Quilters sew with love for children in dog-inspired creations

A quilting group in the Sault is unleashing our love of dogs to help comfort kids who are having a tough time due to medical issues.

The Stitches from the Heart Quilt Guild recently presented two dozen “hot diggity dog” quilts that members stitched with love for children involved with the Twinkie Foundation.

The Twinkie Foundation helps cover expenses when a family is forced to seek medical attention for their child outside of Sault Ste. Marie.

The quilts were presented at the Guild’s regular monthly meeting last Monday at the Senior’s Centre, the group said in a news release.

“It all started when one of our members, Donna St. Jules, made this adorable doggie quilt and we all thought that it was so cute,” said Susie Kainula, chair of Comfort Quilts.

“We decided to do a special project for a children’s charity as part of our Comfort Quilts program, where members volunteer their time and skills to sew quilts that are donated to individuals who are having a medical issue, experiencing a difficult time or are transitioning to a nursing home.

“We chose the Twinkie Foundation as we thought the quilts would bring some comfort to children while they were away from home for their medical treatments.”

Kainula and longtime Guild members Isola Purificati and Julie Johnston developed a pattern based on St. Jules’ original quilt, which she made using fabric scraps, and then invited Guild members to make a doggie quilt.

“We had everything ready to go for this special project and then COVID hit,” Kainula said.

Kainula said the program continued despite the pandemic.

“I handed many patterns and received many quilt tops outside on my front deck,” she said.

“It was actually a really nice diversion for so many of our members who found themselves in isolation and facing so much uncertainty with the pandemic. Members told me that they enjoyed having a fun project to work on during COVID and that it warmed their hearts knowing that the quilts were going to such a special charity.”

So many members participated in the project that they were able to give two dozen quilts to Karen Lefave, executive director of the Twinkie Foundation in a special presentation.

Lefave shared her story and talked to the Guild members about the foundation, which started as a result of personal experience when she and her husband were expecting their twins, who are now healthy eight-year-olds. 

Lefave said the Twinkie Foundation provides financial assistance for expenses that are incurred when a child has to seek medical attention outside of Sault Ste. Marie.

“No parent should have to face financial burden on top of worrying about an ill child,” she said.

The Stitches from the Heart Quilt Guild was created in 1992. It currently has 114 members and has donated hundreds of quilts through the Comfort Quilts program. 

Learn more about the quilters guild here.