Handcrafted placemats made by area quilters sent to seniors across the state
By Jennie Zeitler
If there’s one thing that quilters enjoy as much as any other, it’s sharing the fruit of their labors with those who find great delight in them. That is part of the reason why the Prairie Quilters of Long Prairie and the surrounding area said yes when it was suggested they might be able to make enough placemats for Hilltop Regional Kitchen in Eagle Bend to distribute with Christmas meals.
“We are a simple small-town club of people who like to sew,” said Paula Erickson, program coordinator for the quilters. “Last year, I called Hilltop Kitchen asking if they wanted placemats for Christmas, to give out to the Todd County Meals on Wheels clients. We delivered 112.”
Amy Claseman of Hilltop is responsible for frozen meals that are shipped all over the state, an additional 400 clients above those receiving Meals on Wheels locally.
“Amy saw the 112, and said how much her clients would like them too,” said Paula. “I said, ‘Oh sure, that would be fun.’”
That was a brave undertaking, a huge project to take on. But the quilters agreed somewhat cautiously that they could do it. It meant the group, with 25-30 active members, needed to make more than 500 placemats by the end of October.
“It’s been fun to do our projects,” said Connie Zinter. “It’s like working with sisters.”
Although the placemats will be delivered during the holiday season, they have a wide variety of themes and designs. Most of them are about 12” x 18”.
The quilters chose to not make the placemats with only a Christmas theme, or for one season, said Paula.
“It was a good way to use our scraps,” said Barb Malmanger.
“It’s not something we would do every year, but we really enjoyed doing this,” Paula said.
“Every meeting was like Christmas, seeing what everyone had done, and counting how many more placemats were finished,” said Connie.
By early June, the group had completed 340 placemats. They were very encouraged that they would indeed be able to finish the project and do it in time.
Because the placemats were individual small projects, there was not as much of a commitment involved, as there would be with a larger quilt.
“A lot of quilters got to practice patterns and techniques they hadn’t tried before,” Connie said.
“I was amazed at how prolific people were,” said Ruth Wingeier. “Every time I came to a meeting, it was fun to see how many more placemats there were. It was fun to be part of it.” When the tally was complete, the Prairie Quilters had together made 550 placemats. Paula made 100, and Barb made at least 80, but everyone was part of the project.
The completed placemats were recently displayed at a quilt show at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Prairie, October 26.
Reflecting back on several months’ work, Barb said, “It was such a pleasure to make them, knowing they would be gifts.”
“We’ve heard stories from last year, how people were so touched that someone thought of them, and took the time and effort to make something,” said Connie. “This world needs more love and compassion.”
“These placemats have added joy, color to their homes, and the feeling of love. A lot of clients are homebound and any caring thoughts make them feel so loved,” Amy said.
The placemats were delivered to Hilltop, October 29.
“They were very excited to get them. We delivered 525,” said Paula. “We will be making a raffle quilt for them in the new year.”
There is a much smaller undertaking coming up soon. The quilting group has agreed to make placemats for St. Mary of Mount Carmel Montessori Preschool.
“If everyone made four more placemats, we’ll be done,” said Lois Berg.
“This shows me that people care,” said Amy. “The placemats are beautiful, colorful, and so very cheerful. Every placemat is full of love, as you can see in every stitch. I can hear the laughter, chatter and deep discussions as they worked on these.”
“We’re touching hearts with placemats made with love,” agree all the quilters.
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