Quilts of Valor Panel Pattern

A couple of weeks ago, I was asked to present a program on LongArm rulers and templates to a local HandiQuilter Guild.  I had a great day sharing my ideas and techniques with some wonderful quilters.

Each of the ladies brought me a donation of fabric to use for Quilts of Valor. Some of the fabric went to Kevin The Quilter to use for backings for the block drive quilts. The rest I used to piece this top. Unfortunately I ran out of time to quilt it, but fortunately, my local QofV group, "Eastern Missouri Quilts of Valor" are hand quilters!  So they will receive the top for quilting.

I started with the panel I received and 3 coordinating fabrics.
              Red - 2 yds
              Blue - 1 1/2 yds
              White - 2 yds (enough for binding also)

There were 15 squares in the panel and I needed 20 to get the size required, minimum 60x70. So off to one of my favorite quilt shops Osewpersonal in O'Fallon Missouri to buy another panel!

Each of the squares in the panel measured 6 3/4" square.  I always try to round up my squares into 1/2" increments.  Just makes life easier.  6 3/4" + 1/4" = 7" + 1/2" (seam allowance). I cut the squares at 

7 1/2" x 7 1/2".   

Next I cut my strips at 2 1/2". This makes it easy to figure strip lengths or to use a Jelly Roll. Cut 20 pieces for each size listed below.  I cut my largest lengths first, I find it waste less fabric.

F - 7 1/2" White 

E - 9 1/2" White and Red

D - 11 1/2" White and Red

C - 13 1/2" White and Red

B - 15 1/2" Red  and Blue

A - 17 1/2" Blue

Here's my strips all laid out and ready to chain piece.

Piecing is just like a half log cabin,  Piece the white and red sides first.    

Add the blue strips last.

My finished top!

A better picture of just the top half.

It's now ready to give to the Eastern Missouri Quilts of Valor quilters to hand quilt, then off to a deserving Veteran!

Happy Quilting!

Ann

Quilts of Valor Presentation at Perky Piecers

As most of you know, my friend Kevin the Quilter had a block drive last year for Quilts of Valor. Almost 6,000 blocks were donated from all over the US and even a few other countries!  My local quilt guild, Perky Piecers, had the privilege of being one of the groups helping sew the blocks into tops.  A couple of marathon sewing days, help from some very talented long arm quilters, and we were ready to present a few of the quilts to 4 of our local veterans.

Kevin did the presentation.  After Kevin gave an explanation of the meaning of Quilts of Valor, each Veteran was called forward individually to receive his quilt. The quilt was wrapped around his shoulders and he was thanked for his service to our country. If you have never been to a presentation, find a way to get to one!  It is one of the most moving presentations you will see, especially if Kevin is doing the it. Quite a few eyes were not too dry this day.

We had the honor of presenting to one WWII veteran, and three Vietnam Veterans.  I have the privilege of personally knowing two of these men.  To respect their privacy, no names.  Our WWII veteran has 17, (yep, I said 17!) medals, including 2 purple hearts.  One of our Vietnam Veterans was Special Forces, one a Marine.  All of our veterans gave part of their lives to defend our country and we owe them so much.  This is one way, we as quilters are able to show our appreciation and I am very proud of my guild for their participation!

Kevin starts the presentations.

Our first Vietnam Veteran.

Our second Vietnam Veteran.

Our third Vietnam Veteran.

Our WWII Veteran

 

Our Veterans with their Quilts of Valor!

I am so proud to be allowed to be part of their day!

Happy Quilting!

Ann