August 31, 2004 > A Quilt for SAVE

According to May Fendell, "You can't argue with fish." She was explaining why the quilt she and two other Washington High School students created has an ocean theme. Wendy Avery and Laura Ramie joined May to design and make the colorful cover destined for use by children who are often frightened and unhappy when brought under the protection of Shelter Against Violent Environments (SAVE). Bright colors and a myriad of textures were used inviting a child to snuggle with friendly figures while exploring a variety of textures. May says it all started when a comment in her Sociology Class caught her attention. Her teacher urged students to "make a move into your community" and she thought, "I make most of my clothes, why not try a quilt to help others?"

The colorful blanket was her first attempt at creating a quilt and May decided to ask for help. A request for assistance at the Art Club enlisted the willing services of Wendy and Laura and they were soon hard at work transforming strips and patches of material into colorful fish and other denizens of the deep. "Laura is a very good artist," says May "and Wendy helped with some of the sewing." Although the irregular shapes presented a sewing challenge, May's expertise was equal to the task. All agree that it was worthwhile and "definitely a lot of fun."

According to SAVE Executive Director Rodney Clark, the quilt will hold an honored place in the children's room at the facility. May and her friends smiled as they presented the quilt to SAVE personnel with the sentiment that the quilt would reassure children as they snuggle up in its warm, friendly cover. "We wanted to make something that is bright and happy, not scary or controversial," says May. The staff at SAVE and many children who will take comfort from this heartfelt gift will undoubtedly agree!