Quilts of Valor Potential Problem
 

On another forum I am on, someone posted that veteran's do not want and will not use a quilt that has the American flag image on it as they feel it is against flag protocol.

I am in the process of making a QOV and have already cut 4 yards of flag fabric for my sashings, binding and back. The blocks are the standard red, white and blue. The fabric was not cheap and I'd hate to have to toss it (I am not a fan of patriotic quilts, so I wouldn't ever use it in another project.)

I am in a quandary here. To use or not use the flag fabric. I've seen other quilts with flag fabrics, but am not sure they are QOV quilts. Are there any QOV coordinators here? Is flag fabric allowed? Comments? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

You might start by reading up on exactly what flag protocol dictates proper use of a flag should and should not be.

https://www.usa.gov/flag
http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html
https://www.legion.org/flag/code


In addition to violating flag protocol, many veterans are uncomfortable with flag quilts because flags are draped over coffins of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

I think as long as you make a quilt with blocks, if doesn't look like a flag you're fine.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]614344[/ATTACH]This is the fabric. The sashing would work out to be 2" surrounding all four sides of the blocks. The actual blocks themselves are 10 inches (finished) and are red, white and blue (no flag fabrics in the blocks, just the sashing). I have decided to not use the fabric as a backing and will bind in the red fabric. Now to figure out what to do about the sashing.

Ok I see now what you're saying.

I think what the other forum was trying to get across is to not make quilts that actually look like an entire American flag. Using fabric that has flag print is fine, especially if it's cut up small enough. You can see plenty of lovely examples by entering "QOV quilts" in your chosen search engine, then click "images".

By the way, I just checked the QOV website and there are no rules against using flag-themed fabric.

https://www.qovf.org/quilters-questi...-requirements/

Thanks Peckish. I just sent the local QOV coordinator the photo and she said "absolutely not going to be a problem" using this fabric. The QOV people don't want quilts that actually look like the flag (I've seen flag quilts made from apple core blocks, and others made with precuts) as this is a direct violation of flag protocol and would be offensive to service members and vets.

Thank you again!

I think the fabric in question is fine.

No matter what we do there is a chance someone will not appreciate something. As the daughter of a Vet (sister, niece, etc., etc.) I don't think there is a problem with flag images on fabric. Or the use of stars and stripes, either as a print or a design element. All such things have been on novelty fabrics since at least the civil war. While I myself wouldn't use one, I wouldn't think most people would have no problems with a flag applique/embroidery like you'd have on a shirt or a pin either.

But no actually cutting up a flag or using one for a back, even a print 100% cotton one.

And there are some veterans who aren't necessarily feeling all rah-rah red, white and blue but that's a different issue.

thank you! I was sweating this too.

Consider the source. Just because someone posted the information doesn't mean it is true for everyone. It is impossible to always predict personal preferences when we gift a quilt. Your intentions are good and come from the heart.

Glad you were able to get a reasonable response about the fabric. It's pretty!

Yes, I'm all for giving veterans a quilt but am turned off by all the rah-rah red, white and blue too. I sometimes wonder how many of them just put such an over the top quilt in the closet rather than use it.

I think the idea of QoV is wonderful, but am also wondering if they are actually used.

Another group had a thread re the local VA taking QoV's, but putting them in a closet rather than having a veteran use them! It seems they do not want to be responsible for damage done in washing (which I guess makes sense if they are using large, industrial machines?) so instead, they just put them away. There's a storage area full of them.

So sad!

true of any group effort I think. the nursing home my mother was in had a bathroom sized closet stuffed to the top with quilts and afghans. They can only use so many of anything, and staff also has to remember to offer them to residents which doesn't happen very often.

The local police/fire have a storage unit full of teddy bears for kids in peril or whatever, I've been told by two cops no one ever thinks to go get some.

I had several customers who quilted for charity who couldn't get through their house because of the donated fabric, they just couldn't say no to free..

Our animal shelter when I worked there for four years had stacks of crochet/knitted cat blankets. all way too small to be of any use, and now the cats are kept in open rooms and don't use them anyway, yet people still bring them. Also the crumb dog beds, totally useless for shelter dogs.

Someone here posted a few days ago they are in charge of hauling off fabric donated to guilds. All meant in good hearts, but people just don't stop to think when enough is too much.

I guess this might be meta discussion or off topic but a subject that just doesn't get much conversation, no one wants to hear it.

I have often wondered if all the RWB quilts are just a bit too much for the recipients. Depending on the individual, it could be a "trigger" for stress. I know that others would be honored to have this warm reminder of their service. Why not a beautiful quilt effort with a label that indicates the rationale for giving the quilt to the vet? I have also seen some stunningly lovely quilts that are RWB but not with an your face military service focus. Sensitivity should be part of our efforts to honor those we admire and the service they have given to our countries. (Canada also does QoV. and there may be other countries too.)

Also consider, men are generally warmer than women, do they get cold enough to want a quilt? My second hubby is from Hawaii and is a chilly willy like me. My first hubby was a furnace and constantly kicked off all covering beyond a sheet. Many appreciate the gesture, whether they actually use the quilt or not. As for nursing homes, police/fire department and shelters, as always, best to ask first.

Go to this website, lots of great informations for you. www.qovf.org

My father is 98, WWII vet, Korean War Vet, my brother and husband are also vets. They all have asked me to make quilts for them that reflect the things they enjoy doing now, or something fun looking, not veterans quilts. They also suggested something small to put on their legs while watching TV. My dad said he'd like something with the great grandkids photo's on it and that is exactly what he got.

Thanks for all your responses. I am going ahead with the flag fabric after hearing back from the local QOV coordinator. The QOV chapter that we belong to (the guild) follows the QOV national's guidelines. They do not want floral quilts or novelty quilts only "patriotic" quilts. Thanks again for everyone's input!

I would go get them back and give to individuals not to a place to distribute. The QOV chapter I belong to gives them to the veteran in a ceremony. Never given to a place to be handed out.