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Quilters find fellowship in craft
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .On Aug. 3, the ladies of the Disciples Christian Church quilting group gathered for their weekly mix of craft and talk. During their meeting, they worked on a Depression-era "rescue quilt" in a style called "Grandma's Flower Garden." The quilters are Doris Merritt (bottom left), Millie Persico, Marlene Stefanski (top left), Alma Moore, and Cleo Dietrich.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Quilters Doris Merritt (left) and Millie Persico are always willing to lend each other pointers and encouragement as they complete their detailed work.
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Neighbors | Submitted .During a recent project, the ladies of the quilting group created a patriotic red, white, and blue quilt to be given to local veterans at a Sept. 11 benefit at the Columbiana County Fair.
By SARAH FOOR
Armed with needles, thimbles and the spirit of teamwork, the Quilting Fellowship group at Disciples Christian Church in Boardman keep the art of steady hands and intricate details alive with each stitch.
The crafting group has been in existence in the church since 1957, when it was known as the Christian Women’s Fellowship Group. Current members worked on a Depression-era quilt during their Aug. 3 meeting.
“The fellowship is the best part of it all – it’s so relaxing to work together on a project and just talk. It’s a really wonderful pastime and we’re proud to keep the heritage of quilting in this country alive,” shared member Alma Moore.
The ladies do more than just talk during their meetings, however.
In the past, they have completed quilts to honor departing ministers and raised money for a church organ and mission to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. One of the group’s most recent projects included a patriotic quilt offered to veterans at a Sept. 11 benefit at the Columbiana County Fair.
When they’re not quilting for important projects, they assist on pieces other members are starting or find “rescue quilts” to bring to life. Rescues are often unfinished scraps and designs from generations ago that the ladies quilt, baste and edge by hand.
“Old quilts tell stories,” said member Doris Merritt, as she worked on Aug. 3’s rescue quilt. “There are fabrics, designs and techniques that would be lost without work like this. It’s a real thrill to see the life back in what used to be a bunch of tattered pieces.”
The ladies welcome any interested members and their group includes many outside of Disciples Christian Church. They teach quilting classes for 8 to 15-year-olds to pass the art onto another generation.
“We’re no experts, but we have fun working together and we really enjoy the little community we’ve made,” said member Cleo Dietrich.