Over the course of the 2017-18 school year, 8th graders at Belleville Middle School have been working on their “Quilts of Valor”, a program where citizens handcraft quilts that will then be given to Veterans as a sign of respect and gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Working in partnership with Patches and Petals in Belleville to create their quilts, which will be presented to three veterans on May 24th in a ceremony at Belleville High School.

Below three 8th graders, Callie Smith, Ava Foley and Mickey Stampf, wrote a small reflection on the quilt making process and what is has taught them.

Quilts of Valor: A Journey of Honor and Pride

The Quilts of Valor journey began in November. We found ourselves wondering, how can something so small mean so much to not just us, but to the vets being honored?  As it turns out, the journey taught us how to think about other people and not just ourselves.  We realized that we could take a piece of fabric and make it into a symbol of teamwork, determination, and honor.

At first we were super skeptical….we messed up a lot!  

Ripping and sewing and ripping and sewing.  Even though we made lots of mistakes and got discouraged often, we pulled it together and focused on the goal.  It was difficult for us to accept that it was ok to make mistakes because we wanted the quilts to be absolutely perfect for our veterans.

From every piece of fabric sewn, to another strip made, to the last block completed, it led us to the end product: a quilt.  Ironing, creasing out impurities, was like the precision in which bakers apply icing on the cake for that look of perfection. Every little detail was just as important as the next in order for the final product to be perfect.

We feel honored to inform people and send a powerful message about everything these veterans have done for us.

It wasn’t just all blood sweat and tears, but comfort, triumph and joy from the second we walked into Patches and Petals in Belleville, Wisconsin.

Favorite Memories

Entering Patches and Petals

Gavin’s first thought was, “Has my grandma ever been here?”

Madi, “I think it will make the Veteran’s realize that we are thankful for everything that they’ve done and it will make other people get a better understanding what they’ve done for us.”

Finally, when we left Patches and Petals for the last time with pricked fingers, cuts, and squinty eyes, we had the feeling of accomplishment and pride.  Little did we know the last piece of fabric to be sewn would not be by the hands of Lynn Alme, the owner of Patches and Petals. Instead, those last few stitches were sewn by those who will carry her vision of this project forward.