Fargo woman donates quilts to kids in need thru furniture store program
By Carol Stender
Barb Hennagir of Fargo is a prolific quilter who has been quilting for a cause.
She is among a group of women making quilts that are gifted to youth in need from 3-17 years old through the Dilworth Slumberland’s Home fo the Holidays program. The quilts, made for a twin-size mattress, are part of a package for the youth. They receive a quilt, mattress, bed frame and box spring plus a sheet set, pillow cases and box of toys.
Hennagir took part in the program in 2018 after viewing a news report on the program.
“I thought, I have some quilt remnants and I can do this,” she said.
She made seven quilts that first year and now makes around 37 quilts a year for Homes for the Holidays. She is on track to make 41 this year and has already brought 24 to the store.
“When I brought some in, a store employee told me, ‘You should see their faces when they get a quilt,’” Hennagir said. “‘Their faces light up and they have big smiles.’”
Vicki Meyer started the quilting program for Homes for the Holidays. Her interest was peaked by a story she saw on the project and asked at the store how she could help. When she passed away, her mother, Shirley Hill, became involved. Now others, like Hennagir, make quilts for Homes for the Holidays.
The Salvation Army provides the store with names of youth in need of a bed, said Ryan Olin, Dilworth Slumberland manager. The Knights of Columbus deliver the beds and accessories.
“Most of the kids who receive a bed don’t have anything to sleep on,” he said. “The beds are often brought to an empty room and the child has either slept on the floor or with their parents before receiving a bed.”
Even though she hasn’t met the youngsters who receive the beds and quilts, Hennagir is warmed by what she can provide.
She’s had plenty of time to make quilts this summer. Unfortunately, Hennagir was in a car accident. Her vehicle was deemed “totaled” by the insurance company and, while waiting for a different vehicle, she had time to spend on sewing.
“I don’t have any wheels right now, so I have a lot of free time,” she said. “I have been sewing up a storm ever since.”
She receives material and thread to make the special quilts. Hennagir uses the patterns and colors to create quilts specific for boys or girls and for age groups.
Hennagir is no stranger to sewing. It’s been a life-long pursuit.
She recalled using her mother’s treadle sewing machine at age seven as she made doll clothes. She recalled sewing classes in high school and said she sewed her own clothes.
After she married her husband, Okley, and they started a family, she made clothes for all.
Hennagir was born in Montana, but her family moved to Fargo when she was just six months old. Years later, when she married her husband, Okley, the two moved to Big Fork, Minn. where they lived with Okley’s parents. Eventually they moved back to Fargo.
“I sewed out of necessity,” she said. “When we came back to Fargo, I was pregnant. And I started making clothes for everyone.”
Hennagir did alterations and repairs for Wilson Leather. Twice a week she would pick up items to sew and drop off completed work.
She started making quilts after Okley’s death in 1977. The quilts were made from pieces of clothing. Jeans and vests were often used to make the meaningful quilts.
“Now I do it because it keeps me busy and I enjoy doing it,” she said.
She has made quilts for both sides of the family as well as making memory bears and quilt wall hangings.
Hennagir has used an Elna Sewing Machine for two years and also has an older Kenmore. She did purchase a new Singer Sewing Machine in 1961 and reports she used it so much, she wore out the gears.
She swears by her rotary cutter, which can cut through several layers of fabric at a time. She doesn’t machine stitch the quilt and instead ties them. She often uses fleece backing to finish the quilts. Most of her material is purchased at thrift stores and garage sales.
“I don’t throw any fabric away,” she said. “I will cut it into 2-inch strips.”
Hennagir recently made a quilt for a nephew made from Crown Royal bags. Using the emblems as squares on the quilt, she made a full-sized quilt. In exchange, the nephew painted several rooms in her house.
“He keeps saying he got the better deal,” Hennagir said. “I think that I did.”
Hennagir and her husband had two sons. The oldest passed away in 2004. The younger son lives in West Fargo. She has three grandchildren who are interested in quilting.
While she often gives the quilts away that she makes, Hennagir keeps a picture of each one. There were many years that she didn’t keep any drawings of her quilts. Now Hennagir has two photo albums filled with pictures of her quilting work. Each one is at least two inches thick.
The albums may hold photos of each quilt and its special design, but to Hennagir, it’s a memory of a special gift she has given to someone. It’s a quilt made of love and friendship.
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