JoAnn's Stars

JoAnn's Stars
Quilt of Valor
57 x 71 inches
The center of this quilt was a UFO that LuAnn W. purchased at a local estate sale. LuAnn sent the UFO and the extra fabric, and I couldn't resist starting on it the day after it arrived in the mail.

UFO and extra yardage

The first step was to give the UFO a good press and a touch of spray starch. Then, I squared the piece and began adding borders.

Quilts of Valor have size requirements, so I needed to add length as well as width. Keeping an eye on the yardage available, I decided to use the top and bottom border idea from the Stars and Stripes pattern (Villa Rose Designs).

I asked LuAnn for the name of the woman who made the stars so I can put her name on the quilt label. She did some research:

JoAnn O. from Ramsay, MI. I found her obituary online for the correct spelling of her name. After reading how kind-hearted and generous she was, I'm extra sure now that she would be thrilled with the Quilts of Valor.

It was a pleasure to turn JoAnn's beautiful stars into a finished Quilt of Valor. 

On a side note: LuAnn purchased this UFO at an estate sale. JoAnn's children weren't quilters or interested in the UFOs and fabric, so the items were sold. As I worked on this quilt, I wondered how many people make arrangements for their craft stashes or UFOs to go to individuals who will use or finish them. I have; have you?


Comments

  1. That turned out so pretty! It's sad to think how much time and love are put into creating either quilts or stitched pieces or knitted items and so often they are just abandoned (or worse - thrown out!!) when someone dies.

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  2. Taking the time to find her correct name for the label was so thoughtful. It honors the woman who made those beautiful stars. I really like what you did with borders because it stayed simple enough that the center is still the "star" of the quilt. Pun intended. LOL

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  3. What a wonderful way to honor JoAnn.

    Steve is going to put my stash on E-Bay and then retire to his own private island in the Caribbean.

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  4. You are so thoughtful. Im sure she was with you in spriit as you combined your skills for a beautiful Quilt of Valor. Al will inherit all stash. Zach will inherit the cats.....

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  5. Spectacular job! I have my stash designated to my daughter and grand daughter who sew and make quilts for charity also!

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  6. What a wonderful quilt and how kind and thoughtful to give her credit on the label. I can imagine her watching and being pleased with how the quilt was finished and it's being donated to such a worthy cause.

    My knitting supplies and stash will be given to my daughter. I don't know many who crochet here locally, so I don't know what will become of my hooks.

    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  7. I just can't get over the way you can whip up a quilt. That is just beautiful.

    My husband knows who has dibs on my various stashes. I have thought about this1

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  8. You are so talented!! JoAnn's Stars is cute and fun.

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  9. That looks super. Like you I would have wanted to get on and stitch it together.
    So sad when a stash ends up being sold off like that. Recently one of our Op (thrift) stores had a whole stash for sale. Including two very nicely pieced tops. Luckily a quilting friend spotted the items and most were bought by members of our club. Our club bought one of the quilt tops to add to our Community quilts.

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  10. What a tribute to the original maker. Yes I have a plan for my stuff. My daughter quilts so she is suppose to get my friend Sharon to help distribute fabric or take what they want and then pick a guild or two that will put it to use.

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  11. How wonderful for you to finish that quilt. Those stars must have been time consuming for JoAnn, so it's awesome that you are going to complete her project. She must be smiling!

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  12. I am certain no one would want my unfinished "stuff" How wonderful that this was put into a Quilt of Valor!! :)

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  13. The quilt is beautiful! How thoughtful of you to take the time to find the original piecer's name! I'm sure the quilter would be so happy her UFO is finished and going to a deserving veteran!!!!

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  14. How very kind of you to turn her unfinished project into a beautiful quilt and add her name to the label. I told my husband to open the door and tell my quilting friends to 'Come and get it'. He and the kids will want to keep the finished quilts, but there is enough fabric in my stash to go around.

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