Sharing the warmth

NEW?GLASGOW - The women and children who use the services of Tearmann House will be a little warmer this fall, thanks to a three-day campaign that saw nearly 20 people volunteer their time to make dozens of quilts.
The Quilts for Warmth campaign, run by Atlantic Fabrics, aims to make quick throw blankets that are then donated to the local women's shelter.
Manager Debbie Greene said last year, the annual campaign saw 34 quilts made; this year, they were aiming to beat that.
"We're piecing together the 23rd quilt now, so I think we'll beat last year's total," she said Saturday morning.
All of the fabric used to make the quilts is donated - Atlantic Fabrics collects it throughout the year and stores it until the Quilts for Warmth campaign kicks off.
"As long as it's cleanly laundered fabric, it's a huge help," Greene said.
The group also accepts pieced-together tops - the unfinished pieces mean the quilters can make a quick job of completing the blanket and getting it to someone who needs it.
The quilts mean a lot to the women and children who receive them at Tearmann House, she said, which makes every moment of the three-day campaign worth it.
"They use the blankets a lot in the house all year," Greene added.
Nearly 20 volunteers, customers, staff and former staff members participated in this year's campaign, and the group is hoping to top that number next year.
"Nobody has to have any experience," said Margaret Greenlaw as she used a sewing machine to bind a quilt.
"You don't have to be a quilter, you don't have to be a sewer - we'll teach people whatever they need to do. If you can tie a knot you can help us."