Marshall Democrat-News: Local News: Sew generous: Local quilter makes donation to American Red Cross (02/16/10)

Back row from left to right, Kathy Tyre of Marshall Senior Center and Mike Odneal with the American Red Cross. Front row from left to right, Mildred and Clarence Ehlert. The four are pictured with six of Clarence's quilts, donated to the Red Cross, at Marshall Senior Center Friday morning, Feb. 12.
(Sydney Stonner/Democrat-News)

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Clarence Ehlert estimates that he's made more than 500 quilts in his lifetime. That's a pretty sizeable number no matter how you look at it, but considering the fact that he began quilting in the mid-1980s when he was about 70 years old, it is even more impressive.

According to his wife, Mildred, Ehlert's first experience with sewing dates back to childhood when he would help thread the needles of his diabetic mother's sewing machine.

"That's how he became interested in how the machines work," she said.

But it was Mildred who helped Ehlert begin learning to quilt; she has been sewing for most of her life, she said.

"I just showed him and picked out coordinating colors," she said.

By now, Ehlert has already worn out one sewing machine, Mildred said.

Recently, he donated five small lap quilts and one large quilt, in a Texas star pattern, to the American Red Cross. He said he was debating between that organization and the Salvation Army.

"They're both good organizations," he said.

Previously, most of Ehlert's quilts have gone to family members and friends. A few have been privately sold as well, according to his stepdaughter Cheryl Holder.

The material for Ehlert's quilts comes mostly from garage sales or close-outs at fabric stores. He said he doesn't know how long it takes to make each one, as he typically works on several simultaneously.

Mike Odneal, executive director of the mid-Missouri branch of the American Red Cross, said the quilts will likely be given to individuals in Saline County after they've suffered a disaster like a house fire or flood.

"That'll help a lot of folks stay warm in Saline County," he said. "It's very rare that we have someone that makes special quilts like this."

Holder said she is pleased that Ehlert has developed a hobby that is beneficial to both himself and others.

"It's inspiring to me that even in our older years we can still be productive," she said.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net