It seems to me that both QOV and charity quilts are gifts expressing love - where they differ is that QOV quilts are also given to honor and thank, whereas charity quilts not so much.

I agree wholeheartedly. What about the old addage, "Charity begins at home". Is that insulting? When I see someone saying they made a "charity" quilt I am immediately impressed that they made time from their life to give to someone they don't know but wants them to enjoy what God has given us so generously (our talent of sewing). I don't care whether its Quilts of Valor, or Quilts for Kids, or Linus, or any other "charities" they all deserve our thanks in any way we are able to give it. Be it sewing or money.

i'm not sure where is says QOV US quilts must be longarmed. i've sent quilts that i completed start to binding finish - and i don't have a longarm. did my quilt not get to a soldier?

so quilts given to hospice care aren't done in honor of the older generation and to thank them for being a valued member of society?

it does have to do with durability also...most hand quilted quilts are kind of considered heirlooms, not meant to be used and abused and thrown in the washer & dryer...the quilts these service people receive get used! so the concensus is machine piece and quilt them so they will hold up. not that hand quilting doesn't hold up but that it will get abused more than it should. (the recipient may be reluctant to accept the quilt if they think it has to be protected and gently used)
as for the quality of fabric.... there are plenty of people who go find the $1 a yard 'stuff' to make quilts they are going to donate to different places, they seem to feel that if they are giving it away they should not put alot into it.
and there are plenty of people who just do not know any difference in fabric quality. then there are those who mean well and want to do something but simply can not afford more expensive fabrics...
all of that taken into consideration....you can 'shop' at thrift stores, buy good quality 100% cotton clothes in a vast color/print selection, cut the clothes up and make nice quilts with quality fabric alot cheaper than buying yardage. there are lots of ways to save without settling for less quality. i tend to be opposite from alot...when i am making a donation quilt i use the most expensive everything i can afford. even expensive batts....if i am going to cut any corners it's going to be on one of the kids play quilts that take a beating then get replaced when it's time. since i've been sewing for over 40+ years i can easily tell by touch if it's something worthy of my attention. if it's not, i don't waste any money on it...$1 a yard is not a good deal if the fabric is garbage. it is only a good deal if it is good quality.

The QoVF website does specify new fabric and good quality 100% cotton. Being on the receiving end of quilts for children, sadly, yes, there are quilts that have been made or handed down that give the impression of just being a give-away. Coordinating receipt of donations for charity (fire victims, abused children), the "gifts" are sometimes worn out items that the owner has had their use of, and no longer want. What makes them think anyone else would want the used, worn out item!
I have read in the newsletter where a longarmer quit because of the lack of quality of the tops (seams coming apart, sewn so off-square or puckered that she really couldn't quilt it, fabric very thin or worn). I also often hear someone say they have gotten a new machine and will practice their quilting on the donated quilt. It may be their best effort, but the quilting may not appear so.
The main thing is that the quilts we make come from the heart. Machine quilted, hand quilted - it is within an association's mandate to specify a quality level and trust we will strive to reach it. Insulting as it may seem to us who always put our best efforts into thing, some people need to be reminded.

Thank you MagicGadget for all your insight and info! And a warm welcome to the board! (karren)

I did not think you were implying that charity quilts weren't well made.
I believed your statement to mean you did not want Quilts of Valor to be considered works of charity.

[quote=Cat18]"Hi All!
Kudos to everyone who pieces and long-arms Quilts of Valor for our service members.
Let's remember -- They are not charity quilts. These quilts are to recognize service to our country and acknowledge the sacrifices of our service people. As a quilter and citizen, I am honored to use my best fabrics and skills for these quilts.[/quote" Posted earlier by Cat 18

Your point is quite clearly stated. It's sad that a thoughtful statement, such as yours, will draw hostile comments. A thought worth remembering when responding to statements and questions posted on this forum: Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

I'm just now seeing this thread so I haven't read through all of the responses.

I personally don't like the term "charity quilt" so I prefer to refer to them as "Comfort Quilts". :)