Semper Paratus

This combined set of the Parsley, Wasabi, and Chive was custom-made for a US Coast Guard wife.  The client wanted a nautical theme for her items so a sailboat fabric was incorporated as the primary coordinate.  One side panel of her Parsley was customized with her initials in signal flags.  The Wasabi had a Reef Knot appliqued to the outside of the wallet.

Sage I

The Sage is any size signal-flag quilt.  I really should call this category Seaweed since signal flags are primarily for maritime use but that would wreck my theme of naming my various project categories as herbs. 

Each block is 12 " square.  This Sage incorporated 2 rows of 7 blocks so that made 14 blocks total.  Instead of using bright solids like the real signal flags, the clients wanted prints and shades that coordinated with the decor of their home. So red turned into maroon fishing motifs, white led to cream floral, bright yellow was replaced with 2 different yellow florals, navy blue was substituted with a cobalt blue and black batik, and solid black was changed out with a party motif with black background.  They chose a sea green as a sashing.This Sage fits perfectly over the clients' couch.  I could see a single row of signal flags, perhaps spelling out a phrase or a family's last name, being used as a table runner.

Basil Backpack III

This Basil Backpack was made for the client’s son. Her little guy loves sneakers and sports so the coordinating fabric choice was easy. The Basil is made from bottom of the uniform leg.
BDUs had a drawstring built right into the hem of the pants so that the leg would remain bloused when tucked in the boot. A Basil is an upside down section of the leg so that the cuff of the pants is now the top of the backpack. The ACU pants that the client gave me does not have that drawstring . So sticking with the military theme, I used 550 cord instead.

The girl who is modeling the backpack is an average-sized 5 1/2 year old. Hopefully that gives a good idea of how this would fit on your little one.

Wasabi III,IV

The Wasabis were made for a mother and teenage daughter. Mom is active-duty and wanted her wallet to match her muted-tone Parsley. The wallet was able to include the pleat work that is located on the side of the uniform. Daughter is a teenager and likes vibrant purples and pinks.

Parsley III

This Parsley was not made for a military spouse but rather for a female servicemember. Because she wanted to use her Parsley Purse and matching Wasabi Wallet while in uniform, the coordinating fabrics had to be the color of the ACUs. After much auditioning of grey-green, taupes, and tan fabric against the ACUs, a selection of these muted colors was finalized.

Parsleys are made from the uniform shirt. Most Parsleys have exterior pockets since those were the breast pockets on the shirt. This Parsley was made from a maternity ACU which does not have pockets on the top. It does have patch pockets on the bottom of the shirt which I used in the interior of the bag. A mini-pocket was added to hold a cellphone or IPod.

Chive I and II

The Chive is a fully-lined zippered change purse that is made from the uniform cuff and sleeve end. It can easily hold coins, lip gloss, and calling cards. These two Chives match the Parsleys and Wasabis posted on Rosmarinus Designs in July. I had lost these Chive pictures in the depths of my computer but my friendly resident computer expert was able to unearth them. Thanks kiddo! :)

I love you truly KKG

Let me be the first to say that I did not make this quilt. Rather, this beautiful wallquilt was created by the Needleworkers Interest Group of the Northern Virginia Alumnae Association of Kappa Kappa Gamma (ΚΚΓ). These sisters of mine took time out of their extremely busy lives to create this beautiful quilt for me when I needed it most. Needless to say, I was overcome when they gave this to me.

For all you Kappas, you will recognize the fabulous symbolism that was incorporated into the design. A fleur-de-lis medallion was appliqued in the center. The inner border has gold key and light blue owl appliques. Each key and owl has a Kappa Needleworker signature along with her undergraduate chapter. The next border is a modified Virginia Reel which not only ties into our Commonwealth but also references our 2001-2004 Philanthropy Quilt. You can't see it in the picture but the machine quilting on the quilt incorporates beautiful fleur-de-lis, hearts and the crossed-over loop of an issue ribbon. On the back is a hand-lettered label embroidered with gorgeous long-stemmed blue irises. In case you non-Kappas haven't figured it out, the owl is our mascot, the key is our badge, and the iris and/or fleur-de-lis (technically a stylized iris) is our flower. Our colors are "the blues of the sky and the sea".

Our Needlework Group membership transcends age, birthplace, career status, etc. We were born in different decades, went to different colleges (and pledged different chapters of Kappa)came to the DC area at different times, yet our love for Kappa and for needlework transcends these differences and renders them unimportant.

I will treasure this quilt always!