Monday, March 2, 2015

Charity Quilts by Lily Sweeney for Quilts of Valor



I would like to introduce you to today's Quiltsy Team member, Lily Sweeney, who volunteers with the Quilts of Valor to create handmade quilts for veterans.

This charity is important to Lily because her father in law served in WWII. He was a prisoner of war in Germany at that time and  Leo Sweeney's sacrifices and those made today are incredible in her eyes.  The currant statistics for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are 6,847 dead, many wounded, and many with ongoing emotional needs and suicides. Lily would like to think that the simple gift of a quilt will help them heal,  let them know that they are not alone in their struggles, and honor their efforts to maintain our safety.




 Lily's job for Quilts of Valor (QOV) is to receive quilt tops that are made around the country, provide the batting, and then long-arm quilt the backing, batting and quilt top together with decorative stitching.  The quilt is then sent on its way to be bound and labelled by other volunteers and then it is sent off to its recipient.  Lily says that it is always a special day when doing a QOV quilt in her studio; a time of gratitude and joy for the freedoms that she often takes for granted.

To learn more about Quilts of Valor, click on this link   http://www.qovf.org

Lily's passion for quilting started over 20 years ago and in the past 6 years became her business, The Batty Quilter.  Her studio is a renovated shed lovingly crafted by her husband, Sean, at their home in Bar Harbor, Maine.  "Gertie", my long arm quilting machine  waits there for her, and daily tthey create, imagine, and design quilt tops.  
We asked Lily about her favorite thing to make in her Etsy Shop ...  "My favorite thing in my Etsy shop is my Maize Marvel Corn Heating Bags.  They are my newest item and just plain fun, as well as snuggly on these cold winter days.  I truly love everything in my shop, so it is like choosing between your children but I am also quite fond of my seasonal baskets.  Easter Bunny baskets, Halloween totes, or Santa Pails, they all make me smile.  There is nothing more fun than seeing one of my very own Halloween totes showing up at my front door asking for a treat!"
Lily can be found online at:
www.thebattyquilter.com
Written by fibre artist Kathy Kinsella, a Quiltsy team member since 2010.
Kathy's Etsy shop 

15 comments:

djw quilts said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
djw quilts said...

Lily rocks! Our team is a kind and giving group. I'm proud to be a member.

sallymanke said...

Lily...this is just a huge contribution to Quilts of Valor...you are not only delightful but generous too!

sallymanke said...

Lily...this is just a huge contribution to Quilts of Valor...you are not only delightful but generous too!

Debbie said...

I'm so glad QOV is featured, it is close to my heart also, because my father was in S. Korea and Vietnam. Thank you for your generousity with your quilting skills.

cdore44 said...
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cdore44 said...

What a wonderful article about Lily! It is so wonderful that you help the QOV quilts become a Quilt of Love for the recipient! What a great Charity! Great article by Kathy Kinsella. So happy to be a part of this very giving team! (Sorry for the delete, wish there is an edit button!)
Cheryl - TwinSIsCreations

Patti said...

Lily, thank you for all you do. I love how the quilting on your red, white and blue quilt has waves in it, like a flag blowing in the wind.

Sharlee said...

So beautiful, Lily did a wonderful job thanks for all you do!!

teachpany said...

Great post! I'm so glad we're spotlighting the charities we support.

Selvage Quilter said...

Great post! And such a worthy cause!
I love learning about our Quiltsy members here.

vivian said...

Thanks for honoring our veterans with such beautiful work!

DownHome Designs said...

I love this charity. Lily, thank you for donating your beautiful quilts.

thebutterflyquilter said...

A foundation that is near and dear to the heart. Thank you Lily you for your contribution to a great cause!

Unknown said...

Nice article about a nice lady with a great sense of humor! She is a core member of our team.

I've never done a QOV yet, maybe someday. Hats off to Lily for her contribution to honor our service men and women.