.
. . Thanks for all the hard work you are doing
the families of the current
Purple Foxes like us really appreciate it!
We
Can Save the Uniform!
NEW QUILT TRANSFER PROCESS...
that will allow us to preserve your uniform!
Many of you have commented that you are
uncomfortable giving up your uniforms. We
listened and have uncovered a new transfer
technique that will allow you to be a part
of the quilt, yet maintain your memorable
uniform.
This new
fabric transfer technique allows us to
copy your uniform without any damage to
the fabric. The first step is to scan
the fabric at a high resolution to insure
detail is maintained. We have tried to
photograph fabric but the results were
poor and distorted the weave.
The scanned image is then transferred
onto a specially treated fabric allowing
the image to embed into the fabric, not
simply 'sit on top' like a printed photograph.
Many different types of fabric can be
used to create the desired effect such
as silk for a soft effect or canvas for
a rugged one.
The whole process is time consuming yet
the end result can be amazing. By using
this technique we can preserve the historical
value of the uniform without damaging
it.
How do we handle your uniform? You mail
them to Vicki Wages. Once received she
will contact you and let you know that
it has arrived safely and how long she
will need
to
scan each piece. Once the scan is completed
she will E-mail or phone you the day it
is returned. All packages are insured
and sent Prioiry mail. Delivery confirmation
is also included. She knows how important
these uniforms are and will treat them
with care.
If you have any questions or need to get
Vicki's
address, please contact her directly.
Leave a 'rememberance' of your time in
Vietnam for future generations and keep
your uniforms in perfect order!
To
all of you have have sent your uniforms..thanks.
Every piece we use will be cherished..
Vietnam
Patches
Several of you have donated
patches to use in the quilt.
Trust that these will be well
cared for. All remaining patches
will be preserved along with
any historical information you
wish to share in acid free encased
glass or what is known as 'memory
boxes'.
Once completed the 'memory boxes'
will be returned back to HMM-364.
We hope that these treasures
will have some historical value
to all that view them.
Here are some of the comments
by you....
"I'd
rather have them put
to good use than have
them in the bottom of
my kid's dresser some
day."
"Maybe you ladies
can do something with
them, I want to give
something back..."
If you wish
to donate your patches contact
us. We will preserve your
legacy.
Remember the quilt made from blocks that
your grandmother gave you? Not anymore!
Quilt making has taken on a whole new appearance
that now expresses the artist's vision with
cutting edge design. This is known in the
industry as Contemporary Art Quilt Design
and our newest member master quilt designer,
Margie Horton, has agreed to create
the Foxy Lady's first Vietnam Commemorative
Purple Fox quilt using this fascinating
technique.
Contemporary quilt art pushes the boundaries
of quilt making by shifting the quilt from
the bed to the gallery wall. These quilts
can deal with the same issues; themes and
design concerns explored by artists in other
medias, such as oil or sculpture and now
are embraced around the world as a valuable
art medium. Margie's vision is to weave
a story that preserve and portray the legacy
of HMM-364 Purple Fox. The past and
present woven together. See some samples
of Contemporary Art at: Timesquared
or Basic
Necessities (Margie's work is featured
here.)
Artist, Margie Horton's medium
is fabric and thread, which she works
through a variety of design and stitching
techniques. British quilt and textile
history is her specialty and has researched
extensively through museums, country
homes and cathedrals for the textile
history of her British ancestors.
In the year 2000 she was the curator
of a distinctive exhibit of British
quilts held in Seattle, WA. and has
been featured in the American Patchwork
& Quilting magazine. Sought after
for high profile quilting conferences,
Margie continues to teach throughout
the United States as well as appearing
on television programs that focus
on quilt design.
Sample of Margie's Work
Click to enlarge
"History and people fascinate
me and as the daughter of a WWII veteran
and the wife of a Purple Fox crew
chief, I see history as more than
facts, dates and statistics. I see
it as a personal testament of life.
Throughout the years of research and
travel, I've been intrigued and inspired
by the creative use of textiles to
memorialize military men and their
conflicts.
My work with textiles/quilts expresses
that story." Said Margie.
The highlight piece will be
the pylon tail section from
the 1969-downed helicopter,
YK-13. On a routine administrative
passenger run YK-13
slamed into the Hai-Van Pass
losing all aboard. The helicopter
was scheduled to be destroyed
but Sgt. Stephen Mills recovered
the tail portion. This will
be rendered in cloth and surrounded
by pieces of the men's uniforms
while in country. Names, dates
and other information will be
stitched throughout the design
to preserve the historical importance.
We ask that you become a part
of this important project by
donating your Fox uniform.
Names
strips off uniforms if you have them.
Very desired.
Patches
and Buttons. Margie will incorporate
these items into the finished piece.
Part
of the uniform (at least 10x10), does
not need to be square. This can be fatigues,
flight suits, ect. Anything worn in country.
Complete
uniform.
Margie has several projects in mind so if
you are uncertain what to send she will
store them and use them later. Better than
throwing away the uniform after you have
cut it! Keep in mind that portion of uniform
will be cut. If you want the remainder to
be returned, send your return address.
Margie
will be keeping a journal of everything
you send, including the stories or
special meaning of the piece. This
will be displayed with the completed
quilt to maintain the history. She
does not require 'perfect' pieces.
"I'd rather
have a small misshapen piece than
lose the history altogether,"
said Margie. Margie creates
museum quality work and plans to exhibit
and publish the quilt after completion.
Be a part of this historical endeavor;
send your memories and uniforms!
