A Tribute Quilt... featuring All Wrapped Up

When I saw the Coming Home collection, I knew I wanted to pay tribute to both my Veteran Grandfathers, as well as other active duty and veteran loved ones. So, I am honored to be sharing my latest make featuring, Coming Home, by Vicki Gifford for Riley Blake Designs, with you today.

Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, I’ve been exposed to the great men and women that serve in the Armed Forces for the United States of America from an early age. If you didn’t know San Antonio is nicknamed “Military City USA”, and is home to Joint Base San Antonio (JSBA) which includes four primary locations: Fort Sam Houston, Randolph Air Force Base, Lackland Air Force Base and Camp Bullis. Years ago there was also Kelly Air Force Base which I remember visiting on a few occasions. Sometimes to enjoy an air show and other times to see my Grandfather at work.

In order to make something that was a sentiment of support to those sacrificing for our country: past, present and future; I didn’t want to leave out any branch of service, so I used all 24 SKU’s within Coming Home.

Coming Home wonderfully represents each branch: Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy and Coast Guard, which is proudly showcased through Vicki’s patriotic paintings, words of valor, and pride of country.

View the entire collection here.

Coming Home includes two golden yellow fabrics; Yellow Armed Forces Main; C14420-Yellow and Yellow Cadence; C14422-Yellow, which made me think about a yellow ribbon being tied around a tree.

Back in Elementary School, I can recall having yellow ribbon week. I remember walking up to school thinking how pretty those yellow ribbons were, and being told the meaning behind them. Years later, in High School, after 9/11 it seemed like yellow ribbons lined the streets. My basic knowledge of the yellow ribbon is that it symbolizes a sentiment of hope for those away from home to return home safe and sound.

Now with the yellow ribbon in mind I selected the quilt pattern, All Wrapped Up, which can be found by clicking here. I thought All Wrapped Up would showcase the Coming Home collection nicely.

The All Wrapped Up quilt pattern includes three different versions: two-tone, three-tone and plaid, along with bonus cutting directions for a scrappy version inside. 

I decided to use with the scrappy version, for Coming Home, which required a Fat-Quarter each of the 22 SKU's for the background fabric (Primary and Secondary Fabrics). 

I wanted to create a specific layout for the pieces to allow for movement across the quilt for visual interest. Using the handy coloring sheet within the, All Wrapped Up, I tried to alternate the dark and light fabrics across the quilt. Then, I offset the layout a bit each row to create movement moving down the quilt. Lastly, I altered the patterns ribbon/bow slightly to be able to use both yellow fabrics within, Coming Home.

I hope you enjoy this All Wrapped Up quilt and I want to express my sincerest “Thank You” to all those who are currently serving or have served. I am grateful for you and your service!

The Coming Home collection will be available at quilt shops soon and if you're interested in making your own All Wrapped Up quilt, you can find the pattern here.