Stitching Together Community: Traditions of Columbus Quilters Give Back

At Traditions of Columbus, a close-knit group of women is proving that creativity, friendship and generosity have no age limit. Each week, members of the community’s quilting club gather on West Goeller Boulevard to transform fabric, thread and warm batting into handcrafted quilts for people in need.

A Shared Passion for Helping Others

With participants in their 70s, 80s and even 90s, the club is a wonderful reminder that there is always time to learn something new, build meaningful connections and make a difference. Every member contributes her own talents to the process. Some create intricate quilt-top designs, while others add binding, backing or batting. Like the individual pieces of a quilt, their skills come together to create something beautiful, useful and full of care.

Friendship Woven Into Every Stitch

Janice Sabotin, whose mother, Alice Brandt, also participates in the club, appreciates the opportunity to serve alongside friends. “We are all happy to serve and help other people, so this is a great opportunity to come together, enjoy friends’ company and serve others in Bartholomew County or somewhere else,” Janice said. “When we’re stitching quilts together, we wonder who will receive each one. Even though we don’t know who it will be, we know all the quilts are going to people who need them.”

Learning, Growing and Staying Active

Working together gives the women opportunities to socialize, stay active and continue growing. Not every member arrives knowing how to arrange a complicated quilt pattern or attach a backing, but they teach and encourage one another along the way. Even challenging designs, such as triangle patterns, become opportunities to share techniques, build confidence and develop new skills.

Extending Comfort Near and Far

The quilting club works closely with Orphan Grain Train, a volunteer network that distributes quilts, food, clothing and medical supplies to people in 40 states and 74 countries. So far, the Traditions of Columbus group has completed 20 quilts and fleece blankets, with more taking shape each week.

Purpose, Connection and the Joy of Giving

“I’m so thankful that this club gives them purpose and a reason to be social and active,” Stacy said. “Making a quilt, especially as a group, is such a fulfilling experience. It reinforces how these ladies can continue to be active and giving. This club has blown me away because of how important it is to each one of them—and because it shows what people in our community can do for others.” Through every pattern, stitch and finished blanket, the quilting club at Traditions of Columbus is creating much more than warmth. Its members are strengthening friendships, discovering new abilities and wrapping people near and far in the comfort of knowing someone cares.

Read more in The Republic!