Elaine Spangler has been sewing since she was a teenager, but she only dabbled in quilting. When she first moved to Lancaster County in 1992, she looked for a quilting group to join, but she waited until her children left home to get involved. In 2010, she joined the Red Rose Quilters Guild.
The Red Rose Quilters Guild currently meets virtually on the second Tuesday of each month beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a time to visit with members. A business meeting is held and a speaker gives a presentation. According to Spangler, the virtual format has enhanced the choice of speakers. "(Virtual meetings have) really expanded our reach as far as variety of speakers," she said. "We had one speaker from Norway." Spangler reported that workshops based on a speaker's project are often held the following day or the following Saturday. "We learn different techniques from them," said Spangler of the optional workshops, which have recently been held virtually.
Studio gatherings, which are optional, are still held in person on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 1 to 5 p.m. at Hosanna! A Fellowship of Christians, 29 Green Acre Road, Lititz. During Studio meetings, members work on individual projects. "We now have a (virtual) sew-in periodically as an alternative to Studio," said Spangler. "People just get (online), and we sit and sew and talk."
The quilters have a long history of making quilts to give to nonprofit organizations, handing out as many as 200 annually. Prior to COVID-19 restrictions, quilts were distributed at a potluck meal held each February. "In 2021, we had a meeting in October to finish up some of the comfort quilts," noted Spangler, who said quilts have been donated to a variety of organizations and most recently to Off The Streets, which helps the homeless transition back into housing. Spangler said the donated quilts are usually completed in one workshop day. "We set up eight to 10 machines, and we usually have the quilt tops done, so it's just a matter of stitching the backing. Some are tied (quilts), and some are stitched."
Quilts of Valor, includes dedicated members of the guild who meet monthly to make and distribute special quilts to servicemen and women.
The history of the organization, which currently boasts about 150 members, dates back to 1983, when it was founded by Donna Lucidi, who served as its first president. The mission of the guild has always been to promote the many forms of quilting by presenting an active program of education and study. The group is open to both men and women, and Spangler noted there are usually a few men in the membership.
During November and December 2021, the guild was spotlighted in the Quilt Shop at Miller's, 2811 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks, where guild quilts raised funds to make more comfort quilts to donate.
More information about the group may be found at http://bit.ly/rrqg-lanc.
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