  Anyone you know can be your Rookie, a neighbor, a co-worker, a golf buddy, a church friend or a new friend you will meet at BMS! *Don't worry we will train you on the details!

Be a Rookie:
Even if you’ve never sewn before, you can participate in National Service by making a quilt for a combat veteran.  An avid quilter, a Coach, will take you under her wings.  At an Under Our Wings workshop, your Coach brings her sewing machine and other equipment and helps you every step of the way. 
As a Rookie, you supply the fabric for the quilt (a kit available at BMS which will include a free pattern).  Your Coach will teach you to sew a simple ¼” seam.  She’ll do the cutting, pinning, and pressing, guiding you as you make easy patchwork blocks. *Don't worry we have detailed, information hand outs for you at BMS.

Project Linus is a non profit organization with a two fold mission:
First, it is our mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers”.

Second, it is our mission to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.

Bless My Stitches is an official Project Linus Drop Off Site








1 Million Pillowcase Challenge

BMS has joined an exciting year long national challenge, spearheaded by
American Patchwork & Quilting.  Independent quilt shops will work together in 2010 and 2011 to create and donate 1 million pillowcases to local charities, with the message,  "Make a Pillowcase, Make a Difference".

Many worthy organizations and causes can benefit from pillowcases, including nursing homes, domestic violence shelters, foster children and the homeless. 
I know that we have many in our community who would be touched with this gift, so join us on May 28th from 12 - 5 for a pillowcase making "sew-in".

Stay an hour or stay the whole time.

We will provide free patterns for many creative pillowcases, so bring your own fabric or pick something from our fabulous selection. 

*Here are ways to help if you cannot sew -
1.  Join us and we will teach you how to make one (it's easy!)
2.  Come in and press or cut for others sewing.
3.  Buy & donate a kit for others to sew (kits available at the shop).


Quilts For Kids

This is a great opportunity to 'quilt for good'.  We will be making quilts for children in hospitals.  You can check out this great organizations website at www.quiltsforkids.org and get a kit to bring to a sew in or we have lots of kits to choose from and include our free, simplified pattern.





Victory Juction Quilts

In cooperation with the Murphy Civitan Group, BMS is donating quilts for the Victory Junction Camp.
  • Victory Junction has enriched the lives of more than 11,000 children and families since opening in 2004 and welcomed children from 47 states and three countries.
  • The cost of sending a child to camp is valued at $2,500, but no child or family incurs that cost thanks to generous donors.
  • Since 2004, 9,234 volunteer positions have been filled. Last year, volunteers sacrificed an estimated 76,222 hours to assist at Victory Junction.
  • Victory Junction serves 24 chronic medical conditions and serious illnesses such as, but not limited to, Autism, Cancer, Craniofacial Anomalies, Diabetes, Hemophilia, Sickle Cell and Spina Bifida. For a full list, please visit www.victoryjunction.org.
  • Twenty-seven hospitals partner with Victory Junction to deliver exceptional health care to campers with a variety of needs.
  • The camp, located in Randleman, N.C., is built on 84 acres and donated by Richard and Lynda Petty.
  • Bless My Stitches is helping to providing quilts and pillowcases for each child's bed that they may keep when they leave the camp.


Here are some of our past 'Quilt for Good' events.        
Click on the link for more photos. 
                                   
Quilt Pink 2006 -
www.blessmystitches.com/PhotoAlbums/album_1173049141
                                    
Quilt Pink 2007 -
www.blessmystitches.com/PhotoAlbums/album_1201574314