ANDERSON — Tommy Forrest was honored with a painted quilt by the members of the Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail’s Anderson Production team in November 2015.

Forrest is the one of the most loved and respected members of the Prickly Fingers Quilt Guild in Anderson. He started quilting at age 68 with encouragement from his sister, Linda Hempel, following his wife’s death. His first quilt was “Winning Hand” which won a ribbon in a local area quilt show.

He and his sister have made dozens and dozens of quilts and pillow cases for local charities and nursing homes since 2012.

Forrest, a veteran, is the chairman of our area Quilts of Valor program. The QOV program has become a calling for him especially after being wrapped himself on Oct. 23, 2013.

Since then he has made 40 quilts for the program himself and his group has wrapped over 100 veterans in Anderson County alone.

Diane Schonauer, right, production leader for the Anderson Upstate Heritage Quilt Trails, presents a painted quilt panel to Tommy Forrest, chairman of the Anderson area Quilts of Valor program, in appreciation of his efforts.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_tommyforrestuhqt01.jpgDiane Schonauer, right, production leader for the Anderson Upstate Heritage Quilt Trails, presents a painted quilt panel to Tommy Forrest, chairman of the Anderson area Quilts of Valor program, in appreciation of his efforts. Courtesy photos

Diane Schonauer, left, and Tommy Forrest, display their quilt blocks.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_tommyforrestuhqt02.jpgDiane Schonauer, left, and Tommy Forrest, display their quilt blocks. Courtesy photos

Staff Report