The Mission Sewers of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church met as a group at the AmericInn to gratefully acknowledge the large donation of bedspreads, sheets and blankets recently received from the AmericInn in Merrill.
“The AmericInn had a required schedule of replacing the linens and updating the 48 rooms in the Merrill location,” said manager Russ Grefe. He noted that the linens were in good condition and he hated the thought of just discarding them.
Through owner Gary Schwartz’s mother, Verna Schwartz, Russ learned of an active, industrious women’s quilting group that meets Wednesday mornings at Our Saviour’s.
“Yes, they were most interested in receiving the donation,” said Kathi Peterson, the chairman of the group. Several pickup truck loads of linens were transported by staff of the AmericInn and friends to the church basement.
“The sheets were dyed for the backing, the velux blankets became the batting and the bedspreads were colorful warm tops to these blankets,” remarked Kathy. The Mission group has several quilting frames so they can tie off the quilts most efficiently amidst good conversation.
The group of 20 or so has been active for over 40 years, said longtime member, Vera Ormosen, who at 94 years old, still make quilts for the Lutheran World Relief organization. In 2012, the Mission Sewers created 130 quilts that were ready by the 1st weekend in October to start their journey to a Minnesota warehouse on their way to the Lutheran World Relief mission field around the globe. More information on this project can be found on www.lwr.org
“The goal of 150 – 160 quilts has been set by Mission Sewers in 2013,” proclaimed Peterson. “Or more,” quipped member Ruth Nelson-Lau, as she showed pictures of quilts made from other donated materials. The group is always looking for more donations. If you have large pieces of materials or fabric, please call Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church office at 715-536-5813. The Mission Sewers is an informal group and would welcome any new members with willing hands who would like to participate in this worthwhile endeavor.