Lowell Sun (Massachusetts)
January 24, 2009 Saturday

Blanketing the world

By Debbie Hovanasian, Sun Correspondent

CHELMSFORD — They may have been sent to Louisiana to replace bedding
lost in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Maybe even to Tanzania or
other Third World countries to function as room dividers, creating
personal space in a one-room hut. Or they may have even been shipped
off to the people of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan who have suffered
years of civil strife following the break-up of the Soviet Union.

No matter the destination, the Lutheran quilters of Trinity Lutheran
Church know that the fruits of their labors — beautiful, colorful
tied quilts — have provided warmth to the needy around the world in
more ways than one.

Since the group of Trinity quilters was established in 1982, its
members have stitched about 80 quilts a year using fabric donated by
the congregation or by home decorators, said one of its founders,
Edith Vaughn.

They are part of a greater organization — the Lutheran Quilters of
Lutheran World Relief (LWR), founded over 50 years ago to work with 35
countries, helping people grow food, improve health, strengthen
communities, build livelihoods and recover from disasters.

Through the LWR network, the quilts made by Trinity and hundreds of
other Lutheran congregations travel through a well-coordinated,
intercontinental pipeline to get from each parish to the needy around
the world.

Though the Trinity quilters, who spend three to four hours every
Monday cutting, piercing, stitching and tying, never know where their
colorful creations will end up, once in a while they are surprised,
said Lynda Kramer of Chelmsford.

"There was one particular quilt that we were not too happy with. We
wanted to throw it out," she laughed.

Yet when the women picked up an international Lutheran publication
that featured a segment on Lutheran quilters, there was that
particular quilt being held up by an African native who looked
especially thrilled with his gift.

"So you just never know what the other person will like," smiled
Kramer.

The machine-sewn quilts are all standard sized — 62×82 inches. Some
have colors and prints that are perfectly coordinated, while others
are a bright mix of patterns that work well together. All are cozy,
warm and functional.

While the group of women — now eight strong — derive satisfaction in
knowing that their creations will bring a smile and warmth to someone
in need, there’s something in it for them as well.

"I love sewing," said Vaughn, adding that even when she traveled all
summer long for 10 years in an RV with her husband, she took fabric
with her so she could keep up her work on the Lutheran quilts.

Yet there is even more to it, said Kramer, who has sewn all her
life. She started with the group five years ago when she was new to
the congregation.

"I have met some wonderful people," she said. "The socializing and
fellowship, having lunch together — it’s a morning of
relaxation. It’s one of the reasons we come here every Monday."

One of their missions today is to pass on their craft to the younger
generation, whom they concede are busy with careers and packed
schedules. Most can’t come to the church for four hours on a Monday to
work on quilts, said Kramer.

Yet she feels that with some innovation and flexibility, they can work
out ways to get the next generation involved in this project.

"I’d like to see us do a Saturday class and invite the teens," Kramer
said. "Or maybe even a night during the week where young mothers can
come without their children."

Kramer stresses that anyone is welcome to join the quilters, even
those who are not members of Trinity.

"If you can tie a shoe, you can do this," said Kramer, who admits her
favorite job is sitting and tying the knots in the quilts while
chatting. "Anyone is welcome to join us or just observe what we are
doing."

"It’s such a selfless thing to do," said Donna Slattery, the
communications director for Trinity who has admired the work of the
quilters for many years. "It makes you feel proud to be part of a
congregation that gives back so much."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress