'There's something about a quilt': Canton Quilters Guild celebrates 25 years

NAVARRE – What began as a way for thrifty women to keep their families warm, quilting has became a treasured art form around the world.

Quilts are no longer just bedding; they've become heirlooms that have earned a place in some of the world's top museums.

For 25 years, members of the Canton Quilters Guild have created hundreds of quilts, many of which have been donated to charity. Last year, members crafted and donated 193 pieces to nonprofit organizations throughout Stark County, including CommQuest, the Shipley Child Health Clinic, the McKinley Life Care Center, Stark County Operation Freedom, and Quilts of Valor to honor veterans and first responders.

They also produced quilts for fundraisers to benefit Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health, Sancta Clara Monastery, the Stark County Hunger Task Force, and The Wilderness Center.

On May 6, members will celebrate their anniversary with a private lunch and program at First Christian Church. Kaitlin Bergert, collections manger at the William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, will speak.

Longtime member Judy Stump said Guild President Brenda Burwell suggested the party as a way for members to celebrate themselves.

The colorful and intricate quilts that adorn the walls of Stump's home attest to how much she enjoys the craft.

"The purpose of the Guild is to teach as much as we can to anyone who wants to learn how to quilt," Stump said. "So many things are fading away. We really like the art of quilting ... and it's just fun."

The Guild was formed in 1997 by four friends who shared a love of quilting, said Suzanne Slater of Louisville, one of the four. The others were Sherry Carpenter, Jane Reeves and Mary Bachus.

"Sherry and I were next-door neighbors," said Slater, who began quilting in 1980. "We discovered we were both quilters."

Carpenter said quilting was a natural extension of her lifelong love of sewing.

Birth of a sisterhood

Carpenter and several others concurred on how the love began. "I grew up with quilts on my bed," Carpenter said.

The Guild members, whose monthly gathering include a quilting "bee," have created a sisterhood.

"Many of us in the Guild became first-time grandparents and great-grandparents while in the Guild," Slater said. "We've lost spouses. When women get together, no matter what the purpose, there's support and a good time."

Margaret Cash, whose quilts have won awards, said she grew up sleeping under quilts made by her grandmother.

"It's relaxing and therapeutic," said Cash, who recently made five "fidget" lap quilts for Alzheimer's patients at the Glenwood Care & Rehabilitation Center.

Ruthanne Lungociu said there's also eating and camaraderie.

"It keeps you out of the bars," she said to laughter.

The women are quick to boast about one another's talents.

"Everybody has a different talent," Stump said. "Some people's talent is colors; other people's is design. We have quilters who make gorgeous tops. Like like bright colors. Many can make appliques, like Margaret, who makes award-winning quilts."

Carpenter said that Stump, a former wedding-gown seamstress, is a very talented designer and artist.

"Sherry is the queen of scraps," Slater said. "Ruthanne is good with Civil War fabrics. I love to sew pieces together, and I love kids' quilts."

One of Cash's masterpieces is a stunning 90-by-104 inch applique quilt that won a prize at a quilt show at Stan Hywett Hall in Akron.

It took her a year to make.

"It's amazing how much people appreciate when you make them a quilt; I've had friends who have cried," she said. "There's something about a quilt that's ..."

"Comforting," others chimed in.

Stump said her favorite part of the activity is the "aha" moment when she completes a quilt and she moves on to planning the next project.

"I have several going right now," Lungociu said.

"History has stitches"

Stump said fabric designer Judie Rothermel and her late husband, Bob, co-owners of the Schoolhouse Quilt Shoppe, were instrumental in their support of the Guild and for quilting in Northeast Ohio.

In the spring, Guild members take day trips, usually to Amish country, where quilting has always been popular. They've also traveled to Pennsylvania and Paducah, Kentucky, a magnet for quilters.

Slater said although their Guild doesn't have young members, quilting is growing in popularity among young women. It ebbed after World War II with the advent of store-bought bedding, but she credits America's Bicentennial for sparking renewed interest in the art form.

America's story, from slavery to women's suffrage, Slater noted, can be seen in a quilt.

"In learning the history of quilts, you learn American history and about women's lives," she said. "How communities were built around quilting. Quilts were made for political rallies. You learn about pioneer life and how women made quilts for men. History has stitches."

The members say they find great reward in making quilts for their families and others. For several years, they've made and donated quilts to young adults aging out of the foster care system, and have donated quilting materials to the Mansfield Women's Correctional Facility.

"We donate to places for people who need something to do," Lungociu said.

Quilters, Slater said, are generous people.

"Two of our most prolific quilters are in their 90s," she noted.

Stump said members of the Canton Quilters Guild are happy to teach techniques and tips to anyone interested in learning the art of quilting.

"If they don't know something, they'll point you to someone who does – we're amazing," she said to laughter.

Slater said the friendships made have been as treasured as the quilts.

"We have a lot of wonderful memories from the beginning, to now," she said. "One stitch at a time."

The Guild meets at 9:30 a.m. on the first Friday of every month at the Garden Center at 1615 Stadium Park Drive NW in Canton.

On May 19, they will host a "Spring Fling" at 10 a.m. at First Christian Church at 6900 Market Ave. N in Plain Township. Reservations are requested.

To learn more, email to: sandrasoni@neo.rr.com or visit https://www.neorqconline.org/canton-quilters-guild.

Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @cgoshayREP.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton Quilters Guild creates art and friendships "a stitch at a time"