(this is a guest post appearing on Faith and Fabric written by Cheri Termini of Heartfelt Works)
No one is free from life’s curveballs. But how to handle one that hits you head on and without warning???!!! My name is Cheri Termini of Heartfelt Works, and this is both my and my quilt’s story.
It was a bright spring day in 2011 when I got the call that I needed to immediately schedule open heart bypass surgery due to severe blockages. I was only 49 and terrified, as you might expect. But I set my mind as best I could to prepare for what was inevitable. Only a week after that news, my husband received a notice from the US Navy that he was being called up and sent to Afghanistan for a tour of duty. He was to leave for basic training the day of my scheduled surgery. Now it was time for the panic to set it.
Thankfully, my husband was able to work out a half day extension before leaving for training. So we spent the night prior to the surgery and his leaving cuddled together, crying some tears and saying many prayers.
I was prepped early the next morning for surgery and was the first on the schedule. My husband held my hand while I was wheeled back and we said our farewells. Although I awoke before he had to actually leave the hospital for the airport, I have no memory of him being there. He still teases me that I scolded him for giving me too many ice chips. I’m pretty sure that did NOT happen, but….
We spent the next nine months “facetiming” over Skype (one of the first programs for Zooming for those of you too young to remember). I pretended every day that I felt just fine (which was true for the most part), and he pretended every day that he was not experiencing air raids and IED threats.
In order to use time and occupy my thoughts, I drafted out a quilt to make him for when he returned home. Because the tour he was on at the time was called Enduring Freedom, I asked him what he’d suggest for naming a quilt. He wanted to call it Enduring Liberty. From that my Enduring Liberty quilt pattern was born. You can purchase a copy of the pattern here.
There’s no real story behind the blocks or the pattern I set the blocks in. I used the Ohio Star, and designed my version of a Log Cabin. The story is in the uncertainty and fear of ten months of that year, the pride we both have in our country, and the sacrifice he made along with each troop member he served with.
Happy Birthday, America! You’ve known times of war, times that are regretful, times of drought and times of plenty. At 250 years you are stronger, wiser, and able-bodied to serve all stripes of people that call you home! God Bless America!
Here are some other quilt patterns you may like:
Mail Call by Terri Vanden Bosch of Lizard Creek Quilting: Terri’s parents-in-law were sweethearts when Dad was drafted into the Korean War. For 3 years, they wrote each other a letter every day–and she means every day–they would apologize if they didn’t get one sent. Mom saved those letters in cardboard shoeboxes tied with a cotton string. After they both passed, the family didn’t want the letters–so they came to live in her storeroom until just the right time. Hometown Hearts is a quilt designed with small town celebrations in mind. Think 4th of July parades and fireworks. Dad loved a good firework display. The fabric collection used in this quilt is called Missing You from Island Batik. She was inspired to design this collection from the devotion Mom and Dad had to each other along with the strong pride Dad had for serving his country.. Learn more about this pattern here.
And the Rocket’s Red Glare by Brooke Stambersky of Brooke’s Bitchin’ Stitches: This pattern, And the Rocket’s Red Glare, is dedicated to Brooke’s grandfather, Sgt. Stanley Stambersky of the US Army. During WWII, he was a Sergeant in General Patton’s Third Army, and received the Silver Star and Purple Heart. He was a war hero who loved and honored his country. He would tell her, “The National Anthem is the most beautiful song I know,” and she could not agree with him more.
And the Rocket’s Red Glare is part of her Home Pattern Series, and is a pixelated pattern of the United States of America. This pattern is precut, fabric stash, and GO! friendly. This eight page full color pattern includes 1 throw size quilt design, step by step instructions, and applique templates for the quilt stars & heart. Add an applique heart to the quilt sharing the city & state you call home. Learn more about this pattern here.
Heartland Boot by Kate Eberius of Quiltin Crazy: The Heartland Boot Quilt Pattern is a reflection of Kate’s roots, which run deep in the Heartland of America. Her ancestors settled in Missouri generations ago and lived, worked, and built their lives on the land for many years. This quilt is meant for the farmers, ranchers, and anyone whose life is closely tied to the land. The kind of life that values hard work, simplicity, and family. Heartland Boot is a traditionally pieced quilt pattern and very beginner friendly. This throw size pattern includes detailed diagrams and clear written instructions. Learn more about this pattern here.
Patriot by Jennifer Fulton of Inspiring Quilter: After the shock and disbelief of 911, my first thought was to fly a flag. Like all Americans, I needed to feel connected and strong to face the changing world ahead, and flying a flag provided that. A flag is only a symbol, but to me it’s a very special one. In our flag I see one country, united and strong, yet flexible and free. I designed Patriot to honor veterans–my father, my brother, my aunt. My hope is that quilters will make Patriot to honor the veterans in their lives or to donate to Quilts of Valor. Patriot is easy to piece, but there are supporting videos on my YouTube channel for those that need more help. Patriot can be cut out conventionally, or with an AccuQuilt cutter–complete yardage and cutting directions are included in the pattern. Learn more about this pattern here.
Faith and Freedom by Jen Frost of Faith and Fabric: The Faith and Freedom quilt pattern, designed by Jen Frost of Faith and Fabric, was created to honor two gifts that were passed down in her family: faith in God and the freedom we are blessed to live in each day. This patriotic cross quilt combines classic red, white, and blue with traditional piecing to create a design that feels timeless, meaningful, and full of movement! Finishing at 52″ x 72″, this quilt is the perfect size for a throw, a patriotic wall hanging, or a meaningful gift for someone who treasures both faith and country. The design is especially scrap-friendly, making it a wonderful way to use leftover red, white, and blue fabrics while still including full yardage instructions for those who prefer a more planned color layout. Learn more about this pattern here.
Triumph by Lauren Metang of Palm Creations: The stunning log cabin block has been a classic and timeless quilt block for centuries. The inspiring red center indicated a safe and welcoming home, as it signified the hearth, or the heart of the home. Although the log cabin block was originally a block created out of necessity, the versatility of this pattern is endless. Whether you use Civil War reproduction fabrics or modern and playful designs, the Triumph pattern will help you to create quilts that will last for generations to come. Learn more about this pattern here.
Home of the Brave by Sandra Starley of Textile Time Travels: Home of the Brave is a patriotic wall hanging designed by Sandra Starley of Textile Time Travels. It is the perfect pattern to use up UFOs/orphan blocks and lots of fun scraps. This quilt is a melting pot of techniques: standard, strip, paper and freezer paper piecing. See how to adapt and actually use your orphan blocks to speed up the piecing process. A fun way to celebrate America 250! Learn more about this pattern here.
Patriotic Exploding Heart by Laura Piland of Slice of Pi: The Patriotic Exploding Heart quilt, designed by Laura Piland of Slice of Pi Quilts, is a bold burst of patriotic pride! Based on the popular Exploding Heart quilt pattern, this new version is perfect for showcasing red, white, and blue fabrics. The advanced beginner pattern includes two size options – a 72″ x 72″ throw that is fat quarter friendly and a 36″ x 36″ mini size that uses fat eighths, plus bonus ideas for enlarging to to twin and queen sizes. The pattern includes cutting options for both traditional methods as well as using a fabric cutter and dies. Make a wall hanging for your home and a quilt to honor a veteran! Learn more about this pattern here.
Rocket’s Red Glare by Kris Driessen of PhoebeMoon Designs: I can’t honestly say that Rockets’ Red Glare was inspired by any one person or event. The design itself was based on an antique quilt that caught my eye, and I adapted it into a modern pattern sized appropriately for a Quilt of Valor. Over the years I’ve designed many red, white, and blue quilts, including several free patriotic patterns. They are my small way of honoring the men and women who serve our country and our communities. Every stitch is a reminder that freedom is never free, and that ordinary people perform extraordinary acts of service every day. Learn more about this pattern here.
Stars and Stripes by Teresa Coates of Crinkle Dreams: Teresa has travelled across America as a sewing teacher for a decade, inspiring her to create something special this year: the Quarter Millennial Quilt sew along. This was her way of exploring each state, from its history and geography to its fantastic local quilt shops, by creating a unique block for every state. It’s been an adventure in learning new techniques, and the one block that has gotten the most enthusiastic response is this variation of the classic Lone Star. This traditional block can feel intimidating, but making this small, beautiful version is totally achievable for every maker.
The Stars & Stripes block finishes at a versatile 18” x 18”—perfect for a wall quilt, or even a cozy throw pillow with the included instructions. As a beautiful variation on the block she originally designed for Texas in the Quarter Millennial Quilt project, this design is meant to represent the beautiful diversity of all of us across the country, coming together to create something lovely.
Have diamonds always made you nervous? Don’t worry! Teresa designed the Stars and Stripes pattern to be a genuine skill-builder. She walks makers through every single step, making that beautiful star shape simpler to sew together than they might imagine. This is their perfect chance to build confidence and try out some fantastic new techniques.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Quarter Millennial Quilt project or finding the block for your state, visit crinkledreams.com/collections/quarter-millennial-quilt. You can also find Teresa on Instagram (@teresacoates) and Facebook (@makewithteresa). Learn more about this pattern here.
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