"The world cannot have too many quilts."
So say those who have a passion for the art form. However, after family and friends have their quilted gifts, there are boxes of scraps, projects not quite completed, and fabric purchases that never made it out of the packaging.
In 2006, 10 members of the Cariboo Calico Quilters from the Horse lake area formed an offshoot group, which meets weekly. They pack up their supplies and potluck lunch contributions and head to Nancy Meville's home for the day. Ideas are shared, solid friendships forged and quilts are sewn.
With quilts in constant production, it became evident they were sewing more than could be used.
At the same time, Canadian soldiers were serving in Afghanistan and a unique support group was formed using the ideas and guidelines of an American group called Quilts of Valour.
Canadian Quilts of Valour provides each returning wounded soldier with a homemade quilt, designed, stitched and donated by Canadian quilters.
To date, 3,300 quilts have been given to veterans from quilters across Canada.
Members of the Horse Lake quilting group are Meville, Karin Graham, Wendy Haupt, Elsie Komori, Ingrid Dalzeil, Audrey Weber, Judy McCormick, Marilynne Brager, Georgia Howard, Gloria Koens and Jenny Taylor.
The group has sent 20 quilts away, and 14 more are on deck.
The local crafters have also sent their quilts to victims of the Slave Lake fire and the Japanese tsunami.
The group members are aware of the advantages they enjoy living in Canada and are pleased to be able to respectfully acknowledge those who serve their country with a quilt made from the heart.