Quilts of Valor (April 1 – May 31, 2013)

Quilts of Valor is a non-profit foundation started in November of 2003 with the goal of making quilts that would both heal and comfort American war wounded with a tangible object such as a quilt. Wounds that qualify are those both seen and unseen as service personal are “touched by war” in different ways. Through the Quilts of Valor Foundation, quilters are invited to use their sewing talents to show the brave young men and women how much we appreciate their sacrifice and service to our country. Showing our service men and women that we care helps their road to recovery.

A “Quilt of Valor” is a generous lap-sized quilt (minimum of 55" x 65") made of 100% cotton fabrics and beautifully quilted. After it has been bound, washed, labeled and wrapped in a presentation case, it is ready to be awarded. Quilts are awarded at many different levels: they may go to military hospitals where chaplains award them to service members; there may be presentations of QOV’s to entire service units returning from combat deployments; they may be awarded at VA’s or presented individually. No matter how a Quilt of Valor is given, the impact delivered is unequivocal. To date, over 83,000 quilts have been donated and awarded to service members/veterans.

As one recipient shared:

“My quilt isn’t another military medal to be placed in a box and sit on my shelf. I was moved to tears.”
– SSgt RC, US Army, Iraq ‘05

Locally in 2012 the Lincoln Guild members made 100 QOV quilts for display at the Lincoln Guild Show. They currently have twelve active members in addition to others that have sewn an additional 100 quilts. These quilts have been presented to local National Guard Service Members. Many were shipped to U.S. Army Hospital, Landstahl, Germany and ICU NATO Role 3 in Afghanistan. In addition, 40 quilts were presented to Navy Vietnam Veterans, VR-21.

Click image below to view complete quilt.

Kick Off Pieced by: Sydney W.
Quilted by: Connie Talbott, Columbus, Neb.

Reds, whites and blues; quilted with ribbons and stars. Quilt top was made at York County 4-H building.
Thank You Star Pieced by: Ginny Harvey, Lincoln, Neb. QOV
Quilted by: Julia Schroeder, Neb. QOV Coordinator

As a service project, I made a quilt for a soldier. The soldier can be one that has either been in a war or is currently serving. I think anyone who wears a uniform is a hero and should be honored. The quilt is my way of thanking a soldier for keeping me safe!
Patriotic Signatures Pieced and Quilted by: Lana Mason, Burwell, Neb.
String blocks with white center for signing; quilted with loops and stars.
Scrap Happy Pieced by: Jean Barney, age 88, Lincoln, Neb. Guild
Quilted by: Kathy Baumbach, Lincoln, Neb. Guild
Hearts & Stars Pieced by: Vicky Skuodas, Lincoln, Neb. Guild
Quilted by: Kristen Harper, U.S. Army Col.-Ret., Omaha, Neb.

Multi-blue hearts set on a gold background; white star with red vest.
Home Safe Pieced by: Kataleena H.
Quilted by: Connie Dorsch, Auburn, Neb.

Red, white and blue four patches with large “Home Safe” blocks; quilted with flags and stars.
Just One Star from Moda Fabrics—Blue Pieced by: Kay Hoff, Lincoln, Neb. QOV
Quilted by: Janalee Petsch, Lincoln, Neb. Guild

Feather and triangle stitch patterns, with pieced backing. Moda Fabrics sponsored a block drive to provide QOV’s. They were planning on making 10 quilts, but received over 20,000 blocks from quilts all over the USA! Each block was signed by the piecer. The overage was donated to QOV groups across the country. Because of their generosity, Lincoln QOV made 20 Moda Star Quilts.
Just One Star from Moda Fabrics—Red Pieced by: Judy Edwards, Lincoln, Neb. Guild
Quilted by: Janalee Petsch, Lincoln, Neb. Guild

Circles with straight and feather stitching. Moda Fabrics sponsored a block drive to provide QOV’s. They were planning on making 10 quilts, but received over 20,000 blocks from quilts all over the USA! Each block was signed by the piecer. The overage was donated to QOV groups across the country. Because of their generosity, Lincoln QOV made 20 Moda Star Quilts.
American Pride Pieced by: Cheryl Kupcinski, Lincoln, Neb. QOV
Quilted by: Julia Schroeder, Neb. QOV Coordinator

Blues, reds and creams, with bubble vine quilting digital design by Wasatch Quilting.
Sharon’s Scrappy Pieced by: Sharon Minear, Neb. 2012
Quilted by: Julia Schroeder, Neb. QOV Coordinator

Red, white and blue fabrics from the scrap basket, with digital clover leaf design.
Untitled #1 2013 (60" x 71") Made by: Member’s of Omaha Quilts of Valor
Untitled #2 2013 (45" x 45") Made by: Member’s of Omaha Quilts of Valor
Untitled #3 2013 (77" x 83") Made by: Member’s of Omaha Quilts of Valor
Untitled #4 2013 (50" x 67") Made by: Member’s of Omaha Quilts of Valor