Laughter spilled out of the small church basement, as the group of dedicated volunteers began their weekly meeting to work on quilt making. It’s winter, making it the ideal time to gather once again to create the warmth of blankets for those in need. The Knife River Lutheran Church has been hosting the quilting group since the early 1980s and distributes over 40 handmade quilts throughout the year. Dozens of individuals have been part of the quilting club over the years, and the current ladies who gather each week interact like a well-oiled machine, having nearly 90 years of experience between them.
The process of creating a completed quilt involves several steps. This group chooses to keep it simple, using a standard large square pattern. They begin by deciding on the color theme and cutting the fabric into squares. The next step is laying out the pattern, followed by sewing the squares into strips. Ironing between each step is key to keeping the fabric easy to work with and looking nice and polished. Seasoned quilter Sue Hubbard points out, “There is always ironing to do!” Hubbard has been active in this craft for over 40 years. When not participating at church, she makes baby blankets on her own to give to crisis centers in the area.
Once the basic sewing is complete, a large wooden frame is used to hold the large pieces of fabric, keeping them flat and tight. The back section is the first to be placed into position, followed by the soft batting, and finally, the top of the quilt. The trademark process of tying each square corner with colorful thread is then done. This is the part of the process when the ladies can really converse, as they all gather around the frame cutting and tying off the thread. Group member Vicky Gorman shares that the conversation is the best part of the meeting. “This is why I come to quilt—the socializing and the laughter!” Now, it’s time for the final step: binding the edges. “We use the special Knife River Stitch, created years ago,” explains member Kay Struve.
The completed quilts are then given to local families in need, whether due to house fires or other crises. Additionally, some are donated as raffle gifts for local fundraisers or sent overseas through the Lutheran Church mission projects. Before finding a forever home, however, they are lovingly displayed over pews and the church altar for a Blessing of the Quilts ceremony. The quilting program is a congregation-supported effort. The group receives a $1,000 annual stipend for supplies and has a dedicated space to store materials and equipment throughout the year.
Hubbard, Gorman, and Struve also have other roles within the church, such as wedding coordination, bell ringing, and assisting with community dinners. All agree that coming together to quilt is a time to slow down and really catch up with each other. In addition to the satisfaction of creating quilts for the benefit of others to use and enjoy, the weekly group accomplishes many other things. “It is a chance to provide support to each other too,” says Struve.
The group has grown smaller over the years, with some members now doing the work at home, but they are always welcoming new members. Experience in quilting is not a requirement, and neither is being a Knife River Lutheran Church member. Gorman shares, “It’s a fun, friendly place and not a huge commitment.” The group meets every Wednesday from 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through June. For more information, call the church at 218-834-5172 or just stop in: The Knife River Lutheran Church is located at 158 Church Road in Knife River.
