Wisconsin quilters send thanks with each stitch

During the past few months, a team of women crafted thank you messages for U.S. veterans, one stitch at a time.

The Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild have finished eight -- all but one in shades of red, white and blue. The quilts will soon be shipped to injured military personnel from Wisconsin and Minnesota through the Quilts of Valor Program.

"I just think about the courage of the people who will be getting these," said quilter Becky Rummel. "This is the least we can do."

In the Solon Springs Community Center last week , the quilts were unfurled. One featured pictures of American fish. Another was pieced in a time-intensive pineapple pattern. Many incorporated brightly colored stars. Delores Rozell turned one over and ran her hand over the flannel backing.

"I know it's nice and warm," she said.

The quilts were started in group sessions in October and finished during the following months.

"It's always a collaborative effort," said Barb McDaniel, a quilter and Navy veteran.

"They'll cover up with them," McDaniel said.

Each quilt is packaged in a hand-made pillowcase and holds pictures of its makers in an inner pocket. Two will be shipped directly to Germany through a distribution point. The others will be brought to either the Quilter's Co-op or Quilting Creations in Duluth. Both shops are collection sites for Quilts of Valor.

Ginny Dudeck started the Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild in 1999. Since then, it has grown to about 30 members from throughout Douglas County and as far away as Spooner.

"We all like each other a lot; I think that's why we have such a large group," said member Jan Bille. "It's very comforting to know you have all these friends."

Some have been together, piecing their artwork, for years. Others are relative newcomers. Some are experimental, others formal. Everyone has something to share.

For McDaniel, quilting provides an outlet for expression. It also lets these women reach out to the community. The artisans have provided quilts for local benefit raffles, fire victims and organizations including the Center Against Sexual And Domestic Abuse and the Lake Superior Life Care Center.

McDaniel suggested teaming up to make quilts for veterans. She is the only veteran in the group, but many have family connections to the military. Each said it was the least she could do for the men and women serving their country.