The residents of the Gainsborough Health Centre have been enjoying handmade quilts that were created by the Cut ‘N Sew group from Faith Lutheran Church in Estevan.
Bright colours and soft, fuzzy fabrics were woven into the quilts, and some of the residents chose their own quilt to take back to their rooms.
It started with a conversation between Lori Moncrief – whose mother, Gladys Holitski, is a resident of the health centre – and Clara Freitag, who is part of the group at Faith Lutheran.
“I said something about how ‘I think they could use some new lap robes or quilts, and I just kind of left it at that. And then a couple a couple weeks later Clara said ‘Lori, I have something to tell you.’”
At that time, Freitag announced the women from Cut ‘N Sew were working on quilts to give to the health centre’s residents.
“Each quilt is special and individual. Each has their own character,” said Moncrief. “Some were soft and cuddly. Some were bright and colourful. There was a big mixture of designs. I think the ladies put a lot of time and effort into what they did.”
Freitag and Irene Demas delivered the quilts.
The residents were impressed with the thought that went into each of the blankets and how each blanket made them feel comfortable.
“It was quite amazing, actually, to see 16 quilts that were all displayed for the residents, and it’s a little overwhelming,” said Moncrief.
Moncrief said families of residents also appreciate that their loved ones are provided with these cozy pieces of comfort.
The quilts served as a nice early Christmas present for the residents.
Moncrief was surprised at the gifts given by the ladies of Faith Lutheran.
"Our loved ones need and deserve these labours of love. I had mentioned getting lap robes for the residents and it wasn’t too long after that Clara told me her sewing group was working on it. "
Freitag said the quilts turned out wonderfully, with the variety of colours and patterns.
“There was everything to make a person feel warm and just make them feel good. It was fantastic,” she said.
The Cut ‘N Sew group typically does work for missions around the world, Freitag said, but they have made blankets for families who have lost their homes to a fire, and they created blankets for the Estevan Regional Nursing Home last Christmas.
“When this project came along, we took it on board as well,” she said.
Five women regularly participate in Cut ‘N Sew, and one or two more drop by occasionally. They meet once a week on Tuesdays. Members started working on it in March, dedicated their summer to the task and finished up in early October.
The finished product made all of the time worthwhile.
“Just seeing the smiles on the residents’ faces, and the staff were just ecstatic at having something new and something bright, and just something to make the residents day,” said Freitag. “Everyone was happy.”
Melinda Carpenter, one of the centre's activity workers, said that each resident would receive their own quilt and any extras would be given to future residents of the long-term care facility.
