ASA students continue graduation quilt tradition

by Cori Hilsgen

news@thenewsleaders.com

Sixth-grade students in Susan Huls’ All Saints Academy classroom recently completed a graduation quilt – a tradition students have been doing for more than 20 years.

Huls said students chose fabric pieces from old clothes, blankets, pillowcases or picked new fabric that represented who they are – something that might illustrate a favorite activity, talent or a place that’s important to them.

Students began designing their individual quilt squares in February. Then Huls sewed the squares together with a single seam and returned the square to the students.

Students used fabric paints or markers to draw their designs during several art classes.

The quilt design includes a white corner on which students could write their name or draw something that is important to them. That is the same pattern that has been used with each quilt each class has made for more than 20 years.

“The quilts have been here for a long time, full of memories and with a class photo,” student Naveah Bonacci said. “When we have our quilt hanging up there, kids will look up at it and remember the good memories of our class.”

Area resident and former ASA parent Pat Bechtold pieced and sewed the quilt squares together, including a colored border. Bechtold has been volunteering her time for many years.

A class photo and the school name and year were added to the quilt. Students learned how to quilt by hand using needle and thread to make their stitches.

“Stitches are often very big, but they begin to get the idea, and they appreciate the skill it takes to quilt well,” Huls said.

She said completing the quilting involves juggling after-school activities but said she believes it’s a good way to end the year.

“It’s a nice way at the end of the year to sit and chat, work and reminisce,” Huls said. “As always, volunteers are crucial. Nancy Ebel and Jeny Meyer have spent much time working with kids after school when I am unavailable.”

Sixth-grade students commented on their quilting experience.

“It was the first time I had quilted, and it was fun trying to make the stitches as small as I could,” Logan Scholz said.

“I notice the quilts are made of vibrant colors that make the downstairs (of ASA) really cheerful,” Joe Loso said.

“I liked making the quilt because it gives us time to talk with each other, and it helps to increase everybody’s skills in quilting,” Ellie Schleper said.

“The quilt is awesome,” Belle Corrigan said. “It’s so much fun to hang out with your friends after school. I think it’s cool to bring in old scraps of cloth and make something new. They are kind of like memories donated to the school.”

“I love the idea of sharing who we are on a quilt and hanging them so others can see them,” Josie Meyer said. “I’m so happy to be part of this tradition.”

“I think it should stay a tradition because it helps us remember the great times we have had,” Jack Skahen said.

“It’s fun quilting the squares, but it was harder than I thought it would be,” Eli Ebel said.

“I think everyone has had so much fun with the quilt,” Kallie Larson said. “It is an advantage to know a little how to sew.”

“I think the quilt is a great idea for kids to do because it’s a good experience and a lot of fun,” Caleb Leintz said.

The completed quilt is displayed in the St. Joseph Catholic Church sanctuary on the sixth-grade graduation day, which is Friday, May 29 (today).

“It reminds us our small classroom community of graduating sixth graders is a part of the warm, comforting, all-embracing of the church community of God,” Huls said.

“I think the quilt symbolizes a class leaving but always staying,” student Chris Morris said.

Past graduation quilts have been auctioned off at the school Extravaganza. Quilts auctioned are usually about 10-15 years old, so school alumni can return to bid on quilts. This year’s Extravaganza was held May 16 at the College of St. Benedict Field House.