Quilting at Hope

Women of Hope Lutheran Church in Condit recently completed their 1000th quilt for Lutheran World Relief (LWR). The group has been making quilts for five years and this year they are excited to have provided over 1,000 quilts for people in need all over the world.

How did they make so many? Hope’s women meet at the church the last weekend of the month from January through September to assemble the quilts. They begin on Friday night and continue through Saturday but they must finish and clean up in time for Sunday services. In Hope’s fellowship area the women create a production line that includes tables raised to waist height for easy stitching, a sewing machine station, a piecing and needle area, and a threading table . An average of 40 quilts can be made in one weekend.

Much of the material for the quilts is donated. The quilt tops are machine stitched and are made from fabric remnants or clothing. Clean, used blankets, afghans, mattress pads, or comforters work well for the quilt ‘stuffing’. And sheets are ideal for the quilt backing, although any fabric can be used. Donations are always welcomed and are collected at the church year round. Each quilt is assembled on the raised tables and then pieces of crochet thread are pulled through all layers to fasten them together. The edges are machine-sewn to complete the quilt. An interesting note: non-matching fabric is often used for the quilt top; a quilt that is too attractive could cause a conflict and harm could come to the quilt’s owner.