The ladies of Sharing Our Faith found a wonderful way to hone their quilting skills and support people in need worldwide since 1969.
They intend to celebrate their 50 years for the entire 2019/2020 season starting in September with a quilt display at the library in Harriston.
Their history observes the closing of the Salem Church on the Minto-Normanby Townline prompted the women to consider ways to continue to meet socially. After consulting with the Carry-On-Club, the ladies were confident they could begin their own club, named Sharing Our Faith as all denominations were welcome.
Their history reads, ‘At first we made quilts, and since we had no money for fancy quilt batts, we put old blankets or sheets or even sweaters inside, and we collected used clothing and it all went, courtesy of Listowel Transport, to the Unitarian Service Committee in Ottawa, which was under the leadership of Dr. Lotta Hitchmanova, and from there was sent to third world countries.’
Thirty years later, 13 to 25 ladies from Ayton, Drew, Clifford, Harriston, and Palmerston continued to meet once a month to tie dozens of quilts to give to the less fortunate; a few quilts were sold to buy backing material and 80 yard rolls of quilt batting from Len Mills; the Mennonite Central Committee distributed their quilts overseas; and yearly donations of $1,000.00 supported Sleeping Children Around the World, Lutheran World Relief, and Friendship House.
S.O.F. has received certificates and letters of appreciation and praise from organizations all around the world for their ongoing support and hand-crafted donations. Closer to home, S.O.F. are thanked for their yearly contributions of quilts to the Clifford Rotary Club and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank curling bonspiels. On May 16, 2013, Sharon Kaufman accepted the Minto Chamber of Commerce Harriston Home Hardware Outstanding Organization Award for their ongoing contributions to provide aid to people less fortunate.
Fifty years since their first meeting, their day starts with a prayer and finishes with a cookie and a cup of tea. Each lady brings her own lunch, while the hostess provides the beverages and snacks. Once the quilt backing, batting, and quilt top is stretched and securely tacked onto the quilt racks, each lady takes a seat around a quilt, and so, the quilting bee begins. Single stitches follow a distinct pattern to create a visual masterpiece envisioned by the woman who designed the quilt top.
Sharon Kaufman says, ‘Most of the fabric is donated to our group, but some members buy on their own. The quilt batt is all purchased and no longer used clothing etc. will go for fill. It is almost all new material, but sometimes the group gets sheets that are just like new and uses them for backing. All material is washed before use.’
Sharon continues, ‘We should mention that a lot of knitted baby hats, blankets, and sweaters for children and babies are handed out by one of our very active members. Lap robes for nursing homes and hospitals are made with the ends of yarn, quilts for hospital gift shops are provided when available, local fire victims receive a quilt for most members of the family, pregnancy crisis centres and women and men shelters over a large area receive quilts. Many quilts still go to foreign countries, but must be taken by a student or missionary or volunteer to hand out in person to be sure they get to their intended destinations. Many go to hospitals in Haiti and South American countries and are handed out in hospitals to new babies. Knitted toques have gone to local public schools for any child that requires a warm hat in winter. Quilts go with a volunteer who comes to Clifford to pick them up to be distributed through a church in Penatanguishine. I could go on for a long time in naming where they all go. Usually 150 to 200 quilts of various sizes are made every winter and distributed before we break for summer. Only a couple are kept behind in case of an emergency in summer.’
Although quilting may be considered a relaxing time for quiet reflection, with 15 ladies in the room this becomes a prime time for socializing. Conversations include family joys, sewing projects, travel plans, local events, and world concerns.
The group includes an executive – president Agnes Norris, vice-president Bonnie Koeslag, secretary Betty Small, treasurer Carol Anne Jackson, and members Margaret Bracken, Sandi Drummond, Christine Dyksterhuis, Marie Hall, Sharon Kaufman, Becky Koeslag, Shirley Park, Susan Shannon, Betty Tarc, Lois Whetham, and Lois Young. Nowadays, there are members from Clifford, Alma, Harriston, Palmerston, and a very large area around Clifford.
After 50 years, 15 ladies continue to promote well-being at home and abroad by sharing a single day once a month to enjoy the company of other quilters who find socializing and tying quilts a wonderfully rewarding way to find pleasure in life to benefit others. Friendships are bonded through a single stitch to care for the less fortunate and add a touch of warmth.
The ladies will meet on Sept. 11 at the Knox United Church to begin the celebration of 50 years of quilting.
