Over time, I’ve come to realize that making quilts for veterans is most gratifying when it’s something we do together.
There is something special about sitting alongside other quilters, sharing fabrics and ideas, piecing with a common purpose, and knowing that the finished quilts will become part of a larger effort to honor those who have served our country. The camaraderie makes the work more enjoyable, and the shared commitment makes the impact feel even greater.
This year, I’ve made and donated 18 quilts for veterans. Four of them used string blocks created at a May workshop. Two other quilts were made using 12 donated blocks. Unfortunately, there wasn’t help to piece the 18 tops, quilt all 18 and bind 17 of them.
This year, I learned an incredibly important lesson – that trying to carry a project like this largely on my own can eventually take the joy out of it. What began with enthusiasm morphed into an obligation, and that’s not how I want quilting—or thanking veterans for their service—to feel.
It’s one thing to talk the talk – but another to walk the walk.
Words are easy: Organizations can make promises, share intentions, and create impressive mission statements.
Behavior reveals the truth: Consistent actions over time reveals what an organization values, their priorites, and it’s integrity.
I’ve recently been disappointed by a situation involving a letter of appreciation that our group voted in July to send. I haven’t sought to confirm it but, as far as I know, it was never sent. That’s discouraging. It’s also a little embarrassing to continue to ask our community partner for help making deliveries when we’ve never, as an organization, shown that we value or have appreciated the help. A letter may seem like a small thing but it’s deeply symbolic – values, integrity, priorities.
Huggables project donations delivered to first responders by our community partner.
I share these thoughts not to assign blame but, to explain to my friends why yesterday, I chose to pass along my patriotic fabric to a group with an active Quilts of Valor program. I’m sure next month I’ll take another large bag. They have a team of quilters who work together to make and present quilts to veterans. I’m happy knowing that these fabrics will continue their journey toward that purpose.
The best way to keep something meaningful going is to recognize when the actions that happen when no one is watching – match what’s said into a microphone.
