Forty years ago, Joan Shaver and a few friends, some of who have since passed away, started meeting at each other’s homes to quilt together. One of their first projects, a quilt for a friend who was getting married, was just the beginning of a four-decade love of a craft that started in May of 1978, and has since grown into a substantial community effort.
Today, three of the original Newark Valley Quilter’s, otherwise known as the VQ’s, Joan Shaver, Lucy Cross and Fay Johnson, along with as many as 20 other active members meet weekly in the Noble Room at the Newark Valley municipal building. With close to 30 on the roster, the group members come from surrounding communities, too, such as Owego, Candor, Apalachin, Endicott, and as far away as Marathon.
Pictured are three of the original members of the Newark Valley Quilter’s. Seated, from left, are Fay Johnson and Joan Shaver, along with Lucy Cross, standing. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
Not only is their Wednesday quilting time a chance to catch up and inspire one another, such as picking up tips on tatting and embellishment, or utilizing dye techniques, the artsy quilters gather to work on projects that ultimately brighten the lives of others.
One member shared, “It’s a great getaway time, away from the normal routine,” and another added, “It’s good therapy, too.”
Alicia Griggs was nearly in stitches as she chuckled, “But what we talk about here – stays here.”
In addition to their weekly gathering, the group also participates in “Quilting Retreats” and attends other special events.
Their spirit of giving is far-reaching, as well as where they have donated their finished quilts to. From “fire quilts,” which are delivered to families who suffer the devastating loss of a home to fire, to “flood quilts,” whereby the group donated well over 100 quilts to people in the area affected by the 2011 flood, they have also given their prize work to nursing homes and non-profit fundraisers.
In addition, also crafted are projects like placemats and microwave bowl holders for Meals on Wheels recipients, along with cloth bags for breast cancer patients undergoing treatment and knitted items and fleece blankets have been made for the Foster Care program.
Original member, Joan Shaver, commented, “Our group is all about being together,” while Fay Johnson remarked, “It’s the satisfaction of completing a quilt and then giving it away that means the most to me.”
Their motto, “Enjoy Quilting with Love,” a sentiment printed on labels that go out with each quilt, in turn encourages members to work together for the betterment of the community.
Patti Cawley, a VQ member for 34 years, explained, “Our group is extremely generous in nature,” adding, “Our community projects, which have evolved over the years, is a way to give back.”
As a way to give back to veterans, the group has delivered Christmas quilts to the Oxford Veterans Home, and participated in a nationwide effort called the “Home of the Brave Quilt Project,” where they present quilts to families of fallen soldiers, most recently those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A grand total of the number of quilts completed throughout the years is unknown, although their accumulated efforts are most likely in the thousands. For instance, 500 quilts have been given to a local Head Start program alone.
The VQ’s receive much of their quilting materials via donations, or they purchase supplies on their own.
Louise Haskell remarked, “I have heard of graduating seniors who still have their Head Start quilt;” just one example of the impact the VQ’s have made.
Lucy Cross shared a story about piles and piles of quilts she once had atop a bed in her home, perhaps a modern version of “The Princess and the Pea,” and lovingly placed them so they would not wrinkle or otherwise get damaged. With so many stacked on the bed, it could not be used. Eventually, she found homes for all of them.
The Valley Quilter’s will showcase their work at the Newark Valley Summerfest scheduled for Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28. Stop by the United Church of Christ located at 32 South Main St. on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to see their magnificent display. A free will donation, to be offered to the church, will be requested.
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