Love stitched into each one
They are 150 strong, an army of women armed with needles and thread. They are the Spokane Valley Quilters Guild, and they are not what you may think.
Gone is the day of blue-haired ladies sewing as they swap recipes and cleaning tips; these ladies are movers and shakers who spread the love, reaching out to others and their community.
Last Tuesday more than 100 quilting aficionados gathered at the Valley Assembly of God in Spokane Valley to exchange fabric, patterns, sign up for classes, check out quilting books and show off their beautiful and unique creations.
They officially meet every other month for a few hours to discuss old and new business accompanied with applause and laughter. This month, they enjoyed a presentation by guest speaker Georgie Gert, a professional quilter and teacher. The rest of the year, they get together to make quilts, make friends and make a difference.
Guild president Deanna Griffith called the meeting to order with an announcement that brought some to tears. The guild will be honored with the Service Club of the Year Award at the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery’s upcoming volunteer banquet, she said.
The guild, which began 26 years ago, started working with the nursery six years ago and members have donated more than 600 handmade quilts for the nursery beds. Many of the children get to take the quilts home. The group’s annual outdoor quilt show that is held at BeLinda LaBounty’s Kindred Quilting etc., 1015 East Ninth Ave., has brought in more than $16,000 for the nursery.
“They’ve gone above and beyond … they’re extraordinary,” said Amy Swanson, executive director of the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. “They’ve even provided us with a way to decorate our facility; their quilts hang on the walls and cover the beds. Kids that come in select the bed with a quilt that appeals to them. The guild puts so much time, love, and energy into making the quilts. We’re fortunate.”
The guild supports itself with dues and an annual raffle of a quilt that is made up of 120 blocks. They also raffle off a themed quilt for the crisis nursery. This year’s theme is pineapples, which symbolize “welcome.”
The guild also helps support the Spokane Valley Community Center and other organizations. They also help support each other.
“The companionship is great,” said 20-year member, Donna Boucher. “When I first joined there were only 50 members and it doubled in a couple of years. Our community service efforts have doubled as well.”
Another longtime member, Carol Campbell, said, “We’re a lot more organized and professional … it’s not a hobby but a genuine love.”