Friendship, faith grow around the quilting frame

“I know there has been a New Home Ladies Aid Quilting Group for at least 75 years,” observes Pat Henthorne, “because I used to play under the frames when my grandmother came to quilt.

“In fact,” she continues, “it’s probably been even longer than that, since the church is over 100 years old.”

Henthorne is one of seven quilters who gather weekly at the New Home General Baptist Church in rural Poplar Bluff to share fellowship, food and love of quilting.

“While the Ladies Aid has been around for many years,” explains Marlene Rhode, “there actually are no members from New Home with us now. The church very generously lets us continue to meet here and even provides storage areas for our materials.”

Even though the church does not charge the ladies for use of their facility, the group donates regularly to cover the cost of utilities they may use.

The quilters come from various walks of life and varying degrees of quilting experience.

Pat Henthorne used to crawl under the quilting frames when her grandmother quilted with the New Home Ladies Aid Quilting Group. DAR/Nancy Nelson Vines

Henthorne says she joined the group after retiring.

“The Ladies Aid had quilted for me in the past,” Henthorne recalls, “but they had so many quilts, they could not take on anymore. I asked if I could join and learn to quilt.”

“I was already a quilter,” says Glenda Floyd, “when Betty O’Neal invited me to join. We have known each other since high school.”

“Pat and I attend the same church,” explains Paulette Garrett, “and have known each other for 50 years.

“I was not a quilter,” she laughingly recalls, “but I am now.”

Vicky Hoover admits that she, too, was not a quilter when she joined the group.

“They quilted a quilt for my church bazaar, and I wanted to learn how to do it,” Hoover said. “I asked if I could join, and they welcomed me in. I have been quilting ever since.”

Rhode, who has been a member for about seven years, says her interest in quilting came from watching her mother and grandmother.

“I knew a little when Vicky invited me to join,” Rhode says.

The other two members are Sharon Beck and Betty O’Neal.

“One common factor that unites us,” observes Henthorne, “is that we all share a deep faith in God.”

Hoover adds, “We represent five different denominations joined in a faith-based ministry. Our quilts are used to assist in our community — either by donating quilts to those in need, or selling the quilts and donating the proceeds.”

“Some of the organizations we have supported include UCAN, St. Jude and St. Vincent de Paul, among others,” said Garrett.

Hoover says that it takes about three months to complete quilting, and that when all seven members are present, they will be working on two quilts at the same time.

Henthorne adds that baby quilts are very popular items, and that the group sells a fairly large number of those.

Even though the group sells quilts year-round, they are a popular vendor at the Holy Cross Episcopal Church bazaar every November.

“We take about 12 quilts,” says Hoover, “along with turnips and some baked goods.”

As the ladies work on this Tuesday afternoon, the easy conversation reflects both the love of their craft, and the friendships that have formed around the quilting frames.

“We’re almost like family,” observes Rhode, “in that we support each other in whatever personal circumstances may arise.”

She goes on to explain, “We’ve helped each other through some trying times, and we’ve also shared in the good times.”

The ladies admit, like family, they enjoy celebrating with food and will sometimes bring in potluck to mark birthdays or holidays.

“We also have our ‘family’ tradition in our annual trip to Hickory Log during the Christmas season,” Rhode adds.

The New Home Ladies Aid Society Quilting Group meets from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Tuesday. They welcome quilters of all ability levels, who are interested in friendship and camaraderie with a purpose.

“After all,” observes Rhode, “it’s a whole lot more fun to visit while you quilt, than to work at home by yourself.”

Rolling the quilt is a celebratory event in the quilting world. It means workspace has been completed, and less is left to do. Rolling the quilt, from left, are Paulette Garrett, Pat Henthorne, Marlene Rhode and Glenda Floyd. DAR/Nancy Nelson Vines