Quilts of Love

Handmade Quilts

A Quilt of Love consists of nine quilt squares created by donor and recipient families, representing the circle of donation. These quilts are displayed at LifeNet Health facilities, as well as donor family events and programs, serving as tributes to those who have given the ultimate gift. They are also used in public and professional education programs as a reminder of the impact of donation. To view your loved one’s quilt, select the year it was made at the bottom of this page. Once nine completed squares are received, our dedicated volunteers carefully assemble them into a quilt.

To request a quilt square, fill out the Contact Us form and choose “I would like a quilt square sent to me” from the dropdown menu. Include your loved one’s name in the “How Can We Help?” box, and a blank quilt square and instructions will be mailed to you. Ensure your current address is entered in the form.

Please note that only the legal next of kin can make this request.

Families who submit a quilt square are also welcome to share a tribute to their loved one, along with the story behind the design. To do so, use the Contact Us form and in the “How Can We Help?” box, type:
•    Your loved one’s name 
•    The year the quilt was made
•    Your tribute

How to Make a Quilt Square

Donor family members often ask, “How do I get started?” The first step is to think about what you want to share about your loved one. Inspiration might come from:

•    Hobbies, sports, or passions
•    A favorite photo or memory
•    An article of clothing or t shirt
•    A drawing, poem, or spiritual message
•    A page from the In Celebration and Remembrance book, your Tribute Album, scrapbook or photo album
•    Special relationships with family members

You can use various techniques, such as: 
•    Iron-on photo transfers
•    Permanent markers, fabric paints or embroidery
•    Fabric, badges, or mementos securely attached to the square***
•    Or a combination of the above! If needed, as a friend for help.

You’ll receive a 12’ x 12” square of unbleached muslin fabric as your work canvas. Plan to use a 10” x 10” design area, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides. Your square will be joined with eight others to form a complete quilt.

Resources

• Local office supply stores can help you with iron-on photo transfers. Your image will need to be ‘flipped’ or ‘mirror imaged’ to show correctly when ironed on the square. If you need help resizing the image and flipping it, the staff should be able to help with that. 
• Permanent markers, fabric paints, and hand embroidery supplies are widely available at craft stores.
• If hand embroidery isn’t your preference, local shops offering machine embroidery can assist with your design.

*** Remember to securely stitch any fabric, badges, or mementos, as adhesives and glue can deteriorate over time. A short video is available to help you get started.

After Completion: Ensure all items are securely attached to the square and leave a border for joining. You may also include a written description explaining how your loved one inspired the design. These stories can be shared in our Quilts of Love scrapbook.

Once finished, mail your completed square, authorization form, and any accompanying descriptions to us.
LifeNet Health Donor Family Services
1864 Concert Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
ATTN: Paulette Cordes

To request a quilt square, or if you have any questions, please contact: Paulette Cordes at (757) 609-4903 or 1-800-847-7831 ext. 4903.