Memorial Day is for Remembering and FREE pattern

This is a repost from 2012. Always worth repeating. You will find the link to the free pattern below. You may already have it if you've been with me these years. I hope you enjoy it. Take some time today to REMEMBER those who gave everything so we could have the freedom to enjoy the simple things we seem to take for granted.

We remember - and honor - those who gave their all for our freedom
For we Americans, this weekend is for remembering our fallen heroes. A lot of shopping goes on, but hopefully the parades and events honoring all our veterans and those who lost their lives will take center stage.

I made this quilt in 2005, using some Americana fabric resembling the stripes of our flag. I took a simple heart shape and divided it both vertically and horizontally and cut out appliqués. Just another project for me, published in one of our QUILT magazines that year.

But then the nephew of our dear friends died in Afghanistan. He was so young and now he was gone. I knew this quilt needed to go to his parents and my husband and I drove to their house in Atlanta where we were able to meet the parents, share some tears, and then I gave them the quilt. I can never forget, and that's why we REMEMBER.

I used this design for my 2010 calendar and I am featuring it here today, FREE, for all to enjoy. You can make it in patriotic colors or any colors! And to my international friends, you can celebrate your own heroes with your country's colors. A simple design with a lot of heart.

Click here to download the 7 page pdf of this quilt.

Comments

  1. Today is a day of remembrance. Thank you for sharing this story and pattern with us. Quilts bring comfort.

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    1. Yes, they do. Did you know the older word for quilts is "comfort?" That's where we get the word comforter from!

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  2. Hi Debby! Thank you so much for the free Grateful Hearts Quilt pattern. It is so very cute and could easily be made in a different color way. That is so kind of you, and it was kind to make that quilt for your friends who lost their son. But for all of our fallen heroes we would be a different country today. ~smile~ Roseanne

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    1. I think I actually have made this in another color way, but for the life of me, I can't remember what! Thanks for stopping by.

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  3. Thank you for sharing this pattern. It means a lot to me, as I am a veteran. The TV coverage yesterday was heartwarming. I just wish that the respect shown and shared was a daily occurance, not just once a year. The negativity needs to stop in our country. Given the opportunity to serve our country again, I would do it in a heartbeat!

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  4. Yes, I would also like to hear MUCH less of the negativity and more heartwarming stories about what our soldiers and veterans do on a regular basis. Thank you for your service!

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Thanks for stopping by Debby Kratovil Quilts! If you had a question and don't get an answer from me, please feel free to email me at: kratovil@his.com