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DETROIT LAKES — The Holy Rosary Catholic Church Quilters recently made 29 military-themed quilts to present to active duty members of the military, as a show of appreciation and support.
Before the quilts are gifted to the service members, they will be on public display at the church, at 1043 Lake Avenue in Detroit Lakes, over Memorial Day weekend.
Quilter Janelle Erickson said not all the soldiers who are receiving one of the quilts are from the local church; some had a friend or loved one that heard about the project, which began several months ago, and got connected that way.
The quilters had a supply of donated or purchased materials from past projects, and also raised money to buy the additional military-themed materials necessary for these quilts — stars, stripes, eagles, military symbols and the patriotic colors of red, white and blue.
“Fabrics are expensive,” Erickson said, adding that a quilt raffle was previously held to help cover the cost of this project. Raffle ticket sales brought in $1,200.
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The generosity of the raffle ticket buyers was a surprise blessing, as were the seemingly endless cold snaps during the winter, she explained. It was during those “long, cold winter” stretches that the quilters gathered and worked.
While seasoned quilters like Erickson can create a quilt in a couple of days, some patterns require more time, and each quilter may be at a different skill level.
“Each quilter did whatever they wanted to do,” Erickson said.
Having creative freedom, and getting support from other quilters, are two things that anyone who joins the quilting group can expect. The group meets twice a month and is open to anyone. For more information, call 218-847-1393 .
“Donations of materials are always appreciated, too,” Erickson said.
In addition to this latest project, the quilters have also made place-mats for Meals on Wheels, prayer blankets, and more.
