Get to know our members.
We have a wonderfully diverse group of quilters. Each shares with the group in their own special way. Have fun getting to know us.
Vivian Barry
Rubydell Bogaert
I've recently moved to Grant, from, Greeley, CO in celebration of my husband Warrens' retirement. We have one son, Quinton and his wife Nicole, and two special grandchildren, Kyana and Isaac, who still live in Colorado. Warren was born and raised in Grant and always knew this was where he wanted to return. So here we are.
I was "exposed" to quilting in 1995 when I saw a quilt thru the window of a shop in Broken Bow, Ne and inquired if it was for sale. Well, the shop owner stepped right up and said no, but we will sure help you make your own. And the rest is history, as I was immediately addicted. In that year I did finish the quilt in the window in my own color choices and it has adorned our bed ever since.
I was so excited to find that there is a quilt guild in my new hometown and am looking forward to participating. My experience so far had been very motivating and inspirational.
I was "exposed" to quilting in 1995 when I saw a quilt thru the window of a shop in Broken Bow, Ne and inquired if it was for sale. Well, the shop owner stepped right up and said no, but we will sure help you make your own. And the rest is history, as I was immediately addicted. In that year I did finish the quilt in the window in my own color choices and it has adorned our bed ever since.
I was so excited to find that there is a quilt guild in my new hometown and am looking forward to participating. My experience so far had been very motivating and inspirational.
Tara Curtis
Betty Frederick
I began sewing when I was 8 years old when I became involved in 4-H. I made all of my clothes during my high school and college years and made my wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses when I was married. As you can see, sewing has always been a very important part of my life. In the last ten years, quilting has become my passion. A year ago I, purchased my first long-arm machine and have been practicing and trying to perfect my skills in actual quilt finishing. I have quilted several small quilts for friends for practice. When I am not quilting, I am working at the Wallace School where I have been employed for 25 years as administrative assistant to the Superintendent of school. I also love working in my yard and being with my children and grandchildren, and following my husband, Larry, to antique tractor shows (where sometimes I can find a quilt shop not too far away!) My hope for the future is to always have one quilt on the long-arm, one at the sewing machine and one on the cutting board!
Marcia Frerichs
Although I did sew play clothes for our 3 daughters when they were young, the quilting bug actually didn’t bite me until we started having grandchildren! For each of our nine grandchildren I made a small cradle “quilt” for the cradles Mike made each family. The first few were just fun appliques on top of the 3 layers. What did I know??? As the years went by, they came closer to being an actual “quilt” with the last one being made with my retirement gift to myself...an embroidery machine. I love making small gifts on it, too!
Since my retirement from our family’s 3 generation Adams Lumber Company which my grandfather started in 1919, I have joined quilt guild to be inspired by all these wonderful, creative ladies who are so gracious to share their encouragement and wisdom! I am so thankful for this fun group and love to attend whenever I am not at one of our nine grandchildren’s frequent activities. The guild members' Show and Tell is amazing!!!
Since my retirement from our family’s 3 generation Adams Lumber Company which my grandfather started in 1919, I have joined quilt guild to be inspired by all these wonderful, creative ladies who are so gracious to share their encouragement and wisdom! I am so thankful for this fun group and love to attend whenever I am not at one of our nine grandchildren’s frequent activities. The guild members' Show and Tell is amazing!!!
Mitzi Gartrell
I started sewing with my grandmother when I was young, then sewed in 4H on a treadle sewing machine I bought at a second hand store. I then sewed in Home Ec with wonderful teachers Jane Doud and Jane Hornung and made lots of my clothes when I was in high school, and even my wedding dress. After getting married and moving to Wallace, we had three daughters, Misty, Mandy, and Shiloh....and of course I sewed for them. I loved to do counted cross stitch, and tried my hand at refinishing furniture, reupholstering, stained glass, etc. I took a quilt class from our good friend and neighbor Carey Nelson in '79 & '80 and found I absolutely loved quilting! I made quite a few small projects, and several quilts for family and friends, even hand quilting several of them. I went to work for the US Postal Service and worked there for 28 years, retiring after serving as Postmaster for Elsie and then for Wallace. Jim and I live West of Wallace, right inside Perkins County, on our place we have lived since we got married in 1976. We raise cattle and enjoy the work horses and saddle horses we have. Our family has went on a wagon train every year except 1 since 1986, which has been fun ~ but definitely makes me appreciate those that loaded their belongings in a wagon and headed West for a new life! I love it where we are, and continue to enjoy meeting new people and spending time with people that have common interests, quilting being about my favorite. Jim and I have 6 grandchildren now and enjoy seeing what they are doing, and I am lucky enough to even get to quilt with a few of them as they are getting old enough to enjoy that!
Ellen Gillett
I'm Ellen Gillett, a retired teacher after 40 plus years. I've been quilting for over 25 years, and yes, I do have UFO's. I've been a member of Grant's Quilted Leaf Guild since its inception.
Dee Grantham
Susan Hanson
I made my first quilt in 1976 as a commission for a young girl with American parents, living in London, but have been sewing since my mother allowed let me cut up an old curtain and make a set of napkins when I was barely old enough to sit at the machine. I have always had a passion for sewing and made many of my own clothes until after I was married. I created clothing for my two children, but found ruffly dresses were more fun than t-shirs and such. Before my daughter was born, I took a quilting class from Carrie Nelson near Wallace. Family members have been the recipients of many of my quilts - weddings and babies have inspired my efforts. I have an art degree and a home economics degree and have had a wonderful time combining both concepts in my quilts. I love the challenge of creating quilted mosaics from photos but am equally passionate toward traditional quilts. I have a longarm quilter, as well as a collection of other new and vintage machines, including the one my husband and I received as a wedding present from my parents - I am sure Steve was thrilled at the time. Some recent projects have included paper piecing and ruler work on my long arm. Little did he know how much I would use it. Quilting is my therapy. If you care to see what I have been up to check out my website - www.blquilter.com
Taffy Hastings
I became interested in quilting from watching my mother. She was a sewer, making clothes for the family and making quilts. I remember sitting by her side when she used a treadle sewing machine and later and electric sewing machine. Then I started sewing in 4-H and that led me into sewing for myself and later for my kids. Now, for the last five years, quilting has become a great stress reliever at times. I enjoy knitting , gardening, baking and outings with my family a great deal, too. I am married, have three grown children and two grandchildren. I am employed by Perkins County Health Services in Grant, Nebraska as an LPN-e.
Judy Hilferty
I have been quilting about five years and truly enjoy the entire process! I enjoy being a member of the quilt guild. I have learned so much from all the members. The knowledge and ideas everyone shares is priceless. The programs, the charity quilting, the mystery quilts and the friendships are wonderful. I enjoy quilting with my friends and my sister.
Tammy Hastings Hutcheson
Tammy teaches full time, just taking a new position as kindergarten teacher at Perkins County Schools, and has a passion for quilting.
Diane Hueftle
In the late 90’s while on vacation visiting my best friend Pennie Reese she said “let’s make a quilt block.” I wasn’t sure I remembered how to sew it had been 25 years ago. Penny said “it will be fun!” I made my first Log Cabin quilt block that day and was hooked! With 11 grandkids and 1 on the way I mostly make children’s quilts. I am a perfectionist and love the challenge of quilting but best of all I love the fellowship, knowledge and creativeness these awesome ladies share so graciously.
Jonie Johnson
I remember staying with my grandma, Carrie McCormick, when she would host a “quilting bee” in her home. Grandpa Vic would put up the large quilting frame which seemed to fill the whole living room. Five to seven ladies would show up and hand quilt for most of the day. Even though I wasn’t very old, Grandma always invited me to join them. I often wondered if my uneven stitches were taken out after I left.:) The ladies were always so kind and encouraging to me.....just like everyone in Guild today! My dear friend Pennie has been such an inspiration for me to begin quilting my own projects! My husband and I have a daughter, Carrie, and a son, Jeremiah, and five beautiful grandchildren. I currently teach Kindergarten at Perkins County School. This will be my 40th year of teaching! In the near future when I retire I plan to spend more time enjoying by new hobby....quilting!
Sandie Kedrowski
My name is Saundra (Sandie) Kedrowski I moved to Grant NE 39 years ago. We have two wonderful sons and one fantastic granddaughter. I work at the Hospital in the radiology department as a radiology technologist and love my job; I also have a beauty shop in my home - my first job in my careers - which I also work in occasionally, love to visit with people and this gives me the opportunity to make some one feel better and make me feel pretty good also. I have always enjoyed sewing and piecing quilts, just wish I could spend more time doing this. So much material and so little time. I also like to read and occasionally get to. (Sandie is on the left in the photo.)
Diana Knaub
Darlene Kuskie
I became interested in quilting while I was working at United Nebraska Bank in Grant sometime in the 1980's. A fellow co-worker took me to a quilting class at Silver Thimble in Ogallala, and I was "hooked"! So I have been quilting about 30 years! Other hobbies I enjoy are gardening, reading, and spending time with our family. We used to golf but are no longer able to. Bernard and I have two sons and a daughter, all are married and we have six grandchildren..three boys and three girls; each of our children have a boy and a girl. Through the years I have made many quilts for all of them , and for many of my friends and continue to enjoy it.
Her quilts
One of my favorite quilts is my handquilted original with 12 applique blocks which I designed. There are 6 plain blocks in the center quilted with a feather circle design surrounded by cross hatch. The setting triangles on the sides have a fan and flower design. Years ago I saw a similar quilt in an old Lady's Circle Patchwork Quilt magazine and fell in love with it. I made variations by adding appliqued flowers, leaves and vines on the wide outside border and added prairie points around the quilt. I also made a matching bedskirt and pillows. It took a few years to complete but I am pleased with the result.
Another favorite is this Double Wedding Ring which I have also hand quilted. I used coordinated scrap fabrics for the arcs which have 10 assorted pieces in each. The end pieces of each arc has 2 colors alternating throughout the quilt. I quilted a pretty design in the large open space inside of each ring. While piecing this quilt, I measured each arc with a template to make sure I'd sewn each of the small pieces together accurately so that all the rings would fit.
Sharron Nejedly
I started quilting in the late 1980s when some friends in Sutherlnd started a quilt guild. It was before the rotary cutter. We used cardboard templates and scissors. My how times have changed.
I belong to 3 local quilt guilds and the state guild. I have found that I learn best by seeing other's work and become inspired. Also taking lessons at the yearly state convention have really helped.
I find that my favorite part of the whole process is the color selection. Least favorite is the quilting process. Never can make it look as good as I think it should. Need more practice. I try and make one quilt a year for the Nebraska State Fair Show. Another learning process (from judge's comments)that I use to help improve my skills.
I belong to 3 local quilt guilds and the state guild. I have found that I learn best by seeing other's work and become inspired. Also taking lessons at the yearly state convention have really helped.
I find that my favorite part of the whole process is the color selection. Least favorite is the quilting process. Never can make it look as good as I think it should. Need more practice. I try and make one quilt a year for the Nebraska State Fair Show. Another learning process (from judge's comments)that I use to help improve my skills.
Diana Pankonin
Karla Poenisch
Karla's biography will come soon.
Sue Proskovec
Mom didn't sew a stitch except to do some needed mending on a heavy, clunky old sewing machine that my dad bought from a door-to-door salesman. In my junior or senior year of high school, my parents would trade that old sewing machine in to buy me a little portable Elna for Christmas which I still use and treasure. So my first introduction to sewing was from my grandmother. Spending time with her one summer we made an apron on her old treble sewing machine. I still have that little apron AND that old treadle sewing machine.
The sewing bug bit me in junior high when in 7th grade girls were required to take a semester of sewing and a semester of cooking. Oddly enough an apron was also our first sewing project. I just recently gave that apron to my oldest granddaughter. From then on, throughout my jr. & sr. high school years I took every sewing class that was offered. My sewing itch was fueled even stronger when my first real job was working in a fabric store. I accumulated quite a stash of fabrics and threads long before I even left home. It didn't help either that I was still working there when the store closed for business and everything was marked down for clearance. Still have a lot of that fabric too which I'll get to "someday".
After high school real life kicked in and I didn't sew a whole lot. Especially after hiring out for the railroad at 22 years of age, sewing really got pushed to the back burner of importance. Now after 37 years of pulling a throttle for the BNSF I have landed here in southwest Nebraska. Attending church in Grant I met these two ladies that I think you know, Darlene Kuskie and Ellen Gillett. They found out that I liked to sew. Right away they tried to convince me to join the local quilt guild but I resisted. Finally after 3 sessions of our charity sewing bee at the Methodist Church here in Grant the sewing bug kicked in again and kicked in hard. So after 1 1/2 years of resisting, here I am.
Pennie Reese
When I was 5 years old Grandmother taught me how to knit and embroider. When I was in junior high she gave me embroidered state quilt blocks that her sister had started, but was unable to finish. A few years ago my husband, Troy, signed Grandmother and me up for a sampler quilt class. I joined the quilt guild in Grant and now have a passion for quilting. This passion has rubbed off on my daughter, Shana, and my daughter in law, Adair. I have got to share my passion with my grandchildren. It is fun to get together with my sister, Brenda, and quilt for a weekend. I also enjoy going on day trips to quilt shops with Troy or friends to buy new patterns, more fabric, and quilting tools to add to my growing stash that is fun to share with new quilters.
Lorie Regier
My mother taught me to sew when I was quite young. I have always enjoyed sewing, but hadn’t sewn in years when my friend showed me her beautiful quilts. I had never been interested in quilting until then, but because her quilts were styles and colors that I love, I thought it would be interesting to learn how. I had tried once before, but threw my pieces away. I didn’t know about the wonderful tools and techniques. My friend said she would teach me how to piece and I am so happy that I agreed. Piecing is my favorite part! I am pretty recent at quilting, maybe 3 years or so. I’m not so fond of the quilting process, but I hope to learn more about how to use my quilting rack and machine to create pretty quilts. Quilting has given me something unique, creative, and fun to do, and new friends with whom to share it with.
I also enjoy cooking, keeping my home, and playing with my grandchildren. I work at our family business, which is an agriculture retail and service company. I have five children, three live nearby, and two do not live nearby. I am so happy that some of my children have returned to make their homes here! Maybe the other two will be here someday too!
I also enjoy cooking, keeping my home, and playing with my grandchildren. I work at our family business, which is an agriculture retail and service company. I have five children, three live nearby, and two do not live nearby. I am so happy that some of my children have returned to make their homes here! Maybe the other two will be here someday too!
Sally Shiers
I am a retired Elementary teacher with a Masters degree in counseling. I've been married for 45 years and we have three grown children and 10 grandkids. Family is a very important part of our lives. After 30 years of quilting, I have a great stash and love to make strip or scrappy quilts. I also teach classes on "How to Make Your Own T-shirt Memory Quilts". Another project I enjoy is designing and sewing with my grandkids their own quilt, when they are between 8 & 10 years old. Its a wonderful bonding experience neither one of us will ever forget.
To me, Quilts are memories you can see and touch!
To me, Quilts are memories you can see and touch!
JoAnn Schultz
My grandmother and great aunts were avid quilters. I remember visiting her in the rest home and usually finding her in the craft room working on a quilt. I got started quilting a few years ago when Pennie invited me to a quilt guild meeting. I was hooked! I enjoy piecing, applique, paper piecing, etc. My favorite fabric to create with is batiks. I enjoy taking classes, sewing with friends, and family.
Patricia Story
I love fabric and thread! I've been sewing for 49 years, since Home Economics in high school. I love to make garments and quilts. I enjoy every part of it--from the designing, to the sewing, pressing and quilting. I retired early from a career as a physical therapist and had a machine quilting business in Hamilton, Montana for 7 years. My husband and I moved to Nebraska in 2011, and we just love it here. I sew 7 days a week out in my studio, which is a cute one-bedroom guest house on our property. It is an ideal space for creating, and I believe I am in Heaven on earth! (I finally have room for all 7 of my sewing machines to have their own space).. I so enjoy meeting and visiting with like-minded individuals who enjoy fabric and sewing just like I do. I was thrilled to join the Quilted Leaf Guild!
Kelly Thomala
Vila Tjaden
I can't remember when I first became interested in quilting. I love working with pretty fabrics and communing with great friends who have the same passion.
The first full size quilt that I made was a Sun Bonnet Sue pattern. This pattern I created myself while awaiting the birth of my oldest daughter, Sandra. So I guess you could say I've been at this 60 or more years. My passion really materialized after I retired in 1969. Then I took a few lessons which helped me greatly.
I also crochet, knit and do counted cross stitch. You name it, I've tried it. This old saying fits me to a T. "Jack of all trades but master of none." But I enjoy what I am doing at the time or I can switch to something else.
My husband and I farmed until his death in 1974. We had 3 children, Sandra, Terrell and Catherine. I have 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Two of the greats are Ethiopian children which my grandson and his wife adopted.
Through the years I worked at various jobs to supplement the farm income. The longest employment was 18 years in the dietary department at Perkins County Hospital which came about after my husband's death.
In 2007 my son and his wife built me a house in Sutherland which I moved into in June 2008. Here I pursue my love of quilting and also get the privilege of quilting and also get the privilege of babysitting two great-granddaughters off and on.
The first full size quilt that I made was a Sun Bonnet Sue pattern. This pattern I created myself while awaiting the birth of my oldest daughter, Sandra. So I guess you could say I've been at this 60 or more years. My passion really materialized after I retired in 1969. Then I took a few lessons which helped me greatly.
I also crochet, knit and do counted cross stitch. You name it, I've tried it. This old saying fits me to a T. "Jack of all trades but master of none." But I enjoy what I am doing at the time or I can switch to something else.
My husband and I farmed until his death in 1974. We had 3 children, Sandra, Terrell and Catherine. I have 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Two of the greats are Ethiopian children which my grandson and his wife adopted.
Through the years I worked at various jobs to supplement the farm income. The longest employment was 18 years in the dietary department at Perkins County Hospital which came about after my husband's death.
In 2007 my son and his wife built me a house in Sutherland which I moved into in June 2008. Here I pursue my love of quilting and also get the privilege of quilting and also get the privilege of babysitting two great-granddaughters off and on.
Sandy Tucker
I began sewing in 4-H when I was about 9 yrs old and always enjoyed exhibiting what I made at the Perkins County fair. When I was in Junior High and High School, the only elective class for girls was Home Ec, so of course we did more sewing!! I made a lot of my own clothes back then but while I was in college and then beginning my teaching career and starting a family, sewing was not a priority. I made a few of my own and my daughter’s clothes and attempted a few small quilts and “quillows” (remember those?) for gifts. I have always enjoyed needle work such as counted cross stitch, crewel embroidery, regular embroidery as well as many other crafts but would now like to concentrate on learning more about quilting and getting some projects completed. It has been wonderful to come to the guild meetings and see the beautiful quilts that everyone has created! Now I just need to build up my stash with some nice fabric and get busy!
Ramona Upright
I have been sewing most of life. I have sewed kids clothing, women’s clothing, coats and one wedding dress. I have done cross stitch and needlepoint but did't quilt until the late 1980s. At that time I guess I got hooked on quilting and have been quilting ever since. I love to make quilts for other people especially my family. I have a longarm machine so I can quilt whatever I piece. I have made lots of friends at the Grant guild…wonderful guild…. and have learned lots of techniques from them.
Mary Wingett
Mary moved to Omaha but plans to come back twice a year to quilt guild. We will miss her and her beautifully quilted quilts.