includes both instruction and service components , members said .
“ The group really helped me ,” Davis continued . “ It becomes a support network for a lot of us . We allow each other into each other ’ s lives . We are given the privilege to invest in each other ’ s lives – not just with fabric , but with love .”
Members have varied skill levels , and several members are known for their specific strengths , including embroidery and creativity . Some members are newer to the craft , while others have been quilting for decades .
Once a month , one of the group ’ s members offers a lesson on a specific skill . Members have the option of sitting and listening to the lesson and trying the skill , or retreating to a different area to chat with friends while quilting independently .
“ We have some real characters and some of us just need to talk ,” said Jackie Stevens , laughing . “ It ’ s good to give people options so they can do what works for them . I think that ’ s one reason our group works so well .”
Members also sometimes have challenges , where they are all given a task and encouraged to complete it in their own unique way . For one recent challenge , members were asked to create squares with chickens on them . Other times , the challenge might have a seasonal focus , like creating squares with images of Santa .
When a member leaves the group due to illness , a move or other circumstances , the group will work together to make them a small quilt . Members might all make squares with hearts on them in different colors and styles , for example .
Service also is a focus . Members have made quilts for various non-profit groups , including those that serve children in crisis or victims of domestic violence .
“ I enjoy being able to share what little skill I have by making blankets and quilts and small projects for people who are less fortunate ,” said Cathy Harper , the group ’ s historian . “ I feel like that ’ s a way I can give back to the community . There is always a need for a baby blanket or a quilt and I just like that we can share with others in this way .”
The group ’ s president , Linda McInnis , said she appreciates the depth of knowledge found in the group .
“ This group is so fun and there are so many people with like minds that you can bounce ideas off of ,” McInnis said . “ If there is something you need to know – or just want to learn – about quilting , there is going to be someone who has already done it and they will help you . There is an amazing amount of knowledge and skill – and everyone has their own strengths .”
Cathy Harper , a retired educator , said when she first came to the group she did not know how to quilt , even though she had grown up with family members who did .
“ It was something I always meant to pick up but didn ’ t ,” she said . “ When I retired , I realized I finally had the time and decided to give it a go .”
Harper said she looks back on some of her earliest projects – and the way the group helped her – and is impressed by their patience . She said even now , several years later , there are times when she needs advice from the group to help salvage a botched project .
“ Sometimes I get frustrated and just want to throw something away ,” she said . “ But there is always someone there who says , ‘ wait , let me show you another way to do that .”
Harper said while she appreciates the technical help , it is the connection that has meant the most .
“ The friendship and support of this group over the last seven years has been invaluable ,” Harper said , her voice cracking with emotion . “ I have had some tough times in my life and they have been there to support me . They just keep lifting me up .”
Members said the pandemic isolated them for a season and meetings were halted for months . During that time , they shared photos of their work , as well as encouraging messages and other notes , on a texting app .
“ We missed each other terribly ,” recalled Davis . “ But the messages did help us to be connected .”
Davis said that the group provides members with a connection
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“ We have some real characters and some of us just need to talk .” Jackie Stevens , MQG member www . meridianstar . com
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