Quilters make great comforters

The Sew n Sews seem far from just “so and sos,” and Darlene Hagner is no exception.

She shares her talents with others not only by the quilts she makes and donates, but also by teaching classes and assisting members one on one. She is a familiar face at the club’s workroom.

Karen Semancik said, “I joined Sew n Sews and started signing up for classes. Members freely volunteer their time to teach other members various skills. My first class instructor was Darlene Hagner. I was so impressed with her willingness to spend however long it would take to have you learn a new technique. She is very generous with her time, encouraging, and patient. I’ve already learned a lot from her, and I’m looking forward to my next class. I feel that she practically lives at the club. She is always there.”

For Sew n Sews’ member Darlene Hagner, quilting isn’t just a pastime. She’s a quilting instructor for the club and participates in donating quilts to various organizations. (Photos by Christine Such/Sun Day)

Hagner has over 50 years of sewing experience that she loves to share. She does so by teaching the basics to show how to operate the computerized short-armed sewing machine. She works with the club’s staff members and offers classes from the novice to experienced.

Hagner said, “On average I am teaching classes two to three times a week, but I am also working with individuals one on one helping them on a particular project or getting them familiar with our machines.”

She loves sharing her love for the craft.

Darlene Hagner holds up a recent holiday-theme quilt.

“In the sewing classes, I not only teach technique but we share ideas, learn, and have fun. Also, I have to do the maintenance on the machines, keeping it clean and running smooth,” she said.

Hagner added that the work often goes to a good cause.

“We donate a lot of our quilts. We donate to so many organizations; Project Linus, Community Service in McHenry and Kane County, Ronald McDonalds’, the Shriners, Children’s Hospitals, and Senior Care Center and for own residents here in Del Webb. We keep the Huntley Police cars equipped with quilts so that when they have a situation that calls for that warm comfort, they have a quilt to give the individuals. We participate in making the Valor quilts to thank our veterans.”

Hagner’s motive is clear.

“I like giving back,” she said. “I love these ladies who come here. There are some that have never sewn anything before and to bring them to the level that they finish a project that they are thrilled with is my goal. At the end of the class, we have a ‘Show N Tell,’ and it’s amazing to see the pride of these ladies.”

Hagner encourages first-timers to get involved.

“You’ve probably heard quilters talk about paper piecing, even if you are brand new to the craft. This foundation piecing, when done correctly, blocks are perfect every time, even when they are sewn with tiny patches. We offer so many classes: slice and shuffle, stained glass quilts, quilt as you go. We are currently working on a ‘Quilt: Tree’s UP Lights On!’ It’s Christmas tree using the stack and slice technique designed by Sandy Gervais.”

Hagner encourages residents to start the New Year by joining the Sew n Sews, attending their meeting on Monday, January 7, in the Drendel Ballroom at 9 a.m.

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