As bits of history and tradition are interwoven between layers of fabric, the time spent creating quilts, significantly shortened now since the invention of the sewing machine and design applications, has been meaningful and special since the very first quilt was made.
Grace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph excitedly invites the public to their first-ever quilt show, Quilted Memories, on Saturday, March 4th, from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. This show will pay tribute to the ‘Granny Graces’, a quilting group that, for nearly forty years, hand quilted patchwork bedspreads and blankets as a fundraiser for Grace Lutheran School.
In 1977, a new gym was planned for Grace Lutheran School. “A few ladies of the church wanted to raise money for the building project, and thought they could do that by offering quilting services to members and the public,” says Penny Sempert, former member of the Granny Graces, current member of the Holy Stitchers, and owner of Pineapple Press Patterns.
The Granny Graces started with just a few ladies, but quickly grew in number as the group gained popularity with the church members. “Most of the ladies did not know how to quilt until the group was started,” Penny says.
During the forty years that the group existed, 407 quilt tops were hand stitched and found loving homes. Funds raised by the sale of quilts helped the church with mission work, and the ability to complete many projects over the years.
“The group ended as it began: with just a few members,” Penny adds. In 2010, the final threads were sewn into their last beautiful piece, and the group disbanded.
The Quilted Memories show on March 4th will display several quilts by the Granny Graces, quilted church banners and patterns for the banners, as well as quilts owned or made by members of Grace Lutheran Church. The sanctuary at 404 E. Glenlord Road will become a cozy exhibit of antique, applique, friendship, modern, and scrap quilts.
The lower level of the church will be transformed into a Quilting Boutique, where attendees can purchase quilted items, patterns, quilting books, and sewing supplies. There will also be a Silent Auction, featuring miniature quilts, waiting for your bids. Proceeds from this show will be allocated to the Kitchen Remodel Project at Grace Lutheran Church.
Tickets for Quilted Memories are $10 per person, and include a post-show tea party with beverages and delicious petite confections. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or in advance through Penny, at pennysempert@gmail.com.
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
