Victor woman creates Quilts of Valor

VICTOR — Jane Bazyn of Victor is on a special mission.

For the last seven or eight years, Bazyn, who has been quilting for 35 years, has been making Quilts of Valor for area veterans.

To date, she has made and honored veterans with about 170 quilts. She does most of the work herself using a long-arm quilting machine.

“People from the area will donate quilts and fabric,” Bazyn said.

It all started through a quilting group in Belle Plaine. Every year, the quilting group makes quilts as a community service project.

“I told the girls that everyone in the Victor American Legion is going to get a quilt,” she said.

That led Bazyn to branch out on her own and start making Quilts of Valor for veterans.

Bazyn has also made quilts for veterans in Brooklyn, Malcom, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and for family members in various other states.

“My husband and I and our daughter and her husband travel to Alaska about every other year,” said Bazyn. “On this last trip, I gave a Quilt of Valor to a Coast Guard veteran who was our fishing guide. I heard he was retiring, and I made one and took it to him the following year.”

On Dec. 2, Bazyn and long-time helper Judy Wacha, will be awarding a dozen or so Quilts of Valor to the remaining veterans in the Malcom American Legion. She honored seven veterans in Malcom in early September with Quilts of Valor.

Bazyn said it takes about a week to make a quilt. It can take longer, depending on the pattern.

“I usually pick a pattern that I know I can do in a week,” she said.

Quilts of Valor guidelines

A Quilt of Valor does not have to be red, white and blue, but patriotic colors are very popular with recipients.

Recommended quilt size is 60 inches by 80 inches. The minimum size is 55 by 65 inches, and the maximum size is 72 inches by 90 inches.

The quilt consists of a top, batting and backing. It must be machine or hand quilted.

The label must state that the quilt is a Quilt of Valor in order that it be awarded as a Quilt of Valor and recorded as such.

The label must include the name of the recipient, names of quilters, city and state of residence if desired, and date and location of award. First and last names may be used.

The label may also include simple washing instructions of cold water and mild detergent.

Religious or political messages may not be included on the label.

A thank-you note, card or letter to the recipient may be included. A journal with information about how the quilt was made, maker’s thoughts and other information be included.

Each quilt is considered a singular, personal award presented to an individual service member or veteran who has been touched by war.

Bazyn takes the quilt project an extra step. She not only makes the quilts but presents them to the veterans herself.

“It is just the best thing a person can do,” said Bazyn. “Presenting a Quilt of Valor is a great experience and is heartwarming.”