I found out about QOVF shortly after it was started by Catherine Roberts. Besides teaching full time, my other varied interests included motorcycling, stained glass, jewelry making, woodworking, traveling in my motor home (spending summers in Oregon since the nineties) and breeding Ragdoll cats. Slowly quilting began to take over more of my life as I have been quilting since the eighties and sewing clothes long before that.
In 2007 I became a very happy retiree from education. My husband and I, including our seven Ragdoll cats, took up the ancient call, Go West, and we did. We built a home in the hills outside Eugene. As I was responsible for planning our home I made certain I had a studio that could be the home of Nellie, my longarm, and my ever growing stash. I design, piece, and longarm (mostly QOV) quilts, and enjoy my new Janome embroidery machine. Now I can combine embroidery with my quilts of valor. Yes!
In December 2013, Linda Kau, Coordinator for Alaska, asked if I would consider being an Oregon coordinator as I had started a small group called the Pieceful Posse with my friends Sue and Sonny. We have been making and coordinating presentations to combat vets and combat service members since 2011. Our small group has many quilters assisting and presenting their quilts in person. Many of the local quilters give of their time to present their quilts and find it such a rewarding and emotional experience.
I will continue to coordinate presentations, encourage others to involve themselves, and together present quilts to our Combat Warriors, past and present. I do this because my son served bravely in Desert Storm, now known as the First Desert War. He is my motivation to continue to quilt. If I can help bring comfort and help others do the same, the reward is immeasurable. I hope you decide to join us and honor our troops and vets.