Busy Year for Quilters and Layette Workers

When Carol Rodine drove into Minneapolis recently to make a warehouse drop of 35 quilts, three layettes and nine sewing kits, it marked the final delivery for 2008 of the warm-hearted handiwork of Gethsemane’s needlework crews. Distributed locally through Lutheran Social Services and globally through Lutheran World Relief, the 2008 totals were 313 quilts, 160 layettes, and 140 sewing kits. Louise Swanson has moved away and can no longer attend quilting, but yard is sent to her and she knit 113 hats during the year.

An average of at least a dozen women take part in quilting each Wednesday, and seven regularly take part in the layette project. The sewing kits “happen by chance,” according to Carol. They’re a kind of bonus; whenever there is a donation of fabric three yards or more in length, it becomes the nucleus of a sewing kit sent overseas.

Last year Davey and Phil Hovander funded all the needles and thread used for the projects. Right now there’s an ample supply of thread, but they can still use needles. The layette project is looking for new or gently-used flannel. Flannel sheets work really well.

On January 7 the quilters met off-site, visiting the stunning new LSS Center for Changing Lives in Minneapolis. The complex, which includes Messiah Church and affordable housing apartments as well as space for LSS consultation services was a real eye-opener. The women were able to see firsthand where their work is stored on the way to those in need.