Indiana quilt guild stitches together community and purpose

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (Aging Untold) — Inside the carriage house at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, members of the Southern Indiana Quilt Guild gather each week with fabric, thread, machines and a mission.

The group meets regularly to make quilts and other handmade items — including bibs, hats, tote bags, aprons and wheelchair blankets — for organizations serving people in addiction recovery, new mothers and babies, hospitals and seniors.

Skills, routine and connection

Amy O’Rourke, an Aging Untold expert, said creative groups like the guild carry particular value for older adults.

“So what quilting does is it works on your problem-solving skills, it works on your fine motor skills, it works on your memory because you’ve got to remember what you’re doing and it works on your creativity, your creativity skills,” O’Rourke said.

Members range from experienced quilters to beginners. The guild is open to all.

Customized items for those in need

Among the guild’s donations are wheelchair blankets made to individual measurements that are designed to fit safely without getting caught in wheels.

O’Rourke said the act of giving back provides older adults with something beyond craft.

“Giving back helps people feel needed and valued. It helps them give purpose and meaning, which really is what it’s all about in retirement — is that emotional growth and meaning and purpose,” O’Rourke said.