Quilt makers show gratitude
Jan. 25—GREENSBURG — Know what the favorite quilt block is in America? I'll tell you later. Imagine someone's house on fire, the family standing outside watching the firemen put it out but they each have a beautiful handmade quilt around them that the firemen gave them. That quilt lets the family know that someone cares.
Yes, a group of quilters is going to make quilts to give to the fire stations in each township, and to law enforcement. You've probably heard of the Greensburg Quilt Club that meets at First Presbyterian Church on the northeast corner of the Square. I talked with Rita Hellmich last week and she had some good news about what the quilters have planned.
The group began meeting at the home of Jolene Conner. After her death, First Presbyterian Church let them meet there. The membership has grown from nine or 10 to well over 20. Everyone has always been welcome and you have, no doubt, seen some of the work they do.
You've heard of "Quilts of Valor" when a quilt is given to a member of the service or a veteran in need of some love or comfort. They're given a handmade quilt that can be either machine or hand quilted. Jean Schoettmer mentioned the Comfort Quilt Program designed to give quilts to anyone in need. Batesville quilters make quilts for the Cancer Center. The group called Pearls of Love meets at the Presbyterian Church in Greensburg to make prayer shawls. Now, the quilters are going to give quilts to firemen and law enforcement all over Decatur County to give to adults or children who are victims of an unexpected and unwelcome happening.
The group applied for a grant through the Greensburg Community Development Corporation to purchase sewing machines, shelving, and other much needed supplies. Their application was denied so they began exploring other means and have gotten along pretty well.
The ladies have been able to get the sewing machines needed and were offered shelving from someone who thought their goal was a great one. The members have been donating from their fabric stash, but a member said, "We're still going to need cotton fabric, quilt batting, cutting boards, thread, etc." They hope those who have cotton fabric might be willing to share some of it. Susan Wilson, a member of the group, said, "We hope when people see what we plan to do they'll want to help by donating and maybe even help make quilts."
The group will meet the second Monday of each month at the Presbyterian Church. They'll meet at 10 a.m. and work together until they quit for lunch and a short meeting and then go back to the quilts until about 4 p.m. They can bring their own lunch, they will have the brief meeting, then go back to sewing, or quilting, or cutting fabric or choosing the fabric for a quilt.
Rita said the group is so appreciative of the Presbyterian Church that has let them meet monthly in the building for years, and now are allowing shelves to be installed for fabric and storage. She said, "It is such a blessing that we now will have an actual workroom and we are so grateful to the church that we won't have to carry in all that it takes to make quilts from our cars every month."
You can ask Rita Hellmich, Susan Wilson, Nancy Derheimer or other members any questions you may have.
Favorite quilt block? The Log Cabin.
Contact Pat Smith at news@greensburgdailynews.com.
