Hey Chrys,

   Newbies are always welcomed into our quilting bee!   I'll send you a PM or email.   I love to hear about your embroidery machine.  Jackie sent some nice personalized squares for the Memorial quilts.   Looking forward to getting to know you through the bee.  Thanks for posting. 

MAGomulinski, GORGEOUS avatar/Block!!!!

 Thanks!

I finished the first Memorial Quilt last night. I will be sending the photo to the members of the quilting bee soon and putting it on my Facebook page before mailing it off to its recipient. I am pleased how it turned out and thank God for His guidance. It was the hardest quilt I've had to put together, emotionally, that is. Thank you ladies for the quilt squares that you so lovingly made and sent for this project.

WOW !!!  Great looking quilt !!! Everyone did a really good job on their squares. ::applause:: for everyone !!!

Chrys/Kath ( great rainbow too !!!) ( I finally got all the fabric I ordered...so I'll be starting a quilt soon as it's all washed.)

About 3:00 my friend and I were sitting at the dining room table making cards when my husband came in with the mail. He was carrying a FRB and I thought "Oh no one of my boxes came back!" I was surprised to see that it had my name on it. My friend helped me to open it and find the gift of love. We were ohhing and ahhing at all the squares. My husband asked, "How did she get those pictures on there?  My friend answered him because I couldn't even talk and my eyes were filling with tears.  Then I took out the postcard that said "Freedom Isn't Free Quilting Bee"  from Natascha and started reading "I really hope you can feel the love I am sending along in my square.  I hope you can wrap yourself in it and let your sorrows and tears be taken away by our quilt."  I just lost it!  I put the rest of the cards aside and will read them later tonight.  So right now I don't know whom to thank and who did which square but I really do feel the love in the squares.  Deni you did an amazing job and "thank you" feels so inadequate.  I really like the pocket on the back so that it could be hung.  I'm sending a grateful hug out to all my sister junkies.

Cathi

 Cathi, 

 so glad you safely received the quilt from us.  I hope I included a picture of the quilt in your card with each square marked with the quilter's name who made it.  Enjoy reading the messages of love.  If you can, please send us a photo of it with you and your family in it's new home.  Enjoy it. 

Dear Deni and Quilters,

 The quilt you made for Cathi is just beautiful, and it is obvious how much care and love went into its creation. I am not talented in that area, and I just think you ladies are SO SPECIAL and compassionate in the work you are doing for the troops and their familes. All the time and effort you are giving to these quilts is turned, I'm sure, into awe and gratitude in the hearts of the recipients. Thank you for your caring and generosity!!!

Hugs and thanks,

I agree with Cheryl. The quilt in honor of Cathi's son is truly a gift of love.

I'll say Thank You to both of you from all of us!  

Well gee,  I guess I'm really behind in posting here on the forum.  I've been keeping all the Bees informed, however, I need to update the rest of you.  

Our second Memorial Quilt was mailed out to Bob, who is active in the chat room and sometimes here on the forums.  He lost his son in April in Afghanistan.  He posted a picture of it on his facebook  and I have it on my facebook also.  It's also on the FIFQB's blog.  

Our first Memorial Quilt recipient - Cathi and her hubby met up with another AS supporter - Cheryl a couple of weeks ago.  They had become good friends through the card swaps, etc. and had never met.  Cheryl took some nice photos of them holding the quilt that we had made and shared them with all of the Bees.  

We are currently working on 4 quilts -  Natascha is working on one,  Paulette is working on 2, and I am working on 1.  Both Natascha and Paulette are working on ones designated for deployed members who are contacts here on AS.  I am working on our 3rd Memorial Quilt and have lined up #4 Memorial Quilt for a wife of a soldier recently KIA.  She was also active in the chat room.

So that is where we are at right now.  It's a good feeling knowing there are 3 of us working on quilts.  There's always room for more quilters to join us.  We even have 2 crocheters. 

 I am interested in seeing what I can contribute to the bee! I have done some hand embroidery, cross stitch, crochet and quilts with squares. I still consider myself a beginner at it all. I look forward to helping you all!

I would love to help, I can sew but have never quilted. Dont know if you can use my sewing abilities?

Angie and Kathy,

   we would love for you to join our bee.  Please contact me through this post so I can add your email addresses to the list.  We are currently working on some quilts that you can still participate in if you have the time to sew quickly.  I'll get you up to speed after we connect through emails.  Thanks for your interest. 

Kathy and Angie.........nice to meet you.   I am part of the quilting bee.....but I crochet (along with another lady who crochets).......How exciting that we have new BEES!!!    Welcome to hive (sorry......couldn't resist).    You will find it quite fulfilling (along with all the other things that you do).   

Love peace and blessings........Anne Marie (a bee in SC)