What began as a humble initiative to knit quilts for little patients at Southlake Regional Health Centre has blossomed into a much larger endeavour, providing handmade comfort to people across the country and overseas at times.
Members of Southlake Sew Along celebrated the club’s 20th anniversary on June 14, reminiscing on cherished times while working on new projects at The Quilt Store / Evelyn's Sewing Centre in Newmarket. Over the past two decades, the club has created and donated more than 4,850 cuddle quilts, 1,800 pyjamas and gowns, and 1,250 pairs of slippers.
“As individuals, none of it would have happened, but as a group, it is quite amazing the dynamic we have,” said Grace Allison, facilitator. “There have been a lot of friendships.”
The club initially provided quilts to Southlake’s pediatrics complex care clinic. It expanded to include Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Fort McMurray Wildfire Relief, Markham Stouffville Hospital, and Japan Tsunami Relief.
The club meets at the quilt store every Friday morning to get to work on new quilts with materials that were typically donated.
“I think it is an incredible group of ladies, and I’m always amazed by the generosity of the ladies for their time and the people who donated the fabric and supplies,” said Clodagh Coker, owner of The Quilt Store.
Coker fondly recalls the time when her daughter was born prematurely. The club's gift of a blanket, which she still cherishes, holds a special place in her heart.
She enjoys the homemade nature of the quilt and the love involved in creating it.
“When my daughter was a preemie, she was taken to another hospital for the care she needed, and the nurses left behind a quilt she was wrapped in when she was first born, and for me, having something she touched and was a part of was comforting for me to have,” said Coker.
Allison frequently visited the store to sew fabrics for her own projects but joined the group after noticing an advertisement for new members. She does more cutting than sewing but prepares kits for pyjamas and quilts. She can’t believe how many quilts they have made.
“It’s hard to believe the total has accumulated as much because it doesn’t seem like we make a lot by the week,” said Allison. “The cumulative total is quite amazing. It has benefited so many families and patients.”
Allison would like to see more young people sewing. She passed on the hobby onto her granddaughters.
“I have three granddaughters, and I taught them to sow,” said Allison. “They have all made quilts, including the youngest, now eight. She has also contributed to this project.”