When US Navy veteran Dale Bowen retired to the Asheville area from San Diego, he took up a new hobby that at first blush is an unusual one for someone who spent their life working in radar navigation.
He became fascinating by the art of sewing, and in particular, the mechanics of sewing. He watched online tutorials, and even took a class at A-B Tech. Bowen now describes himself as a “sewist” — a person who sews, emphasizing the creative and artistic parts of the craft.
Bowen soon found a way to put his new hobby to work for a cause near and dear to his heart: making quilts for other veterans. Given his newfound interest, Bowen’s mother had sent him an article about Quilts of Valor, a national network of quilting circles that make quilts for veterans…