This article was updated Nov. 7.

Sewing has been a part of my life since I was 10 years old. I have fond memories of the hum of the old Singer treadle machine and the little patterns I cut out and sewed for my Barbie dolls.

Over the ensuing years, sewing clothing, Halloween costumes, and many curtains and drapes and mending clothes for family and friends became a joy and a necessity as our military family moved every few years within the states and Europe.

Then, about 25 years ago, I was given hand-appliquéd fabric squares designed and stitched by my husband’s grandmother. The colorful and thought-out squares each depicted a time in her life, culminating to 10 beautiful works of art and fond memories. 

I envisioned assembling the squares into a quilt, creating a legacy of wonderful memories, dedication to a life well lived, providing warmth and love. My quilt journey had begun, and it soon introduced me to a wonderful organization called Quilts of Valor (QoV).

The mission of QoV is to cover servicemembers and veterans touched by war with “comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.” The organization has chapters throughout the U.S.

More information about QoV, including eligibility and nominating details, FAQs, and the organization’s monthly newsletter, is available at the QOV website.