The Quilt Crew

Indian Time
Vol 31 #40
October 10, 2013

This is the quilt crew, Jade Gabri, Joni Cole Leanne King, Dawn Lazore, Karakwentha Lazore and Sesi King.

Six women gathered together to learn for the first time or some to make another quilt with the knowledge they already had about quilting. The common quilt design was called, "Trip Around The World". The instructor and host Leanne King at her home on River Rd., Tsisnaihne. She had put out an and invitation to her cousin to join in to experience the chance to sew a baby quilt using Leanne's available fabrics. They also had the choice to bring along their own fabrics and sewing machines. Once the women arrived, it was time to get started. The first step was to choose six colors or designs that would most match or blend nicely. With guidance, each girl cut out her fabric to the required dimensions and lay them to ether.

The humming of the machines begins ... oh what a beautiful sound. By one o-clock, the aroma of Leanne's cooking filled the air and invited us to take a break and have a snack . There were six ladies present for the day in the coziness of Leanne's home.

"When did you begin quilting?" was the question put out there for the girls. Leanne said, "I remember when my baby girl was born and the interest of sewing became apparent. I attempted and succeeded to make her baptismal dress. I continued to make her little dresses as she grew and eventually I wanted to try quilting. I soon signed up for a class with my Aunt Dyan Swamp. This is when I realized how soothing the colors were to me and I wanted to do more. Quilting and the soft, bright colors produced a warm feeling for me. Many of my quilts have gone to the Akwesasne Freedom School to help parents."

Joni added her story about her start "I also took a class from Dyan and I really liked it. What really stood out for me was remembering how my mom made quilts for all us kids, they were so special. When I went away to College I took the homemade corduroy blanket my mom had made, it was so warm. Mom asked why I didn't take the Pendleton she bought for me, but I wanted to take her quilt."

Dawn's connection to quilting also rose while she worked at Wolfpack as a cashier. Eventually the gift shop grew into a very well know Quilt Shop called Dream Crafters. Well know for its high quality fabrics, people came from many miles away to shop. Dyan and Lawrence are the owners and she is an expert quilter and began to offer classes in the upstairs. All the supplies and fabrics needed to sew were also available here. Dawn never thought she would be a quilter but after taking one of Dyan's classes, she really enjoyed it. She became very good at helping customers to choose color schemes for them and has also created many beautiful quilts herself. Here again, many of her blankets have gone to the auctions at the AFS.

Sesi was exposed to the art of quilting by her late in-laws, the Kings. It was rare not to see a quilt hanging up in their living room as people sat around and held their thread and needles helping out. It sure was a good setting for communicating with each other. The memories were all so precious. From there, she began to make quilts at home while taking care of her young family. Now that she is retired, she'll take any opportunities to sew quilts and do canning alongside her family.

Karakwentha took an interest in sewing when she got a new sewing machine. She began to practice on her own as time allowed her. She did attend a class at the St. Regis Recreation Center and began to make quilt tops only to be waiting for time to finish the.

Jade tried her hand at making her very first quilt and we all saw what a nice variety of colors she chose and made such a happy quilt. She shared a little story with the group about sewing. At the age of twelve, she tried sewing a quilt with her mother's help. She instantly gave up when she had to work with a light powder blue material with Victorian dressed teddy bear print. Now older, she truly found the joy of matching color and prints together to produce her first beautiful quilt.

Sewing all together was so much fun and caused us remember our days past. "Quilting reminded me of the good ole days and how much closeness there was and we can start to make this tradition come alive again. My grand-mother had given my mother a quilt top for her wedding day and I am so fortunate to have it in my possession that I will someday pass on. Quilts are very special and can last a lifetime of happiness," added Sesi.