Roughly 70 sewers attended the Sewing for Sight quilt retreat Saturday. The day-long event started at 8 a.m. and ended at 11 p.m. Dozens of quilting projects were finished throughout the day, but the real purpose of the retreat is raising funds for Foundation for Saving Sight. The foundation’s mission is to restore vision to those who have no access to sight-saving improvements in and around San Lucas, Toliman, Guatemala.

The Foundation for Saving Sight began in 1992. It was established by Dr. Christopher Wallyn and Michael Merck, who travel annually to San Lucas, giving their medical knowledge, talents and time to deliver sight-saving eye care to the poor people in need. For the last 11 years, Sewing Seeds Quilt Company has helped organize the retreat in St. George. The retreat raises money from quilters attending the retreat, with special raffle drawings.

“I could just cry to hear you guys laughing again,” Sewing Seed co-owner Ann Wendinger said addressing the crowd before the quilt raffle. “It is so great to be back together.”

This year marked the eleventh year since the event began, but it is the first year back after last year was held virtually. The COVID pandemic prevented quilters from congregating in St. George for the retreat.

Tom Meidl brought a 50-year-old singer feather-weight sewing machine. It was likely the oldest machine at the retreat, but it still works and is lighter weight than modern versions.

Wendinger said they were happy to have the quilting retreat return, but it was a small step toward getting things back to normal.

In past years, the retreat would also feature quilt vendors, a quilt show and a cafe for those attending. With COVID still a concern, the event was limited to a quilt retreat only. For many, the retreat was more than enough.

The retreat gave each quilter time and space to finish quilting projects.

Lisa Fischer worked on a wool applique quilt that involved a lot of hand stitching.

Kris Manderfeld worked on a star-pattern quilt using the English Paper Piecing method.

Photo by Clay Schuldt Lisa Fischer works on a wool applique quilt that involved a lot of hand stitching.

Mary Waibel worked on a log cabin quilt. Waibel said she had the kit to make it for a long time and decided this was the time to assemble it.

Ann Bauer was working on a quilt made of several square pieces, but the fabric had a unique design. When completed the quilt created an optical illusion effect. Bauer said the design was a lot simpler than it sounded. She said as long as everything was kept square, everything would turn out fine.

At noon, a special quilt raffle was held. Those participating in the wine pull had a chance to win a quilt created by Doug Leko, a fabric rep for MODA and a pattern designer owner of Antler Quilt Design.

Jenny Helget won the quilt. Helget was excited to win the sunrise pattern quilt. This will be her second quilt based on a Leko design, having previously made a quilt off one of his patterns.

Helget is relatively new to sewing. She started in 2018 after her sister-in-law got her started.

Many of the quilters at the retreat had similar stories. Most got into the sewing life after learning from a family member.

All funds generated this year will be used to purchase a retinal camera to screen patients for the diabetic retinal disease before Dr. Wallyn’s arrival and identify those patients in need of laser treatment.

Those wishing to donate, but who were unable to attend the retreat can make checks payable to “Sewing for Sight” and mail them to 37848 631st. Ave., New Ulm, MN 56073.