Patriot quilters offer more than a stitch in time

ASHEBORO — It was spring camp for the Patriot Quilters of Randolph County. During the week of April 27-May 2, they sewed quilts from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

The group is the local affiliate of Quilts of Valor, a national organization that makes special quilts for veterans of the US Armed Forces. Catherine Roberts of Delaware started making quilts when her son Nat was deployed in Iraq in 2003.

According to information with the Quilts of Valor Foundation, the mission is to “cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.”

Jodi Haskell, local QOV group leader, said she was in Idaho with her ailing parents when she learned of the organization. She joined the local group and got started.

Three years ago, after she returned to Asheboro, the Randolph County Honor Guard, which conducts military honors at funerals of veterans, told her they wanted 72 quilts for their members.

“I couldn’t do all those myself,” she said. “We started out with five (members). Now there are 28, including five men.”

That was three years ago and the local group has given away 417 quilts to veterans with 49 more on the waiting list.

And they’re looking for more, seeking nominations for any honorably discharged veteran.

The Patriot Quilters of Randolph County meet every Thursday on the second floor of the Randolph Senior Adults Association at 347 W. Salisbury St., Asheboro. Most of the quilters bring their own sewing machines.

Haskell said a certified mechanic cleans and maintains their machines at discount rates. Since they use 100 percent cotton, the sewing machines collect plenty of dust which needs to be cleaned.

Creating 60-by-80-inch quilts for dozens of veterans doesn’t come cheap, even with volunteer labor. Haskell said they’ve estimated that one of their quilts would retail for between $450 and $500.

“We get funds from civic groups and donations,” Haskell said. “The Veterans Coalition gave us a large donation.”

Still, there’s no charge for the veterans receiving the quilts.

“The time and energy are donated and some of the quilters bring fabric,” Haskell said. “The average age is 72.”

Lisa King, who was double-checking some seams, said she’s been with Quilts of Valor for two years. “I saw an article in the Hub about them,” she said. “Neva Newby was in my church and she invited me” to be part of the group.

“I’ve been quilting for probably 30 years,” King said. “My grandmothers taught me how to sew and both of them were quilters.”

Asked what she enjoys most about QOV, King said, “It’s the smiles on the faces of veterans that really gets to me.”

But that’s not all that keeps her coming every week. “Every Thursday we’re here to sew. We just visit and talk and have a lot of fun. Friendships have been built.”

Bill Newby was sitting with his wife Neva and he was asked how he became involved with QOV. Neva spoke first, saying, “He finds veterans for us.”

Bill agreed with his wife, saying, “I’m a veteran. I decided when I saw what they’re doing, ‘I can do that,’ and I volunteered. 

“Recruiting is my best thing. I’ll see (a veteran) and ask if they want a quilt. They do a great job. I’m happy to be involved.

“The community doesn’t understand how much time is involved in making the quilts.”

If you’re a veteran and know of one, you can fill out a nomination form with Patriot Quilters of Randolph County. Jodi Haskell has the forms. She can be contacted at 336-628-2057 or joyfullady3js@ aol.com. There is a wait of about three months from nomination to a quilt award ceremony.