During the morning of Nov. 10, at Quilted Memories, in Montague, 17 women met to cut up some quilts. They were not doing this to destroy the quilts, but were preparing to repurpose them. These quilts were not selected at random. Most, if not all, of them had been carefully made by the same women who were cutting them to pieces, using paper patterns. By the end of the day, 17 new quilted jackets would be nearing completion.
Andrew Lee, “The Combat Quilter”, led the group in making jackets using a Twig & Tale pattern, with the New Zealand company’s permission. This activity would follow the guiding words of the company’s owner. “I believe in reusing fabrics when possible and bringing new life to old things, in spending time (sometimes together, sometimes alone) to let the spirit run free.”
Lee is an accomplished quilter who has spent much time alone, creating quilts both large and small. Sewing jackets is new to him, having previously only worked with three people making them. Today was his first time leading a large group creating new things from old quilts. (For more about Lee, visit his website: combatquilter.com.)
Some people were kneeling on the floor cutting out pieces of their large quilts. Others were helping someone else make a decision on where to best place pattern pieces to emphasize the quilt’s pattern. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves in the informal atmosphere.
“Hey, can I borrow your pocket pattern?”
“Sure, help yourself.”
Louisa Ragukis from Grandville was positioning pattern pieces, and preparing to cut up a quilt she had made in 2011. She was also being helpful to a quilter near her who had not sewn a garment since home-ec class in high school, decades ago.
While some were still cutting out pieces, Anna Pearo of Muskegon had her jacket partially assembled. Lee was giving her tips as she stood trying on her sleeveless garment. By the end of the six-hour class, 90% of each jacket would be completed, with binding and finishing touches of buttons, snaps or ties to be added at home.
A delicious lunch of wild rice soup and chili was provided along with dessert treats. The chili was made by Cindy Bellefeuil, a Muskegon quilter, who is Lee’s mother. .
For Norma Shaarda, from Jamestown near Grand Rapids, this was the second class she had attended here this year. She is the president of the 200-member West Michigan Quilters’ Guild and was enjoying the day. She thought it was special to have Lee leading the class so near Veteran’s Day.
“With his military background, he really keeps us focused,” she said.
Lee will be leading another quilted jacket class at Quilted Memories here March 22, 2024. Call the store at 231-893-0096 for more information.
Colleen Strait of Shelby was attending the class. She is a frequent visitor at Quilted Memories.
“This is our favorite quilt place,” she said.
Jill McFadden-Twiss, owner of the store, makes her place special for all customers.
By the end of the class, 17 quilters were able to model their mostly-finished jackets. They will all be done soon and the warmth of their quilts will not be felt on a bed or couch this winter, but will be worn instead.
