Have you heard of Quilts of Valor before?
Maybe you've even made a quilt and donated it?
My quilt guild, Free Spirit Quilt Guild (FSQG) got involved with our local QOV chapter in 2017. Each year we do some kind of community service project and QOV was that year's choice, we were so inspired by the project that we have our own chapter now and it is going strong!
I was all excited to participate last year because many of my family members/friends have served in the military, including my grandpa, Joseph Washick, who served in WWII in the army. I even submitted a veteran's name (my friend, Ruth's husband, Pat, who served in Vietnam). Pat was one of the first group of quilt recipients that my guild participated in.
Being all gung ho about QOV, I immediately began my first QOV quilt to donate. Then I got sick last year, had multiple surgeries, and struggled with complications for the next 12 months. ARGH! I went into what I call "emergency quilting" mode, which basically meant that I only quilted when I had to (had a quilt with a deadline).
I am thrilled to say that I am finally on the homestretch to finishing my QOV from last year. I just need to hand-sew little bit more binding.
Recently, I had an amazing experience with my QOV. The Moving Wall was set up in the park in my local town. I had the brilliant idea to take my quilt with me to see The Moving Wall. I asked permission to photograph my quilt with The Wall. Two very kind veteran volunteers helped me, I wish I would have thought to get their names.
Here are the directions to make my Triple Rail Fence quilt for QOV.
Maybe you'll make one and donate it to your local QOV chapter.
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Patriotic Rail Fence Quilt
By Tricia Maloney
63" x 81"
SHOPPING LIST
1 7/8 yard Red Fabric
1 7/8 yard White Fabric
1 7/8 yard Blue Fabric
5/8 yard fabric for binding
Twin-sized batting
5 yards fabric for backing
**You can totally use your stash for this quilt, just use an assortment of reds, whites, and blues.**
CUTTING
Red Fabric: Cut 72 rectangles 3 1/2" x 9 1/2"
Light Fabric: Cut 72 rectangles 3 1/2" x 9 1/2"
Blue Fabric: Cut 72 rectangles 3 1/2" x 9 1/2"
Binding Fabric: Cut 8 strips 2 1/2" x the width of fabric (WOF)
MAKING THE BLOCKS
1. Sew a blue, a white, and a red 3 1/2" x 9 1/2" rectangle together into a Rail Fence block. Make 72 blocks. The blocks will be 9 1/2" x 9 1/2" (unfinished).
MAKING THE QUILT
2. Sew 7 blocks together, turning every other block as shown. Make 5 rows (Row 1).
3. Sew 7 blocks together, turning every other block as shown. Make 4 rows (Row 2).
4. Sew the rows together, alternating placement (Row 1, Row 2, Row 1, Row 2, Row 1, Row 2, Row 1, Row 2, Row 1).
5. Layer your quilt top with your batting and backing. Quilt the layers together. Bind your quilt.
6. Give your quilt to a Veteran!
Please feel free to share this pattern with your Quilt Guild or sewing group.
It goes together fast, is a great size for a QOV quilt, and is suitable for a beginner.
I've been involved in our chapter of Quilts of Valor since the 2nd meeting, back in 2008. I try to make several different quilt tops each year (we have long arm quilters who do the quilting).
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome, Cheryl! If every quilter made one quilt, just think of the number of Veterans who would be presented with a QOV quilt.
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