Threads of friendship and community spirit

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This article was published 29/09/2024 (258 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For over three decades, a group of local women has gathered to partake in a practice that dates back hundreds of generations. Through the years, they’ve created countless blankets and built friendships with a common goal: to make quilts.

They call themselves the Heirloom Quilters and their love of quilting is the thread that binds them together.

The group meets biweekly in Altona, taking breaks over holidays and summertime. Each member brings her own unique style and story and has found understanding and friendship along the way.

“Some of us are just starting out, and some are seasoned veterans,” says Lori Hiebert, who joined in 1994.

Helen Dueck was part of the original group. “It all began with a retreat at Elim Bible School in Altona. We were making log cabin quilts, and we really enjoyed ourselves,” she recalls.

“We decided to get together on a regular basis, and here we are, more than 30 years later.”

Sadly, they’ve lost a few members along the way, but their common love of the art is as comforting as the quilts they create. Products vary, from traditional quilts, to place mats, potholders, and wall hangings. The possibilities are endless – if you can conceive of it, you can pretty much quilt it.

Sessions include a show and tell, where members can share their current project, and talk about the challenges and pride that it brought them.

They’ve hosted numerous shows over the years. Their purpose has extended beyond their craft, and their philanthropic efforts are evident all over the community and the region. Genesis House in Winkler is a regular recipient, where each woman at the shelter receives a quilt for comfort. They’ve also donated quilts to Katie Cares for families struggling with cancer.

Eastview Place in Altona has received numerous memory quilts, to support patients with Alzheimer’s. Businesses and facilities such as Friesens Corp. and the Millennium Exhibition Centre have also been recipients, and their quilts are a cheery addition to the hallways at Gardens on Tenth.

Their quilt raffles have raised funds for numerous causes.

This is all beyond the countless creations that have been gifted to family and friends. None of the ladies has kept track of how many quilts they’ve created over the years.

“I have made wedding quilts for nieces and nephews on both sides of my family, and all their children got baby quilts, so that’s 23 kids. There are also friends’ babies. As my great-nieces graduate, they’ll get full size quilts of their choosing,” says Hiebert.

One member quips, “I told myself five is the limit this year, so I can sew other things instead.”

As the saying goes, you always find time for the things you love. This rings true for the Heirloom Quilters. “People tell me I must be a patient person, but It’s not patience, it’s impatience. We can’t just sit and do nothing. I always have a little handwork close by, whether it’s waiting at appointments or watching TV,” Hiebert says.

“There’s something therapeutic about it, and studies show that quilting keeps your brain sharp, as well. Following a knitting pattern is like learning a different language.”

Styles vary wildly in this group. Sharon Friesen loves to create memory quilts for people who have lost loved ones. “I must have made at least 30 of them over the years, out of people’s T-shirts. The biggest one I ever made was from 90 shirts. How do you put a value on that?”

Cecile Winter chuckles, “I always tell myself, this is my last quilt of the year, but we all know that’s a lie.”

Tena Giesbrecht always has three on the go, in case she gets bored. Her biggest nightmare, she says, was when her sewing machine stopped working.

Hiebert does offer some advice for those who want to start quilting. “Start small. Join us and give it a try. See if it’s for you. The danger for the novice quilter is the cost. Good quality fabric isn’t cheap. I have spent up to $500 on a quilt. And without motivation, you might have a huge investment sitting in your closet.”

But every member says it was worth every penny for the satisfaction it brought them. “It’s very meditative. I fall back in love with every stitch, and I sew in the good thoughts,” Hiebert says.

They emphasize the comradery, knowledge and motivation they’ve gained by being a part of the group. And so, every other Thursday, the Heirloom Quilters continue to gather, their bond growing stronger, one patch at a time.

New members are always welcome. Membership is $40 for the season, which runs until May 29. Feel free to drop in. They gather at the South Park MB Church on the first and third Thursday of the month, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Lori Hiebert at 204-324-5952, or Sharon Friesen at 204-216-1944.