Wheaton quilters invite others to join effort to help people in need

In her many years of quilting every Friday at the leisure center in Wheaton, Del Carbone saw her creations shipped off to countless people in need.

Small, colorful ones went to pediatric units, the Ronald McDonald House, child care facilities, anti-abortion clinics. Bigger ones with detailed stitching and unique patterns were sent to homeless shelters, tornado victims and other organizations that sometimes auctioned them as part of a fundraiser.

Carbone says "they're all favorites." The occasion that stands out the most to her, however, is the Haiti earthquake.

"We made them 75 quilts," she said. "A missionary picked them up. Then she sent us pictures of the little kids ... they just loved it and hugged it. They didn't have anything and that was exciting. I felt good about that."

Carbone suggested Wheaton Park District start the quilting group in 1996. At the time, about a dozen people signed on, many with little to no experience with the craft. They came regularly, to teach and learn the tricks of quilting while enjoying each other's company for two hours.

It's a gathering that still happens weekly at the center, located just north of Memorial Park at 208 W. Union Ave.

But now the membership has dwindled to three core members who have been coming for about 15 years: 69-year-old Margaret Bartek, 75-year-old Judith White and 84-year-old Lira Pimenta. A fourth woman joins them for half the year, before heading to Florida for the winter.

The group is small, but mighty. This year alone they made 42 quilts together.

"I'm just so impressed with them," said Linda Dolan, the leisure center manager. "They would love if more people would come. They're more than happy to teach people to quilt."

Bartek said anyone age 50 and older who likes sewing - or wants to "get out of the house" and "meet new friends" - should join them from 1 to 3 p.m. on Fridays.

"We're a fun group," she said. "People do not have to know how to quilt to join us."

Carbone came regularly until she moved to Windsor Park Manor in Carol Stream about a year ago. On Friday, she came back for a visit and the happiness spurred by the surprise reunion was palpable as the woman hugged and showed off their latest creations.

"Some of these ladies are so good at it," Carbone said. "I learned a lot. I miss it. I loved it. And the fact that we made it for charity, it was wonderful."

Pimenta keeps a binder filled with thank you cards, handwritten and typed, dating back to about 2009.

"They're really happy when they see (the quilts)," she said. "It gives us pleasure too."

Since the fabric the women are working with is mostly donated, there isn't much planning that goes into each quilt. Instead, White said, "we create as we go."

White said she appreciates that quilting gives her a chance to stay active and use her creativity. She also likes that the Wheaton group meets weekly, since other local quilting groups meet less frequently.

"I enjoy every bit of it," she said. "I have so many different patterns I want to learn and I don't think I have enough time. I learned too late in life."

Anyone interested in joining the group, which meets from 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays, can call Dolan at (630) 665-1415 or (630) 510-5030 for information. Donations of cotton and other quilting materials are also accepted at the leisure center.