Patchwork patriotism

The women gather around the table, sorting through swatches of fabric by color and pattern. Later, they'll take these scrap pieces and turn them into beautiful quilts that are given to the families of fallen U.S. soldiers who were killed while fighting the war against terror.

The local quilters are part of the Operation Homefront Quilts project started by a 21-year-old Florida college student. The group meets monthly in a classroom at the Sewing Basket in Cape Girardeau.

The quilt project might seem small in comparison to other efforts made to support military families, but it's essential nonetheless.

"We aren't manning the airplane factories like women did years ago during the war, but we are donating our time and talents," said Becki Sanders, who coordinates the local project. "Some women aren't physically able to contribute and do so in other formats. There's a big wicker basket at the front of the shop just for donations to our group; it's constantly being replenished."

Making the quilts gives an outlet to those who want to make a difference, Sanders said.

Rita Whaley uses the quilt-making project just for that. "I can't imagine what our troops face each day," she said. "If these comfort quilts give their families a little support knowing we care, then it will all be worth it to us who give just a little of our time to make these quilts." Since the project began it has donated 1,200 quilts to soldiers' families. Some of the quilts are patriotic baby blankets sent to the wives when there's a child under age 2 in the family.

The women at the Sewing Basket meet monthly to work and piece the quilts together. On the fourth Monday of each month, they carry in their personal sewing machines and begin work. As they gather fabric to start a new quilt, they consult each other about their choices and design possibilities.

"Making quilts for the fallen soldiers' families gives me a sense of gratification for what they had to do for me to have freedom in my country," said Merle Deneke.

Joan Meyer had been hoping for some way to help the military families. "This gives me a small way to feel like I am letting them know that we care." Sandy Wilhelm doesn't have any relatives in the military but her husband did serve in the Air Force for 22 years. "I feel it's the least I can do to show my support of our troops who are fighting for freedom," she said.

Milian, of the Sewing Basket, first learned about the quilt project through a sewing machine dealer. She believes it's important for businesses to give back to the community, and the Operation Homefront Quilts does just that. "This project meshes our business with a worthwhile cause," she said.

Sanders has been pleased with the number of people who've participated in the quilting project. "There's always some little thread that eventually brings us all together." Many of the local women who come to quilt have some connection to the military, though none is required. Sewing not only provides them with a creative outlet, it's also a support network.

"This project is close to my heart as the daughter, wife and mother of career military men," said Judith Fosse. "I have been the one to stay at home while they were each in harm's way. In participating in this project I feel I am not only continuing a tradition as well as honoring those who have so valiantly defended the freedoms loved by our country." Everyone agrees that the quilting project is a worthwhile effort. "It is refreshing to see people willing to donate their time and efforts to make quilts that will be given to complete strangers," Sanders said.

The finished quilts measure 45-by-60 inches and serve as a memorial to the fallen soldier. An embroidered patriotic emblem appears on each quilt. It includes the soldier's name, rank and year of death. The words "In remembrance and gratitude" and "American hero" also are part of the emblem.

Members of the River Heritage Quilt Guild use long-arm machines to complete the quilts with final stitching designs. "What these families sacrificed for our country can never be replaced, but the love we show in making these quilts, hopefully will bring them some comfort and peace," said Patti Jones.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133