Quick Answers
Quick Answers to Some Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the measurements for the QOV?
2. Is there a color or pattern or fabric/batting requirement?
3. Should QOVS only be red, white and blue and done with patriotic fabrics?
4. Does it have to be "quilted"? Can it be tied? Can it be hand quilted?
5. Are rag quilts acceptable? They are so comfy and quick to make.
6. Does there have to be a label?
7. What should go on the label?
8. Will I get a name of the recipient to put on the label?
9. I have a quilt top that needs to be quilted. What do I do?
10. As a longarmer, how will I know when there is a quilt top to be quilted?
13. Will I hear from my recipient?
14. Are their female servicemembers who are wounded?
1. "What are the measurements for a finished QOV?"
This is the most frequently asked question.The MINIMUM finifshed size is 55"X65". Of course, you can make it bigger if you wish, but remember the longarm volunteers agree to quilt up to a twin. (72" by 90")
2. Is there a color or pattern or fabric/batting requirement?
Yes and no. There are no color or pattern requirements. If you want to play it safe, pick patriotic colored/themed fabrics. After seven years and over 45,000 QOVs awarded, we have found that the majority of recipients adore patriotic colored/themed fabrics.If you go for a nonpatriotic fabric/theme, think about this as far as being appropriate. Would you be pleased to have your son/daughter receive what you are thinking of as their very own QOV? How would a young man feel about receiving a flowery pink and purple quilt? Is a juvenile fabric appropriate for an adult warrior?
This also goes for the quality of fabrics used. I understand that quilting shop fabrics are costly while those at Walmart or JoAnnes are less expensive. But in the long run, the more expensive fabrics are going to hold up longer and better than the cheaper ones.
Batting should also be quality. We now have a program with Pellon batting which provides excellent quality at a good price.
Remember that these QOVs are intended to be our Granny Purple Heart Awards in recognition for the service, sacrifice and valor of these combat servicemembers and veterans. These quilts both comfort and heal when used.
3. Should QOVS only be red, white and blue and done with patriotic fabrics?
No. There are no shoulds with fabric selection. Just keep in mind the majority of recipients prefer patriotically colored/themed fabric. Women sometimes adore feminine styled fabrics, but many of them also choose patriotic. Be led by the spirit keeping in mind that these men and women have been touched by war.
4. Does it have to be "quilted"? Can it be tied? Can it be handquilted?
YES. it must be quilted.NO, it can not be tied.
Yes, it can be hand quilted.
Explanation.
We are truly fortunate to have volunteer longarmers who WILL do the quilting. And, the quilting really makes this QOV the outstanding quilt that your recipient merits. Tied is nice but quilting puts this lapquilt in a whole different category.
5. Are rag quilts acceptable? They are so comfy and quick to make.
Yes and No.
Rag quilts work for for those wounded who are visually impaired or blind and no longer in a hospital.
6. Does there have to be a label?
Yes.
Your recipient will want to know who made this QOV for them and its history. Please think about putting your age. I think these young kids should know what we 'grannies' can do! We sell pre-printed labels in our shop.
7. What should go on the label?
The date, where it was made, pieced by _____, quilted by whom, presented to: leave a blank space for this. You can include a dedication here if you wish.
8. Will I get a name to put on the label?
Most likely not.The only time you'll get a name is if someone submits a particular person for a QOV.
Before the presentation of the QOV, the person who is doing the awarding will put the name of the recipient on the label so be sure to leave a blank line after the "Awarded To".
9. I have a quilt top that needs to be quilted. What do I do?
Be sure you have both the top and backing ready to go before you fill out "Request Longarmer" on our homeopage www.QOVF.org. This request goes to our longarm coordinator. Every attempt will be made to match you up with someone locally.
10. As a longarmer, how will I know when there is a quilt top to be quilted?
When you have completed the "Volunteer to Longarm" form you will be added to the volunteer list, and receive monthly updates from the coordinator.
When there are top(s) that need machine quilting, our Longarm Coordinator will send out an email to the you and the topper. Just follow the instructions contained within the email. If you have questions, you can email the Longarm Coordinator directly.
11. What is the turn around time from the time the longarmer receives the top to sending it back to the quilt-topper?
One month- 30 days- is the expected turn around time from the time you receive the top to getting it back in the mail. IF there is a problem with this time table, be sure to let the Longarm Coordinator know this as well as your QOV partner.
12. How does this organization work? Is there a central collection area where the quilt tops go to then be distributed?
The long and the short of it is this: June Moore is the traffic cop who oversees this whole process. Judie Yates is the match maker who teams up a quilt-topper and longarmer. The qov starts its life with the quilt-topper and then proceeds to its longarmer. When the quilt is bound, washed, labeled and ready to ship you Request a Destination. Ellen Patton will tell you where the QOVS are to be sent. Please use tracking to be assured your qov arrives at its destination.
13. Will I hear from my recipient?
Depends. Probably not.This is not to say that they and their families are not truly grateful for their QOV. Remember that they are probably busy dealing with life altering changes which translates into just keeping their heads above water. I have discovered to my chagrin that these wounded servicemembers are not the only ones who do not send 'thank you' notes. Brides, graduates and a host of other young adults seem to have never been taught this simple social skill.
I suspect the QOV Recipient feels 'thankful' each and everytime they see/use it.
14. Are their female servicemembers who are wounded?
YES! About 10% of those who serve are women.
15. How will I know if my QOV arrived at its destination?
The only 100% way to know if your QOV has arrived at its intended destination is to use TRACKING from the carrier that you are using. If you would like to increase the likelihood that you can hear from either the chaplain and/or servicemember, please include a letter/note with your name, address, email to whomever you'd like to hear from. There is no guarantee that you will hear from either.
