Honoring Veterans with Quilts of Valor

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Honoring Veterans with Quilts of Valor

Quilts of Valor is an amazing organization that honors veterans and active duty military with comforting quilts. From my experience volunteering with them, I’ve seen firsthand the impact these quilts can have. As someone who comes from a military family, this cause is very close to my heart.

If you’re wondering what Quilts of Valor is all about, here’s the basics:

What is the Quilts of Valor Foundation?

The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a nonprofit organization that coordinates the awarding of quilts to service members and veterans who have been touched by war. Their mission is:

“To cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts.”

Basically, they bring together volunteer quilters from across the country to make quilts that are given to veterans and active duty military personnel. It’s an amazing way to say “thank you for your service and sacrifice.”

When and Why Was Quilts of Valor Foundation Started?

Quilts of Valor was founded in 2003 by Catherine Roberts, a quilter from Delaware who had a dream of covering veterans with quilts to comfort them. After her son was deployed to Iraq, her desire to support service members grew even stronger.

Catherine brought together a group of quilting friends and they started making quilts for veterans at the local military hospital. From those humble beginnings, the Quilts of Valor movement began to spread across the U.S.

Now there are over 14,000 volunteer quilters organized into local chapters and groups in all 50 states. Sort of like a nationwide community!

How Many Quilts Have They Awarded So Far?

As of 2023, the Quilts of Valor Foundation has awarded over 320,000 quilts! Pretty impressive right?

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Just goes to show the power of grassroots goodwill and how small acts of kindness can grow into something enormous. I mean 320,000 handmade quilts…that’s a whole lot of comfort!

Quilt Making Process and Requirements

A question quilters who are new to Quilts of Valor probably have is:

What Are the Guidelines for Making a Quilt of Valor?

The foundation has some quilt requirements and suggestions to ensure the quilts are high-quality and comforting for the recipients:

  • Quilts should be twin-sized or 55″ x 65″ minimum.
  • Washable cotton fabric is preferred.
  • The top should have a pattern or theme.
  • Machine quilting recommended, but hand quilting allowed with approval.

Here are my tips based on experience:

What Types of Fabrics and Patterns Work Best?

  1. Choose materials that are durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
  2. Red, white and blue fabrics are always popular for the patriotic look.
  3. Navy, gold or green color schemes also look nice.
  4. Patterns can be varies – I’ve done star designs before that looked amazing.
  5. Maybe incorporate images of state flowers or birds as a unique touch.

I’ve made all sorts of original quilt patterns over the years. But to be honest, sometimes the traditional patchwork or “Grandmother’s Fan” type quilts seem the most appreciated by veterans.

What is Involved in Constructing a Quilt?

The basic construction steps are:

  1. Design and plan – Choose fabrics, pattern, size
  2. Piece the top – Sew together fabric pieces into pattern
  3. Add batting and backing – Layer middle batting and bottom backing fabric
  4. Baste the layers – Tack the quilt layers together with stitching
  5. Quilt – Add decorative quilting stitches over the layers
  6. Bind the edges – Sew binding strips around the edges to finish

The quilting step is what defines a quilt versus just a blanket. Maybe I’ll write another guide someday walking through the whole quilting process from start to finish with photos. But the basics above should help if you’re new to quilt-making.

Nomination Process for Quilts of Valor

Now you might be wondering…

How Does a Veteran Actually Receive Their Quilt of Valor?

There is a nomination process that starts the journey to awarding these quilts. Here are the main steps:

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  1. The veteran or servicemember is nominated through the QOVF website form by someone who wants to recognize their service.
  2. The foundation processes the form and connects with a local Quilt Guild or State Coordinator.
  3. The coordinator schedules an awards ceremony and personalized presentation of the quilt to that nominated veteran or servicemember.
  4. The presentations are often done at Veteran events, Quilt Guild meetings, or even private in-home ceremonies for individuals.

So in summary, someone – maybe a family member or friend – fills out a form to kickstart the process. The foundation team handles the behind-the-scenes logistics. And ultimately, the honored servicemember receives their quilt at a special ceremony.

I’ll never forget some of the ceremonies I’ve been to. Seeing the tears and joy as these veterans realize this quilt is meant for THEM is so incredibly moving. Sort of makes all the hours cutting fabric and sewing worth it, you know?

Who Is Eligible to be Nominated for a Quilt?

The Quilts of Valor Foundation actually honors a wide range of military service with their awards:

  • Active duty military personnel
  • Reserve forces
  • National Guard members
  • Veterans of all military branches
  • ROTC cadets and youth in military academies or Explorer scouts.

Basically anyone whose military service has put them in harm’s way or left an emotional impact could qualify.

The nominations often provide background stories to help select meaningful recipients. For example, my uncle Joe who did 3 tours in Vietnam and still suffers PTSD. But even simply “to honor my wife’s 20 years of Army service” works too.

How You Can Get Involved

At this point, you might be thinking this Quilts of Valor thing sounds great and wondering…

How Can I Help or Volunteer with Quilts of Valor?

There’s definitely a few ways you can pitch in! Even if you’re not handy with a sewing machine, here’s some ideas:

  • Donate fabric, batting, sewing tools or other quilting supplies.
  • Make a monetary contribution to help fund materials and operating costs.
  • Sew quilt tops (just the top fabric layer) and donate to local groups for finishing.
  • Make small patriotic pillows to include with the quilts.
  • Volunteer at awards ceremonies and events as a photographer, greeter, table-setter etc.
  • Join or start a local State chapter to coordinate efforts in your community.

And the number one way is…learn to quilt! From my experience, quilting does have a learning curve. Perhaps start simple with just stitching some quilt squares. But before you know it you’ll be churning out amazing quilt tops. It’s incredibly rewarding trust me!

Most areas have open “quilt bees” where newbies can hang with seasoned quilters and learn. Sometimes shops offer beginner classes too. And honestly YouTube has endless quilting tutorials if you get stuck on a technique.

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How Can I Nominate a Veteran to Receive a Quilt of Valor?

Nominating a deserving servicemember or veteran for a Quilt of Valor is easy. Just head to the QOVF website and complete their online nomination form.

You’ll need to provide details like branch of service, rank, awards received, and any combat tours or conflicts they saw action in. This helps match them to local quilting groups and customize the quilt presentation.

I still remember nominating my great uncle Jerry, who was

Key Factors To Consider When Choosing A Quilt of Valor
Quilt Size Fabric Type Pattern Complexity Estimated Completion Time
Twin Cotton Beginner 2 weeks
Lap size Flannel Intermediate 1 month
Queen Fleece Advanced 2 months
King Wool Expert 3 months

Here is a FAQ on quilts of valor:

FAQ

  1. What are Quilts of Valor?

    Quilts of Valor are handmade quilts that are awarded to service members and veterans who have been touched by war. The mission is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.

  2. Who started the Quilts of Valor Foundation?

    The Quilts of Valor Foundation was started in 2003 by Blue Star mom Catherine Roberts from Delaware as a way to show appreciation and support for her son stationed in Iraq.

  3. How can I request a Quilt of Valor?

    You can request a quilt for yourself or nominate a service member or veteran by filling out the request form on the Quilts of Valor website. You’ll need to provide information like military service history and contact info.

  4. What makes these quilts special?

    The quilts are special because they are all handmade with care by volunteer “quilters of valor” wanting to give back and honor service members’ sacrifices. Each stitch sewn into a Quilt of Valor represents gratitude, and helps comfort veterans.

  5. How many quilts have been awarded so far?

    As of 2023, the Quilts of Valor Foundation has awarded over 300,000 quilts to veterans and active service members since its founding in 2003. Hundreds of volunteer quilters work to create these gifts of comfort and healing.

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  6. Can I volunteer to make Quilts of Valor?

    Yes! The foundation welcomes volunteer quilters. You can make quilt tops, donate fabrics, quilt completed tops, bind finished quilts, or join a local quilting group. Check the QOVF website for info on how to get involved.

  7. Where are Quilts of Valor awarded?

    Quilts of Valor are awarded across the United States and even internationally. Awards are frequently given at VA hospitals, military bases, veteran events, and sometimes even surprise backyard ceremonies organized by loved ones.