Although l learned to sew when young, I didn’t really do much with it until after retiring from the Marine Corps in 2015. In 2020 I set up my machine and started with kids clothes and masks – lots and lots of masks! I took a class on making a quilt in early 2021, then made a historical dress – corset and all. Quilting is much more fun! I made three more quilts that year.
I had heard about Quilts of Valor soon after it was founded, but saw quilts awarded in 2021 and wanted to let my VFW Post and Legion Post know more. The State Coordinator, Donna, gave a presentation and awarded a quilt; the Post wanted to support more. We hosted a “sew day” where we assembled fourteen tops, and it took off from there. Now the Post provides a place for our local group to meet and sew every month, and I have become more and more involved. After quilting a few on my basic machine, I researched longarm machines and bought a stationary longarm last year and am now helping to finish quilts that our local group pieces. Being a District Coordinator allows me to support Donna and our efforts across the State of Maine.