Southern Indiana quilters stitch comfort for those in need
Quilt guild donates handmade items to charities across the community
NEW ALBANY, Ind. (Aging Untold) — A group of quilters in Indiana dedicates time and skills to making items for people in need.
The group, known as the Southern Indiana Quilt Guild, meets inside Saint Paul Episcopal Church’s Carriage House in New Albany, where members make items including quilts, bibs, tote bags and aprons.
Then the guild donates them to places that help people in addiction recovery, babies and mothers, people in hospitals and seniors.
Items go to organizations in need
Jan Sherrell, a member of the guild, said some of the charities the guild gives to are invited to come in once a year and talk about their work. She said that brings it to their hearts to know where the quilts go and how meaningful they are.
Members also make wheelchair blankets.
Sherrell said most throws get tangled in wheelchair wheels and cause problems, so the guild makes the blankets to the size and specifications for wheelchairs.
Members share their skills
Many members of the guild have made hundreds of quilts. Sherrell said other friends and family are well stocked, so they are sharing their talents with others.
“We’re all so privileged, so many of us, and have a houseful of blankets that we fight over on our couch, so it’s somebody else’s turn to take some of our time and talent and share that and let them wrap up and be warm in it,” Sherrell said.
Quilts can take weeks or months to make
Members said it can take weeks or months to make a quilt.
Aging Untold experts reflect on the group’s work
Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, said quilters have patience, social connection and purpose, and that quilting creates new mental connections.
Aging expert Amy O’Rourke recalled a babysitter named Grandma Rose who quilted and gave each child in her care a quilted pillow.
Sam Cradduck, a gerontologist, brought up memory quilts made from the clothes and shirts of loved ones.
“I just love that whole concept,” she said.
Cradduck also noted the custom-size quilts made for wheelchairs and said custom-size quilts and afghans work well for that purpose.
Aging-well coach Katherine Ambrose said some quilting clubs accept material donations from people who have been holding onto fabric, or clubs may purchase materials at a person’s request.
Many quilting clubs also teach new members how to quilt for the first time, creating a legacy and community, she added.
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