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Busy inspecting a red, white and blue quilt, Barbara Nolan, left, and visitor Donna Fideler share a smile as they each enjoy the quilt show. Daryl Law photo

Worshipers were greeted by hundreds of colorful quilts, each truly a work of art. Daryl Law photo

Sally Meagher of Southern Shores holds up one of her quilts that features a gardening bunny rabbit. The Outer Banks Blanketeers produce hundreds of quilts each year, which gives them something to do in winter, she said. Daryl Law photo

Susan Silbernagel, also of Southern Shores, is surrounded by hundreds of quilted blankets and fleece throws in the worship hall of Duck United Methodist Church March 8-9. Daryl Law photo

These two beautiful quilts and more were displayed on the handrail of the front deck at Duck United Methodist Church last weekend when the Outer Banks Blankeeters showed off 409 blankets and throws they gave away to those in need. Daryl Law photo

A large number of quilters made patriotic-themed, red, white and blue blankets, which were donated to veterans' groups. Daryl Law photo

Barbara Nolan of Southern Shores shows off her colorful quilt that features puppy dogs. She said the Blankeeters share materials as well as different patterns each week in January and February. Daryl Law photo

By Daryl Law, Correspondent

A collection of local sewing enthusiasts has produced more than 400 quilts and throws this winter to contribute to people in need such as young mothers, cancer patients and veterans.

There were so many of the colorful creations that they literally “blanketed” the parish hall and adjacent meeting room at the Duck United Methodist Church the weekend of March 8-9.

“They just kept coming in,” Sally Meagher said. “I lead the group; we call ourselves the Outer Banks Blanketeers!”

She added that the group used to be known as Project Linus and supplied quilts to children only. Now, they share with everyone.

“These all get donated,” Meagher said, “the dialysis center gets 31, that’s the number of patients they have.

“We do a lot for veterans and service groups,” she noted. “The smaller ones are for children and bigger ones are for adults.”

Meagher, a resident of Southern Shores, was pleased that the weather was nice that Saturday, because it meant more people would stop in to see the show. The next day, the 409 works of art were on display for three Sunday services too.

That afternoon, 11 drivers were assigned to deliver the quilts and throws to those on the 21 locations on the recipients’ list. Meagher said this unique project goes back to the year 2000.

“‘What do you do in the winter?’” She said people asked her and she answered. “Let’s get together and make quilts.”

“The [first] seven ladies just wanted something to do,” Meagher said. “Most of the gals quilt all year.”

Each January and February, however, the Blanketeers offer up patterns and materials to get the recurring project rolling again. Meagher explained that some quilts use a solid piece of backing but others piece it together.

“There are different ways of quilting, different levels of skills,” she noted. “There’s a lot of learning and experimenting going on.”

Some Blanketeers create 20 quilts, others just one. Meagher reports that beginners sometimes opt to make fleece blankets with knotted fringes all the way around.

“Someone brought in 37 blankets and that’s what put us over 400!” she said with excitement in her voice.

Groups such as the teachers’ sorority Alpha Delta Kappa make these sewing creations their service project for the year, Meagher said.

Another Blanketeer, Barbara Nolan also of Southern Shores, said most do seven to 10 each year. One of her quilts features puppy dogs printed on the material and fleece on the back with one “kitty cat” in the mix. Nolan had 11 quilts in the show.

“She’s a little whimsical,” Meagher said of Nolan. “If you’re gonna do it, you’ve got to enjoy it.”

Nolan explained that some members use pricey long arm machines that facilitate the sewing process of quilt making. They take up a lot of room and can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $60,000. Some machines are computerized too, she said.

“All the red, white and blue ones go to the veterans’ groups,” she added. “One week of our January and February sessions features patriotic themed patterns.

“We have a pattern a week,” Nolan said. “There’s also a show and tell of what you’ve done.”

“These go to cancer patients, the dialysis center, young mothers – these are the people we want to give them to!” Nolan added.

The themes vary greatly – dragons, pink “glam” items, aviation, football, coffee, crabs, sand, sea and sun.

Susan Silbernagel, a newbie of Southern Shores, also made several quilts.

“I’ve always known how to sew, my mother taught me,” she said. “We attended for a while and then decided to go for it.

“They had boxes of fabric, and we got all excited,” Silbernagel said. “They are wonderful mentors.” She uses a regular Brother sewing machine because the long arm ones cost $20,000, she noted.

“That’s why mine are sort of small, plain,” Silbernagel said.

The ladies are also avid gardeners and many belong to the Dunes of Dare Garden Club and Dare Master Gardeners.

Visitor Donna Fideler was impressed with the quilts.

“It’s so exciting and beautiful every year!”

This year’s recipients’ list included 35 for the Dialysis Center, 10 for the Duck Police and Fire Departments, 20 for Duke Pediatrics, one for Food for Thought, three Foster Connection in Boone, 19 for Head Start, 10 for Hope Cancer Center in Asheville, 40 for Interfaith Community Organization, 20 Kids and Women’s Shelter in Raleigh, 40 for Operation Smile, 12 for Raleigh Oncology Center, 20 for Senior Citizens, 30 for Water Life Pregnancy, three for Water’s Edge School, 30 for Women’s Club / Manteo Safe House and 50 for Warriors Afield Legacy Veterans.

Delivery drivers included Wanda Johnsen, Barb Stevens, Wendy Blackburn, Nancy Brandell, Alice Jaeger, Kathleen Ryan, Kathy Batenic, Emily Gould, Lynn Horn, Barb Stevens and Meagher.

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