Each piece stitched with love
What began as a handful of ladies attending a quilting class at Buckeye Career Center more than 22 years ago has blossomed into a group of 46 quilting queens who turn out amazingly beautiful coverlets. Following the class, the ladies, who are referred to as the Piecemakers, met at Karen Gasdic's home. The group continued to grow and began meeting at the First Presbyterian Church on East High Ave."It rained so hard at one meeting," said Betty Lou Honacker, "that the basement of the church flooded. We needed another facility. Sandy Hershberger, from New Dawn, was kind enough to let us hold our meeting there, and we have continued to do so since then. We've gotten more and more ladies over the years. I did a display at the library, some years back, that brought interest to the group."
The Piecemakers, who meet on the first Sunday of each month, at 1:30 p.m., share ideas, show quilts they are working on, have refreshments, and do special projects.
"There are no dues," said quilter Joyce Levengood, "and everything we do is voluntary. We have a nice group of ladies who come together to inspire each other. It's a casual setting. We do not have a president, vice president, etc. I've been with the group about 13 years, and have been working on some scrapbooks that show some of the work we do."
The Piecemakers are always thinking of others as they do their quilting. They gave more than 50 quilts to the Brecksville Veterans, made 37 quilts for the county home, and their most recent project included presenting quilts several of the ladies had made especially for four gentlemen from Cedar Lane group home in New Philadelphia. Clemmit McVae, Russell Zingery, James Warren, and Larry Statler chose their colors and the themes of their quilts.
"We asked the men what their interests were," said Amy Jones, who has been with the Piecemakers for 10 years, "and the size of their beds. We wanted to do the quilts in their favorite colors. Pillowcases were also made for the men to match their quilts."
Bob Mathews, service facilitation manager of the county Board of Developmental Disabilites, was present at the April 11 meeting. "The county board appreciates the ladies helping to support these individuals by making these beautiful quilts."
"Every quilt has a story," said Mary Rinella. "Each month since 1996, the Piecemakers have been doing what we call the BOM or the block of the month. We have a different hostess each month, and she decides the block of the month. It can be any theme, like bowtie, patriotic, etc. Then, one quilter wins all the blocks. In June, we bring in the finished products."
The Piecemakers group is continually growing. They are always excited to see new faces, and look forward to other quilters attending the meetings.
"My mom had saved a clipping from a 1999 Bargain Hunter," said Karen Maddox. "I am from here originally, but was in California for 30 years. When I moved back, I was looking for the group, and found them through that clipping. I joined nine years ago and also went to school with Sandy Hershberger. We really appreciate her allowing us to use New Dawn."
The next project for the Piecemakers will soon be underway. They have four ladies, connected with Starlight Enterprises, for whom several of the women will be making quilts.
To find out more about the Piecemakers group, contact Joyce Levengood at 330-364-3854.