A small but mighty group of women has been meeting for over 20 years in various places in Carlyle to learn and perfect the art of quilting.
Lori Brown explained the history of their group that presently consists of 10-11 who meet weekly to quilt together. Years ago, they were led by instructors who would teach them methods for the different projects they would work on in the same space. Now, these seasoned quilters take on projects to benefit others and they love it.
COVID shut the group down for a few months, but once they could mask up and keep their distance in the United Church in Carlyle, a few of the group members started back up late summer.
Brown鈥檚 daughter received a quilt from a group that makes quilts for cancer patients. Thinking this was a great idea and wanting to be a part of it, Brown found a chapter in Moosomin who was happy to have a few more tradeswomen contributing to this great cause. When Moosomin had to shut down its group due to exhaustion, the Carlyle crew kept up on a smaller scale and began to make quilts for local patients.
When asked how they know who to give quilts to, Brown replied: 鈥淯nfortunately, all you have to do is talk to anyone you know and within a few minutes, you hear of people (who have just been diagnosed, are going through treatment or have just finished). No one has not been affected by this disease.鈥�
Once the quilts for cancer were completed, the ladies originally packed them up into Rubbermaid containers as they were unsure as to whether it was safe to deliver. They safely delivered them just this November. Going forward, the club decided to implement an application process for anyone with a friend or relative they would like to receive a cancer quilt. You can email the club at:聽[email protected]
Most recently, the Friends of Moose Mountain Lodge have requested quilts be made for their residents as Christmas presents. Bits & Pieces will complete 42 quilts to give away for the holidays. While the Friends of Moose Mountain Lodge are donating money to help with some supplies, the club was also the lucky recipient of grants from the Cornerstone Community Planning Group (Town of Carlyle and RM of Moose Mountain) and the Bear Claw Casino. Much of the fabric, batting and thread will all come from the quilters themselves who have accumulated scraps over the years.
A quote embodies the heart of these women. 鈥淚 cannot do all the good that the world needs. But the world needs all the good that I can do.鈥� Jana Stanfield.
Thank you to the women of Bits & Pieces for doing all the good that you can do.
