....the story of Hometown Hearts begins in two small rural farming communities of Northwest Iowa during the early 1950's. My husband's parents were sweethearts when Dad was drafted into the Korean War. He completed his basic training here in the States, then took a ship across the ocean to be stationed in Germany. During all this time apart from each other, the sweethearts commited to writing each other a letter every day....and I mean EVERY day for 3 years. They diligently kept that commitment, telling each other about the daily things of life...what the weather was like, things they did during the day, stories about family and most importantly encouraged each other with faith filled promises when the loneliness became most imbearable.
Dad would tell Mom how his bunkmates would poke fun of him for spending all his free time writing letters and rereading the ones he received. Mom treasured each and every word Dad sent to her...so much so that she stored them in chronological order inside cardboard shoeboxes securely tied shut with cotton string. After Mom's passing I saw Dad throwing the shoeboxes into the farm garbage dumpster. I conviced my husband to dig them out--bring them back to Dad with the promise no one would read them. And since Dad treated me as his own daughter, he agreed. The letters lived in his house, then his assisted living home, then the farm office when he moved into the nursing home and finally after his passing they came to live in my store room. I still never read them--just knew they had to be kept.
Dad passed away in 2022, two years later Island Batik asked if I would be interested in being a Guest Fabric Designer and if yes--what would my inspiration for my first fabric collection be. With no hesitation the answer was--Dad and Moms' love letters. And so the story of Missing You begins. I opened a few of the letters--not really reading--just skimming to get a feel of what they wrote. From that flowed the ideas...scattered envelopes, note paper, ink smudges, heart shapes filled with XOXO, air mail letters passing each other across the ocean and finally how they signed their letters...sweetheart, darling and love which I spelled out in Morse Code. This process has healed a hole in my heart that I didn't even know was there. Dad would be filled with so much pride and humbly excited that I was sharing their love story. The fabric collection has just started hitting shops this spring and I still have to pinch myself when I see it on the shelf of my local quilt shop or on the website of a shop.
Dad was very much a Faith, Family, Freedom in that order kind of man. Hometown Hearts is inspired by his love for the small town 4th of July or summer celebrations that included a fireworks display. He loved parades, demolition derbies and a great firework display--as many as he could find each summer. In this quilt I paid homage to small towns with a farmhouse stripe and love for county with the heart filled star. I can see this quilt stuffed in a red wagon full of snacks and toddlers, then spread out next to the curb on a small town street while the toddlers wait anxiously for the parade to start so they can fill their buckets with candy thrown from the floats that go by. Ask for the pattern in your local quilt shop--or find it HERE.
THIS....is the rural small town America that my father-in-love spent time away from his sweetheart and family to protect. A place where the volunteer firemen shoot off the fireworks over a soybean field, children gather with glow sticks and the best viewing area is on the parking lot of the Co-op Feed Elevator. May we all work together to keep this alive and may God bless the land Dad loved!!
Find more information on my Facebook page HERE or Instagram HERE--where my farmer husband has become my social media man!! He tells a great story!! And occasionaly I add to YouTube HERE.
Now onto the hop! There are so many beautiful quilt patterns to explore today, all celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States - and I can't wait for you to see them! I've copied a little summary of each pattern provided by each of the designers, and I've included links to their patterns and blog posts.
And the Rocket's Red Glare by Brooke Stambersky of Brooke's Bitchin' Stitches: In Brooke's words: "This pattern, And the Rocket's Red Glare, is dedicated to my 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 me "The National Anthem is the most beautiful song I know," and I 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 AccuQuilt GO! friendly. The eight page full color pattern includes the throw size quilt design, step by step instructions, and applique templates for the quilt stars & heart. You can add an applique heart to the quilt for the city and state you call home too. You can get this pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here.
Stars & Stripes by Teresa Coates of Crinkle Dreams: Teresa Coates of Crinkle Dreams 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). You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about the 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. You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here.
One Nation Under God by Krista Smith of Grunge+Grace: This quilt was designed to showcase my love of God and Country. When my son saw me designing it, he asked if he could have the finished quilt when I was done with it. I told him that if he joined the military, it was his. Well, he up and joined the Coast Guard, so eventually this quilt will be gifted to him! I used Moda Grunge for this quilt and it was custom quilted by Erika Binder/Off The Frame Quilting. You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here.
Enduring Liberty by Cheri Termini of Heartfelt Works: In this heartfelt reflection, Cheri shares the frightening season in 2011 when she faced emergency open-heart surgery just as her husband was deployed to Afghanistan with the US Navy. Separated by war and recovery, the couple leaned on prayer, perseverance, and humor while navigating months of uncertainty and sacrifice. To keep her hands and heart busy during his deployment, she designed a patriotic quilt that would eventually become her Enduring Liberty pattern. Though the blocks themselves are simple, the quilt carries a deeper story of courage, love of country, and the resilience demanded of military families. With gratitude and patriotism, she closes by honoring both America’s 250-year journey and the men and women who continue to serve it. You can get this pattern here, and you can learn more about this pattern here.
Hometown Hearts by Terri Venden Bosch of Lizard Creek Quilting: My parents-in-law were sweethearts when Dad was drafted into the Korean War. For three years they wrote each other a letter every day--and I mean 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 my 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 fireworks display. The fabric collection used in this quilt is called Missing You from Island Batik. I 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. You can get this pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here. Find her on Facebook here where her farmer husband is in charge of her social media account.
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. You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt 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. You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here.
Heartland Boot by Kate Eberius of Quiltin' Crazy: The Heartland Boot Quilt Pattern, designed by Kate Eberius of Quiltin Crazy, is a reflection of my roots, which run deep in the Heartland of America. My 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. You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here.
Patriotic Exploding Heart by Laura Piland of Slice of Pi Quilts: 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! You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt 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! You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about this quilt here.
Patriot by Jennifer Fulton of The Inquiring 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. You can get the pattern here, and you can learn more about the quilt here.
