Stitching community together: The story of Scrap Happy Quilters Morinville

By: Shelley Winger
For the past fifteen years, a dedicated group of local women has been quietly making a big
impact—one quilt at a time.
Scrap Happy Quilters Morinville was founded by Rene Knight, who brought together a handful
of ladies with a simple idea: meet once a week to sew, socialize, and create quilts for those in
need. What began as a small gathering has grown and evolved over the years, with changing
membership and leadership, but its heart has remained the same—community, connection, and
giving.
Beyond the quilts themselves, the group offers something just as valuable: a sense of belonging.
For many members, Tuesday mornings have become a cherished routine—a place to share
stories, support one another, and build lasting friendships. Newcomers are quickly welcomed,
whether they are experienced quilters or simply curious to learn.
Today, the group continues to meet every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rendezvous
Centre in Morinville. Their time together is about more than stitching fabric; it’s about
friendship, laughter, and making a difference locally.
Their handmade quilts and blankets have been donated to a wide range of organizations and
individuals in the area. Recipients have included Jessie’s House, the Alexander First Nation
senior home, Morinville Victim Services, local seniors’ residences, and the Giving Tree through
Community Support Services. They’ve also supported the Morinville Food Bank and contributed
items to local silent auctions and raffles.
One particularly meaningful moment came when the group created a quilt for an elderly woman
in Bon Accord who had lost her home in a winter fire—an example of how their work often
brings comfort during difficult times.
There’s also a quiet sustainability element to their work. By using donated fabric—often scraps
or unused materials—the group gives new life to textiles that might otherwise go to waste. Each
quilt becomes a patchwork not only of colour and pattern, but of generosity from the wider
community.
The group makes a conscious effort to keep their donations local and remains open to
suggestions from the community about where help is needed most.
Looking ahead, Scrap Happy Quilters Morinville hopes to continue growing both its membership
and its impact. With more hands, more fabric, and more community support, the group can

expand the number of quilts they create and reach even more people in need. Their message is
simple: everyone has something to contribute, and even small acts—like a piece of fabric or a
few hours of time—can come together to create something truly meaningful.
Their work is made possible thanks to generous donations of unused cotton fabric. These
contributions allow the quilters to continue creating and giving back. They are always happy to
accept fabric donations and are equally welcoming to new members who would like to join.
For those interested in getting involved—or simply seeing the group in action—the door is
always open on Tuesdays at the Rendezvous Centre.
In a world that often feels fast-paced and disconnected, Scrap Happy Quilters Morinville is a
reminder that small, consistent acts of kindness can create something truly meaningful—one
stitch at a time.