Christmas Orders accepted till Dec 11th!!!

Hello and thank you to all who stopped by my vendor booth at the recent high school craft shows. It was so fun getting to visit with each of you and learn who you knew that would just love to receive a uniform tote.

If you weren't able to get to the craft fairs, don't fret! You can still get your By My Side Tote ordered in time for Christmas. I'll be at Panera Bread (Powers and Constitution) at 3:00 p.m. for a Blue Star Mom's meeting and will take orders there or you can mail your uniform shirt, $45 payment and your preference of liner fabric - just be sure to get it to me by Dec 11th. Orders received after Dec 11th will not be guaranteed for Christmas.

Don't forget your moms, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, etc. Just think how excited they'll be when they receive this special gift of love and support... their very own unique and sentimental By My Side Tote!

Merry Christmas everyone! Be safe and be blessed! As always, thanks for supporting our troops and your family's sacrifice.

Donna Vie, proud military spouse AND mom

History of the Service Flag

The history of the Service Flag is as patriotic and touching as the symbolism each star represents to the families who display them.   The following narrative is from the National Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. website (www.bluestarmothers.org).

The Service flag is an official banner authorized by the Department of Defense for display by families who have members serving in the Armed Forces during any period of war or hostilities the United States may be engaged in for the duration of such hostilities.

The Service flag, also called the Blue Star Flag, was designed and patented by WWI Army Captain Robert L. Queisser of the 5th Ohio Infantry who had two sons serving on the front line. The flag quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in service.  President Wilson became part of this history when in 1918 he approved a suggestion made by the Women's Committee of the Council of National Defenses that mothers who had lost a child serving in the war wear a gold gilt star on the traditional black mourning arm band.  This led to the tradition of covering the blue star with a gold star on the Service flag to indicate that the service member has died.

During WWII the practice of displaying the Service flag became much more widespread.  Most flags were hand made by mothers across the nation.  One of the most famous flags was that of the five Sullivan brothers who all perished on the U.S.S. Juneau.

The Blue Star Mothers was founded as a Veteran Service Organization and was part of a movement to provide care packages to military members serving overseas and also provided assistance to families who encountered hardships as a result of their son or husband serving in the war.

In 1960 Congress chartered the Blue Star Mothers of America as a Veterans Service Organization and in 1966, the Department of Defense revised the specifications for design, manufacture and display of the Service flag.

The Department of Defense specifies that family members authorized to display the flag include the wife, husband, mother, father, stepmother or father, parent through adoption, foster parents who stand or stood loco parentis, children, stepchildren, children through adoption, brothers, sisters and half brothers or sisters of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States. The flag should be displayed in a window of the residence of persons authorized.

The Service flag may also be displayed by an organization to honor the members of that organization serving during a period of war or hostilities.

The Service Flag is an indoor flag and should be flown facing out from the front window of the home or organization.

If the U.S. flag is also displayed with the Service flag, the U.S. flag should be of equal or greater proportions and should take the place of honor above the Service flag.

Each blue star on the flag represents a service member in active duty. A gold star is displayed if a service member is killed in action or dies in service. If several stars are displayed by one family the gold star takes the honor of being placed at the top. The gold star should be slightly smaller than the blue star to create a blue border surrounding the gold star.

Display of a Service Star Banner is done during times of war. Once again families are displaying banners at home. Blue Star Flags may be purchased through the Internet, at stores, or made by hand.

If you would like to print a flag please use this link to Home of the Heroes:  

www.homeofheroes.com/hallofheroes/1st_floor/flag/war_mothers_print.html.

Flags may be purchased on the Internet at ServiceFlags.com

Thanks Blue Star Moms of KY, Chapter 2

By My Side Totes can now be seen at the following websites:  

     BLUE STAR MOMS OF  KY   -   www.kybluestarmomschapter2.org/yourheroonatote.htm

     CRAIGSLIST.ORG    (Colorado Springs) - search ACU

Uniform bags and purses similar to By My Side Totes are available from other crafters and that's completely fine with me; there's plenty of opportunity out there to show support for our brave service men and women.  Just know that I construct each By My Side Totes as though it were my own and if my little sewing hobby can touch the hearts of fellow military spouses or family and do honor to the Active Duty service and sacrifice of our military members, then it's a blessing to bring that little bit of joy to others.   I am so blessed in so many, many ways.  

Thanks for looking and as always, be sure to tell others about By My Side Totes.    //    DVW

CHRISTMAS IS COMING...

Look for By My Side Totes at these Colorado Springs area 2009 Craft Bazaars:

     Pine Creek High School:    Nov 7,  9a-4p

     Liberty High School:   Nov 14, 9a-4p

     Sand Creek High School:     Nov 21,  9a-4p

A limited quantity of "blank" totes will be available for purchase at these craft shows.    Early birds will get to take their  By My Side Totes purchase home with them the same day!   Orders taken once all the blank totes are gone.  

Welcome to By My Side Totes

A few years ago, a dear friend and I began sewing tote bags for our family and friends, made from our husbands’ old military uniforms.   The popularity of these uniform totes has been overwhelming and what was once a hobby has spun a fledgling business.   Now you can have your very own uniform tote. 

By My Side Totes is a great way to show support and to always have your military loved(s) one by YOUR side, no matter where their military duty may take them!

By My Side Totes are unique, sentimental expressions of wearable art that honors the Active Duty commitment and sacrifice of our service men and women.    Made from authentic military uniforms, By My Side Totes make great gifts for mothers, wives, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, girl-friends and are even super diaper bags! 

To order your very own By My Side Totes, simply send an "old“ uniform, complete with name tapes and organizational patches, and $45 for each tote ordered.    I will then transform your order into your one-of-a-kind creation.    Discounts offered on orders of three  totes or more.   Return shipping and handling is included for all domestic addresses.   International shipping rates may incur additional cost.

        Don’t have access to a uniform?  Authentic uniforms and name tapes are available for additional cost (quantities and styles are limited).   Be sure to inquire about this option if needed.

          Simply indicate your liner fabric preference:  Patriotic – RW&B prints/plaids or Feminine – floral, toile, polka dots, batiks, etc.   OR, further customize your tote by sending 1/2 yard, your choice of cotton fabric with each tote bag ordered.   No two By My Side Totes will be the same! 

           Thanks for supporting our troops.  Here's wishing them all safe and speedy return.

                                                                                                                                D Walchli, Proud Military Spouse

Send payment, uniform(s) and choice of liner fabric to: 

 

By My Side Totes 

c/o  Walchli 

1485 Bison Ridge Dr

Colorado Springs, CO  80919

 

Email questions to:   bymysidetotes@gmail.com.    

        Order turn around is usually one week from receiving order.   Cash and money orders preferred.   Check payment orders processed once check payment clears.   Due to materials used all sales are final.   SORRY, NO REFUNDS.