Quilts of Valor

Quilts of Valor are quilts made for injured veterans and donated by quilt makers throughout the United States. This is a national program and many other quilt guilds across the country participate in QOV. Each quilt consists of a lap-sized quilt; pieced, quilted and bound by volunteers and given to injured recipients in and out of military hospitals around the world.

Over the past four years the members of Pacific Piecemakers Quilt Guild of Gualala have delivered over 100 Quilts of Valor to convalescing servicemen at the V.A. Hospital in Palo Alto. The distribution of the quilts by our members directly to veterans in the hospital is a very rewarding and moving experience. These wounded veterans are surprised and overwhelmed when they are presented with a quilt made by hand as thanks for their service to our country.

Twice a year in January and June our guild hosts a day long QoV workshop to help support members as they work toward completing quilts for our veterans. Many members bring quilts to complete during the workday but others provide finished quilts completed entirely from their own workshops at home.

General guidelines for making a QoV

• Quilt sizes need to be between 55 to 72 wide and 65 to 90 long. We have found that quilts about 60 x 70 seem to work best for the lap and nap size needs. In other words, the quilts needs to fit comfortably on one's lap or when napping.
• Use good quality fabric and batting. Patriotic colors are very popular, but not required. Remember in choosing fabric, patterns and quilting that 10% of our wounded veterans are women. Materials for the quilts are provided by the maker, although you may find fabric from the "fanny basket" that works well.
• The quilt will need a label. PPQG provides QoV labels, but some members make their own labels with a special message. Labels should include the date, the maker, any message, and a space to write the recipient's name.
• Each quilt also needs a presentation bag.
• Some members also include a card. Quilts with special labels and/or cards are especially appreciated by our veterans.

If you are interested in participating in our QoV effort, but do not wish to make a complete quilt, come to the workshops and assist other quilters in completing their projects.

Providing a veteran with a unique, hand-made quilt helps express our thanks for our servicemen and womens’ commitment to our country.