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

www.etsy.com/shop/TheBattyQuilter

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Batty-Quilter/202159286622917?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Written by fibre artist Kathy Kinsella, a Quiltsy team member since 2010.
Kathy's Etsy shop 

Kathy Kinsella on Facebook

Kathy's Fibre Art Blog

"Quiltsy Cares" Charity Quilts: 3-1-2015

The Quiltsy Team is doing a month of charity quilts!  Team members signed up to showcase the charity work many of the Quiltsy members do.  And donating to charity is not only in March - it goes on year-round.  In recognition of charity, this month will feature members and their charity.

First up is Vivian of Egg Money Quilts.  Vivian supports Hannah House, which is a Christ Central Ministry.  More information can be found on its website - Hannah House. Through the Greater Columbia, SC Quilters Guild, Vivian donated several baby, kids, and lap quilts.  The Guild gives lots of quilts to this charity.  This charity is special because they serve battered women and children and help them to become productive members of society.  These are the quilts Vivian donated:

Vivian lives in Easley, SC and her beautiful work can be found in her Etsy store is Egg Money Quilts.  Vivian's favorite quilt to make is patchwork.  She shares her studio with a rescue schnauzer and a Chihuahua mix.  When she is not sewing, Vivian spends time walking, riding bikes, and babysitting her granddaughter.

Here are a couple beauties from her shop:

 

 Cheers! - - Jennifer

My mother and I make up the Olive Street Studio design and sewing team.  I cannot remember my mom NOT sewing or quilting.  Since 2003, we've made chenille and cotton baby quilts, baby gift sets, little girls dresses and skirts.  In 2013, we expanded into Home Decor quilts and after getting requests for even bigger quilts, we're working on larger quilts too.  Then, with extra time, because we all have extra time, ha ha, we also make reversible tote bags, smaller handbags, and zipper pouches.  I joined the Quiltsy Team on Etsy in 2010.  

Etsy Shop: Olive Street Studio
Website: Olive Street Studio
Blog: Olive Street Studio on Blogger