Petersburg quilters turn a longstanding tradition into comfort and care
By Scott Dunstall
A conversation at a doorstep led to a look at a longstanding Petersburg quilting group whose handiwork supports people in need, both locally and farther afield.
The quilters are members of Women of Emmanuel (WOE) at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Petersburg. Their work combines a love of quilting with fellowship and fundraising for worthwhile causes.
Many of their mothers helped establish the quilting society. Members explained that quilting began in the church basement in the 1950s, continuing a tradition that had previously taken place in members’ homes.
During a visit with the group, members shared the care behind their quilts and comforters, the charitable purpose of their work and the skills passed down through generations.
For a newcomer, the first lesson was understanding what a quilt actually is.
“A quilt is a sandwich,” one member explained.
There is the decorative top, a middle layer of batting and a backing. Quilting joins those three layers together, creating something that is both useful and carefully crafted.
The finished surface can disguise the complexity underneath. Individual pieces of fabric are cut and sewn into a larger design. Flowers may be cut from fabric and stitched onto the top, while borders provide the finishing touch.
One member, Barbara Ann, described buying a pattern and the fabric it required well before it was used years earlier.
“The materials remained in a box until I put them to use. The completed top became an example of the detailed preparation that happens before the group begins quilting.”
Members bring different skills to the process. Some piece the tops at home. Others help assemble the layers or complete the stitching. Together, their efforts turn separate materials into finished bedding.
The group also explained the distinction between its hand-quilted work and tied comforters. Rather than using fine stitching throughout, comforters can be secured with wool ties that hold the layers together.
That method allows the group to complete comforters more quickly, though preparing the pieced tops still takes many hours. Each finished item represents contributions from the people who collect materials, plan designs, sew and assemble it.
Members reported making 55 comforters in the last year, along with baby comforters.
These comforters are donated to organizations serving people in need. Recipients include Anselma House, the Wilmot Wellesley Resource Centre, House of Friendship, Living Hope, Starling Community Services, formerly Lutherwood, and Retail Therapy.
Donated fabric helps support this work. Members also spoke about obtaining some materials through the MCC thrift store in New Hamburg, where some of them volunteer.
The group has another way of contributing: providing quilting services for people who bring in their own prepared quilt tops.
Customers supply the tops they have already pieced together and the group completes the quilting for a fee. The proceeds fund WOE’s monthly donations to charities in the area and around the world.
“All the money that we raise, we give to charity,” a member said.
Members explained they generally support the same charities each year, while also considering requests and additional causes. Their giving includes Christian charities and work beyond the local community.
One newer initiative supports women in Africa by helping provide sewing machines and instruction. The aim is to give women a practical skill they can use to earn money for their families.
It is a fitting connection for a group that understands how much can be accomplished with fabric, thread and patient hands.
The conversation also revealed how people find their way into the group. Church connections, family relationships and invitations from friends have brought members together. Some travel from outside Petersburg, while others have longstanding ties to the community.
One member recalled encouraging a friend to join after her husband died. That invitation brought another person into the circle, and other women followed through word of mouth.
Alongside the charitable work, the group offers fellowship – a place to participate, contribute and spend time with others while supporting worthwhile causes.
Joyce Haus is one of the team leads and she has put out the request.
“New members are welcome, whether they are experienced quilters or would like to learn. Anyone interested in joining or learning more can contact me at 519-745-7246.”
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