The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.
Missoula Quilters' Guild - Quilts of Valor Activities
QOV Block of the month - Star block patterns provided at guild meeting
- 10 1/2 in unfinished
- Sawtooth Star block pattern for Sept
- Americana colors, red, white, blue, cream, gold, country or brights
- Kits available for star blocks at sew days
- Make as many blocks as you want, turn in each month or keep and put a top together.
- A basket for completed blocks and donations of Americana quality fabric at each guild meeting
QOV Sew days - First Monday of the month at Goin Quilting through December
- Third Monday of the month at Vickie's Down Under through December, 10-1
- The next sew day is Sept 17, 10-1 at Vickie's.
Drawings for completed tops May.
The committee included:
Lanell Curry, Terry Vick, Betty Toczek, Jeannie Hall, Arlene Wickman, Calli Baker
Procedures for making Quilts of Valor - Fabric used should be high quality 100% “shirt-weight” or “quilt-weight” cotton fabric appropriate for adults.
- While Quilts of Valor do not have to be red, white, and blue, most recipients, given a choice, choose quilts that are patriotic in theme.
- Patterns and blocks can be of any design suitable for a patriotic theme.
- Use of military-branch-specific fabrics (Army, Navy, etc.) or non-“patriotic” fabric (overly floral), unless the recipient is known in advance, may create difficulty in identifying a recipient.
- A Quilt of Valor is to be large enough to cover an average-sized adult, with an ideal size approximately 60” x 80.” Finished size can be no smaller than 55” x 65” and no larger than 72” x 90.”
- A Quilt of Valor consists of a top, batting, and backing, and must be machine quilted or hand quilted. A tied quilt is not acceptable for a Quilt of Valor.
- Backings provided to volunteer QOVF-registered longarmers must be 4” larger than the quilt top on all sides (8” wider in width and 8” longer in length than the top). Note: Some longarmers may have different requirements.
- Only member volunteers in good standing can request free-of-charge quilting of their tops by a QOVF-registered volunteer longarmer.
- Batting should be quality, low-loft batting. Quilting should be appropriate for the quilt and not overly dense, which can reduce the loft of the quilt.
- Binding strips should be joined with diagonal seams. Binding should be double-fold (“French fold”), attached by machine, and finished by hand or machine.
A Quilt of Valor must be labeled as such.
- • Must have the words Quilt of Valor
- • May be purchased (www.spoonflower.com or your local quilt shop)
- • May be your own design (hand-written in permanent ink, embroidered, pieced, computer printed, screen printed)
- • Must include space for name of recipient
- • Must have names of top maker, quilter, and binder (can include first and last names, city, and state)
- • Cannot include religious or political message (possible exception if recipient is well known)
- • May include date and location of award
- • May include washing instructions (cold water, mild detergent, “color catcher,” dry on low heat)
Additional information about making and purchasing labels is in the “QOVF Construction Quick Reference Guide” in the Appendices section of the Policies & Procedures manual.
A Quilt of Valor may be awarded in a presentation case, though a presentation case is not required. QOVs must have a presentation case when going to overseas facilities, to continuing destinations, or if requested. Information about making a presentation case is in the “QOV Construction Quick Reference Guide” in the Appendices section of the Policies &Procedures manual.
Before awarding, a Quilt of Valor must be machine laundered (gently, using mild detergent) so any bleeding of fabric dyes has occurred prior to awarding, and because some facilities where quilts are awarded require pre-laundering. Use of a “color catcher” that attracts loose dye during washing is recommended.
A note, card, letter, or journal documenting the creation of a Quilt of Valor may be presented to the recipient along with the quilt.
Destinations for Quilts of Valor may be requested on the foundation website. To request a destination, click on the “Take Action -Request a Destination” button above.
Awards of Quilts of Valor are to be reported through the foundation website so quilts are counted. Report quilts as soon after awarding as possible. To report, click on the “Take Action – Report a QOV Award” button above.
QOV Contact: Lanell Curry, Missoula Coordinator Callie Baker, Missoula Associate Coordinator
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