Example of color catchers continuing to work on one "running" quilt - from right to left as they came out of the wash.
Community Service
Our Mission: to cover Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.
This is the second year of supporting our Veterans with QOV and to represent Foothill Quilters Guild, Sharon Rizatto has officially joined the QOV foundation. She is linked up with the local area group and will be acting as the FQG liaison. She would love to have a couple of helpers!
Quilt Standards (from QOV website)
- A Quilt of Valor does not have to be red, white, and blue, but patriotic colors are very popular with recipients. Panels can provide a great focal point and bring in other colors. Think creatively with the recipient in mind.
- Recommended size: is 60" x 80"; minimum: 55" x 65"; maximum: 72" x 90".
- Use quality, adult-appropriate, 100% cotton, quilt-weight fabrics. Avoid juvenile prints and branch-specific fabric unless the recipient is known in advance, as this creates difficulty in identifying a recipient.
- The Quilt consists of a top, batting, and backing. It must be machine or hand quilted. A tied quilt is not acceptable for a Quilt of Valor.
- Wash the quilt once completed so it is soft and so that any potential fabric dye bleeding issues are resolved. Use cold water, mild detergent, and unscented products. A color catcher will capture fabric dyes in the washer.
- A presentation pillowcase is optional unless sending overseas. (preferred for FQG)
Who is eligible for a QOV? (from QOV website)
- Active duty, National Guard and Reservist members of the United States armed forces, being the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard.
- Served during declared war, conflicts, police actions, peacekeeping missions, and counter terrorism operations and/or times of peace.
- Service during, but not necessarily limited to, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Beirut, Granada, Bosnia, the Cold War, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Iraq, Afghanistan, anti-terrorism operations, and terrorism attacks against Armed Forces personnel is included.
- Only veterans with an Honorable or General Discharge status are eligible.
- QOVF does not award QOVs posthumously
Prewash
It is recommended that you prewash your material with Color Catchers prior to assembly. Last year we had 2 quilts bleed, both were saved! Additionally, it is a requirement that the completed quilted it is washed with color catchers prior to presentation.
Color catchers – wash cold water with color catchers, Do NOT dry if the color catchers are saturated.
Repeat until color catchers are clean, examine quilt for running if running is present:
Blue Dawn -- Soak in warm water with generous amounts of
Blue Dawn, rub directly on to area and squirt in tub.
Let sit 12 hours, rinse with water, repeat if needed.
Who can get a quilt?
Can I make a quilt designated for a particular Veteran? Yes! Reach out to your family member or friend and ask them if they would agree to be nominated for a QOV. A QOV is never given as a surprise. While most service members are delighted to be nominated, occasionally, they are not comfortable with the nomination and may refuse. When you are near completion of the quilt, work with the Veteran to enter their information into the QOV website. This will include specifics of their career.
What if I do not have a specific Veteran? QOV nominations come in from a variety of Veterans Organizations and community members. We always need donated quilts!
Other Information
Labels- A QOV label will be provided to all makers. Use a thin sharpie to complete information as able. Iron label to set the ink. Please make a fabric frame around the label and apply to the Quilt.
2027 Project for FQG - Timeline:
- Completed Quilt to be ready for the March 2027 FQG meeting, show ribbons will be awarded at that time. (ribbons are retained by FQG until the show)
- Quilts are returned to makers
- Maker enters quilts into the May FQG show.
- Ribbons will be hung on quilts and are released to the maker after show.
- At the end of the Show- quilts are picked up by QOV representative.
How can FQG help? We would like to help as many quilters in the guild as possible with the funding available. This is currently a supplemental program. Think “OR”. Develop your own creation with materials from your stash or purchased materials.
We will be able to offer:
- Patterns
- Labels are available for every maker
And Limited supplies of :
- Panels (OR)
- Kits (OR)
- Wide back material
Upon completion, please return patterns and any usable left-over materials to FQG QOV representative.
Please contact Sharon for any questions, Thank your supporting our Veterans,
Sharon Rizzato, sdizzyrizzy@gmail.com
Quilts of Valor
Placemats
Placemats can be made with strips, orphan blocks, scraps, or any pattern you'd like. Be creative! They generally measure about 12"x18", include batting, and are turned pillow-style rather than bound.
Placemats are given to retirement homes and Meals on Wheels.
Quilts
We make quilts of all sizes, for both children and adults and generally give them to local nonprofit groups for distribution. We make kits for members who would like to piece, quilt, and/or bind a quilt - all help is needed.
Pillowcases
Most of our pillowcases are made for children in hospitals such as UCDavis and Shriners.
Pillowcases take 3 fabrics, one each for the body, the cuff, and the accent strip. We have a pattern for pillowcases, which may be finished with a serger or French seams.
The Foothill Quilters Guild is deeply committed to giving back to the community. One or two general meetings a year are dedicated to working on community service projects; and throughout the year the Community Service committee hosts Activity Days to make various-sized quilts and other projects that are donated to local entities. Different projects are scheduled depending upon the greatest need at the time, and from time to time we get requests for specific items that we try to accommodate when we can.
Example of a quilt with color "bleeding" problems. It's not supposed to be pink.