Event - Quilts of Valour Sew Day - June 18th

Quilts of Valour Canada Sew Day

Part of Watergirl Quilt Fest — 5 Days to Stitch, Share, Shop & Smile

Date(s) and Time(s):

Thursday, June 18th, 2026        10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Description:

Join us in the Watergirl Quilt Co. classroom and sew up quilt tops that will be donated to Quilts of Valour Canada.

Read more about Quilts of Valour below at the end of this post.

Fabrics

Each participant should bring / purchase fabric to make a lap quilt. Watergirl Quilt Co have some great Quilts of Valour themed fabric panels and fabrics in stock that are great for quickly making up a quilt. Michelle can share pattern ideas with you for using panels.  You may bring a quilt top already in progress that is suitable for donation.  You may also choose to cut your fabrics before coming or during the sew day. 

Added bonus, you may purchase the fabric and thread to make your quilt for this event, the day of at 10% off.  Please note, this discount only applies to what is required for your Quilt of Valour quilt.

This is a great way to serve our communities and bring some joy and healing to others.

Quilt sizes

Quilts must must be large enough to cover an average sized adult; ideal size is appropriately 60” x 80”.  

Quilt of Valour™ Canada - Quilt Specifications

•        Fabrics should be new, high quality 100% cotton.  Do not use repurposed fabrics (eg: old shirts, blue jeans etc.)
• Choose fabrics with prints that are appropriate for a Canadian Armed Force member.
• Patterns and blocks can be of any design; however, recipients often prefer quilts that have a Canadian theme.
• Quilts must be large enough to cover an average-sized adult, with a minimum size of 55” x 70” and a maximum size of 72” X 84”.
• Quilts must have a top, batting, and backing, and must be machine quilted or hand quilted.  A tied or tufted quilt is not acceptable as a Quilt of Valour.
• Backing fabric should also be a good quality cotton fabric, and if seamed the selvage edges have been trimmed from the seam.  
• Batting should be 100% cotton or an 80/20 cotton/poly blend.  Wool, bamboo or 100% polyester batting should be avoided.
• Quilting should be appropriate for the quilt and not overly dense, which can reduce the loft of the quilt.
• Binding strips should be joined with diagonal seams. Binding should be double-fold (“French fold”), attached by machine, and finished by hand or machine.
• Please DO NOT wash the completed quilt.   We want your gift to be crisp and new.
• When your quilt is ready please contact a QOVC Representative near you who will make arrangements to pick it up and sew on an official Quilts of Valour label or return it to Watergirl Quilt Co. and we will make arrangements to deliver it.  Provide your name and the names of others who helped make the quilt so that they may all be added to the label.

Fee: $10

Your fee reserves your spot in our Quilts of Valour Sew Day.  Plus, you will receive your choice of a “Quilts of Valour” fabric panel that can be used to make a quilt with or saved for another quilt.

Finished / Unfinished Quilts

It is okay if you do not finish the quilt top during this session. It can be completed by you at home and dropped off to us for donation.  Quilts of Valour can provide the backing and batting;  Watergirl Quilt Co will make the necessary arrangements to get this from Quilt of Valour on your behalf.  We will then quilt it for free for you on our BERNINA longarm.

NOTE: You will need to come back for it to do the binding.

Pattern / Reference Material(s): 

You may use any pattern you wish.  Michelle will be able to provide suggestions.  Watergirl Quilt Co also carries many books and patterns that use panels.

The QOV Canada website has a tab for “Resources”.  Under this tab, you may find block and pattern inspirations; click here to view this page.  

Fabric / Notions Requirement:

The amount of quilted fabric / pieces required will be determined which pattern you decide to make.  Even though you will receive a QOV fabric panel of your choice, you will still need fabric to go with the panel or for whichever quilt you wish to make.

Required Sewing and Quilting supplies:

Bring your regular sewing supplies, such as:

-        Thread

-        Scissors / snips

-        Pins; Clover fine pins are recommended

-       Marking pens; Frixion pens and white chalk pen

-       28 mm rotary cutter and replacement blades.    This is a good time to start with a fresh blade

 Sewing Machine (what to bring):

-        your machine (all brands welcome)

-        user guide / manual; it is always good to bring in case you run into any problems

-        feet

-        walking foot (optional)

Machine Rentals:

Don’t feel like bringing your machine with you?  Rental machines are available (limited quantities).  Please contact the store directly to confirm current pricing and make arrangements.

In our classroom at Watergirl Quilt Co.

You will be able to enjoy the use of our:

·        workstation tables; sit / stand, raise & lower mechanical

·        chairs    NOTE: for added comfort, bring a seat cushion

·        cutting mat at your work station

·        cutting mats on large table

·        2 - 3 irons and ironing boards

Complimentary

Coffee and tea will be available in our kitchenette.  Please bring a travel mug or sealed cup to avoid any spillage.  Tap water in our classroom is drinkable.

Lunch

Bring your own lunch / snacks to eat at your workstation.   NOTE: our fridge space is limited, so we suggest you make use of a thermal lunch bag.

Allergy alerts

Customers suffer from various allergies and medical conditions.  To help avoid any incidents, we request you do not bring or wear the following:     

·        Peanuts

·        Seafood

·        Perfumes / scented products

Cancellation of Classes or Retreats 

Please refer to Refund policy – Watergirl Quilt Co.

Quilts of Valour - Canada Society

Quilts of Valour - Canada Society is a registered charity. Donations from generous sponsors and individuals are the sole source of income for the organization. There are no paid positions. All directors, officers, and representatives are volunteers who donate their time and talents to provide a valuable service to Canada's injured CAF veterans and members past and present. Quilts of Valour - Canada Society provides quilts of comfort all across the nation.

Quilts of Valour Goal

Their goal is to reach as many injured CAF veterans and members as possible with hand crafted quality quilts personalized for each recipient. The Quilts of Valour expenses are primarily in three areas, obtaining quilting materials, shipping costs to send quilts to all parts of Canada and a modest investment in promotional materials to raise awareness and support.

Mission Statement - Quilts of Valour (QOV) Canada

“Our mission is to ensure that injured Canadian Forces members are recognized for their service and commitment to our country. We give this support through the presentation of quilts to comfort our injured past and present Canadian Forces members.”

In the beginning …

Quilts of Valour began in 2006 when a local Edmonton Quilter presented quilts to three Canadian Armed Forces members who were recovering in hospital from injuries they received in Afghanistan.  It was her way of saying “Thank You" and giving some comfort to these military members. These gifts were the catalyst of the birth of Quilts of Valour.

Each presented quilt is labelled and numbered; includes information such as the recipient’s name, who made (group or piecer – quilter - binder, city= provincial, date of presentation

More about Quilts of Valour

If you wish to find out more about Quilts of Valour Canada, please visit their website at

https://www.quiltsofvalour.ca/

Quilts of Valour Canada quilt requirements

The Quilt of Valour must meet specific requirements to be awarded. Here are the key requirements:

Fabric: Use high quality 100% cotton quilt weight fabric.  While quilts do not have to red, white and blue; patriotic colours are preferred.  Avoid floral fabrics, unless the recipient is known in advance.

Size:  The quilt must be large enough to cover an average sized adult; with an ideal size approximately 60” x 80”.  Finished size can be no smaller than 55” x 65” and no larger than 72” x 90”.

Construction: The quilt must consist of a top, batting and backing.  It must be machine or hand quilted.  Tied quilts are not acceptable.  Use quality, low loft batting and binding strips – joined with diagonal seams.

Labeling: A quilt must be labeled as a Quilt of Valour to be awarded.  This includes the name of the recipient, piecer, quilter, binder, city and province of residence if desired date and location of award and simple washing instructions.

Personalization: Use permanent fabric pen when personalizing.  Include the recipient’s name, names of piecer, quilter, binder, city and province of residence if desired date and location of.  Religious or political messages are not allowed.

For more detailed information on Quilts of Valour Canada; including how to make a quilt, click here to visit their website.