Thanking Our Troops: God Bless America Touring Quilts put together by Judy Howard is a heartwarming reflection on the many quilts and quilt initiatives that have resulted in the gift of quilts to wounded veterans and has resulted in several displays in Bagdad that many of those currently serving in the Armed Forces have enjoyed viewing.
Throughout the large paperback book, color photos of quilts that honor the service of our military, as well as our core values of patriotism, faith, and courage, are present. Judy’s touring exhibit calls for quilts that are 22″ x 22″ and she explained that this size is easiest to pack. Groups are welcome to rent an exhibit of the quilts for only $100., in conjunction with a quilt show. The back cover of her book states: “All book and exhibit profits go for quilts for wounded troops and families of our fallen heroes.”
These quilts prove that any of us can make a difference, even to people whom we do not know. The quilts exude love of country and feature flags, eagles, planes, the first Man on the Moon, a reenactment of raising the American flag on Iwo Jima, crossed muskets, and a pictorial tribute, to name a few examples of motif styles.
A story accompanies each quilt and is punctuated with a Biblical passage, not a surprising element when one considers that Judy is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University.
Quantity discounts are available for fundraising by guilds. The suggested retail price of her 90 page book is $19.95. Judy Howard is the owner of Buckboard Quilts, a shop in Oklahoma that specializes in vending antique quilts. Judy is available to speak to groups.
For more information about her other books, activities, and opportunities to participate in making quilts for charitable causes, call her at (405) 751-3885, or e-mail:
BuckboardQuilts@cox.net, or wirte to Judy Howard, Dorcas Publishing, 12101 N. MacArthur #137, Oklahoma City, OK 73162
We commend all of those quilters who have participated with Judy in bringing her idea to fruition. The book is a lovely tribute to our troops and has succeeded in what it set out to accomplish. Congratulations to all, and blessings to those who have reached out beyond themselves to create this lasting visual memento through the sharing of their quilts.
**SEE the COMMENT section: Judy Howard has now added a quilt application form there.**
Patricia L. Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
Thank you for sharing all of this information, Judy. Your books are truly inspired by a Higher Power. Best wishes in all of your endeavors. You are one person who is truly making a difference in what we all so lovingly call “the quilt world.” Patricia
Thanks Patricia for your well written story and kind words about our “Thanking Our Troops–God Bless America Touring Quilts.”
I’d like to invite all children and adults to express their patriotism and support this worthwhile project by entering their 22×22″ quilts in the 2010 Patriotic Contest with deadline March 31. All quilts will tour for 18 months and then be auctioned (if donated) with all proceeds going to non-profit groups who makes quilts for wounded warriors and families of the fallen.
It’s free to enter with great corporate prizes: Here’s the entry form:
2010 Patriotic Quilt Contest to Benefit Soldiers
Theme: Patriotic, Stars and Stripes, Support our Troops or Biblically Inspired. See 220 quilt photos already touring on http://heavenlypatchwork.com/patriotic_quilt_exhibits_and_programs.htm. Schedule this ongoing $100 exhibit for your next show or patriotic event. BuckboardQuilts@cox.net.
Deadline: March 31. Quilts will tour 18 months. Judged for prizes & Auctioned in Oct/Nov 2011.
No Entry Fees 100% auction & rental profits go to non-profits who make quilts for wounded soldiers.
Mail quilts with signed entry forms to 12101 N. MacArthur #137 Oklahoma City, OK 73162.
Finished quilt size is 22” x 22” with a 4” sleeve or 4” loops sewn along the upper back for displaying on rod, plus four tabs along the upper edge for pinning onto draped racks to protect quilt.
Please also attach securely along the bottom of your quilt (that can be folded back) an 18”wide by 5”high story label that includes the quilt title, your name, contact info if desired, Artist’s Statement with heart-warming story of what inspired you to make the quilt. You can type or photo transfer onto fabric, quilt it and coordinate it as part of your quilt art, or just type on thick paper and laminate or put in plastic covering and attach. Your story label can be a free advertising billboard for your quilt business, project or charity quilting group, soliciting business, volunteers or donations for your charity.
Please also email your Artist’s Statement/heart-warming story to BuckboardQuilts@cox.net.
Categories for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons: Most Original, Best Handwork. Best Machine work, Best Contemporary, Best Traditional, Best Pictorial, Best Youth under 18, Best Youth under 12, Judges choice. Judges reserve right to switch categories. Prizes by corporate sponsors to be announced.
Entry Form (Please Print Legibly)
Name____________________________Address___________________________________________
City____________________State__Zip_______Email______________________________________
Phone_____________Donating Quilt_____Quilt Title______________________________________Category___________
I understand Judy Howard will take every precaution in the care and handling of my quilt. I will not hold Judy or her associates responsible for any damage or loss due to unforeseen events. Quilts will be insured. Entry into the competition automatically grants copyright permission for the image of the quilt and/or all or part of the Artist’s Statement about the quilt to be used in articles, ads, promotions, catalogs, books, posters, cards, websites, CDs, event news coverage, television productions and/or multimedia productions for and about the God Bless America Touring Quilts. The quilt artist retains copyright to his/her quilt design. I consent that Judy Howard and/or media may edit my statement.
Winners, press releases, photos, calendar of exhibits, auction results, updates will be posted on http://www.HeavenlyPatchwork.com, blogs, etc. Quilts will be auctioned with a $50 minimum bid in October/November 2011 with all profits from tours, books and auctions going to groups who make quilts for wounded soldiers and families of the fallen. I agree to donate my quilt for this purpose. One free Thanking Our Troops—God Bless America Touring Quilts book will be mailed for each quilt entered as our thanks to you for entering. Please include $5 shipping if you’re not donating quilt.
This is my original design (or attach permission to use pattern) and I will abide by above rules.
Printed Name______________________________Signed__________________________Date______