Busy Hands

Ruth Zelinski of Viking, Alta., says, “Back in the late 1980s, the residents of the Vialta Lodge Seniors Home here in town used to raise money for items needed around the lodge, as well as for entertainment, by hosting teas and fall bazaars. I recall one project in particular— a quilt. Each resident and staff member was given a 9-inch by 9-inch square of polyester cotton, printed with birds or flowers to embroider. Some did it themselves while others had family members or friends do it for them. The centre of the quilt had a square with the words ‘Caring and Sharing, 1989, Vialta Lodge Seniors, Citizens, Residents and Staff, Viking, Alberta’ along with a picture of the lodge as it was in 1960. Muriel Otto, a staff member at the time and now a resident, wrote and embroidered each person’s name on their square. All the names were embroidered the same colour as the background of the quilt. It was eventually auctioned off at the fall bazaar for $400. I’ve been retired from the Vialta Lodge for 20 years, but I still enjoy quilting as a hobby.”