Fiber Arts Guild honors veterans with quilts of valor

For more than 20 years, the Fiber Arts Guild of Socorro County has been bringing together people of all ages to share their love of weaving, quilting, knitting, spinning, crochet and other fiber arts. But for members, it’s about more than creativity—it’s also about community and giving back.

One of the guild’s most meaningful projects is creating Quilts of Valor, handmade quilts presented to veterans in recognition of their service. Veterans are nominated by the community and nominations are currently open for the 2026 quilt.

At the Epiphany Episcopal Church on October 11 at 11:30 a.m., the guild will present its most recent Quilt of Valor to Duan Medaris, co-founder of the Forget-Me-Not veterans program.

Medaris was nominated by an employee of Forget-Me-Not. Guild President Lea Graham said the quilt began in April, when she distributed the year’s official pattern – the log cabin block – and white fabric to members, who added their own blue and red fabrics. By August, each unique block had been returned, stitched together, and quilted for display at the county fair.

“It’s our way of honoring their service and wrapping them in thanks,” Graham said. “Anybody who serves our country deserves one.”

At the Socorro County Fair Quilts of Valor were on display from years prior, including one that was presented to Gilbert Apps in 2019. Another member, Charlene Bailey, created a Quilts of Valor piece for her husband, Bill Bailey, which went on to win several awards at this year’s Socorro County Fair.

The guild has also presented quilts to other local veterans, including longtime educator and community volunteer Jim Sauer of Magdalena, who received his quilt earlier this year. Going forward, Graham said the guild is encouraging community members to nominate veterans so the group can continue the tradition.

Graham also said going forward, the guild will be presenting patriotic quilts to veterans who complete their program at the Forget-Me-Not Veterans Park.

Founded in 2002, the Fiber Arts Guild now has about 55 members, ranging in age from 12 to 88, according to member Deborah Card. Meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month at Epiphany Episcopal Church in Socorro, with coffee and conversation beginning at 9:30 a.m. before the 10 a.m. business meeting.

Members showcase their projects during a lively “show and tell” session, followed by a program or class to teach new techniques. The guild also holds workshops and exhibits, including displays at the county fair.

Card said the group draws members from across Socorro County, including Magdalena and San Antonio. Men and women alike take part, and the arts represented are as diverse as the members themselves—from quilting to alpaca wool spinning and weaving.

The guild, which has members as young as 12, offers more than just an outlet for creativity. “It’s good fellowship,” Card said. “We even have a subgroup that meets on Tuesday mornings for those who like to meet weekly. They help each other with projects, go to lunch once a month, and build friendships. It’s a supportive community.”

With its mix of artistry, mentorship, and service, the Fiber Arts Guild continues to stitch together not only quilts, but connections across generations. And through Quilts of Valor, their work extends beyond craft tables and classrooms, wrapping veterans in comfort and gratitude.