Kids Learn Quilting at Monroe Library: New Program Inspires Creativity

Right in Monroe, Michigan, something pretty special is happening for local kids. The Blue Bush Branch Library recently wrapped up a free, seven-week quilting class for children aged 10 and older, called “Quilt Love.”

Nicole Fraiser, a local quilting enthusiast, led the program and brought a spark of creativity to the group. With help from the community and local sponsors, the class gave these kids new skills and a real sense of pride in what they made.

The Inception of “Quilt Love”

Nicole Fraiser wanted to share her love for quilting with young people and came up with the idea for “Quilt Love.” As a mom of two and a quilt business owner, she reached out to the Blue Bush Branch Library about starting a kids’ quilting class.

Library staff like Liz Pifer and Chelsea Williamson jumped on board right away. Registration filled up in just 48 hours, which honestly says a lot about how much the community wanted something like this.

Meet the Instructor

Nicole Fraiser calls herself a *sewing fanatic* and started sewing at nine. Her quilting journey began in 2011 when she realized the quilt she wanted was just too pricey, so she made her own.

That passion eventually turned into her home-based business, Wylee’s Harvest Quilting and Goods, which she launched in February 2022. Nicole focuses on long-arm quilting—she uses a big automated machine to stitch together quilt layers for her customers.

She also makes T-shirt quilts, memory items, and sells finished quilts on her Etsy page. It’s clear she really loves what she does.

The Class Experience

“Quilt Love” was all about making quilting approachable for beginners. Kids like Kinley Kohlman and Tori Lange started with the basics, even sewing on paper first to get used to the machines.

Once everyone felt comfortable, they jumped into the fundamentals of quilting and made 40-inch by 48-inch quilts. It was a lot to take in, but the kids handled it well.

Projects and Progress

Each kid worked on their own project, bringing their personality to their quilts. Kinley Kohlman, a 10-year-old from Maybee, made a green, cream, and peach quilt for her 4-H project at the Monroe County Fair—and she plans to use it as a blanket after.

Tori Lange, who already had some quilting experience, made a car-themed quilt as a surprise for her 2-year-old cousin. Clara Wickenheiser needed a little help from Nicole trimming the unfinished edges of her dog-print quilt, which had white and light blue fabrics with a red backing.

Community Support and Resources

None of this would’ve happened without local sponsors, who donated scissors, thread, measuring tapes, batting, irons, and even brand-new sewing machines. These supplies will stick around for future classes.

Kids who didn’t want to shop for fabric could pick from donated materials. This kind of support really brought everyone together and made the whole thing possible.

Building Confidence and Skills

Nicole sent the girls home with homework each week to help them get more comfortable with the machines. The class focused on smaller quilts and used diagonal quilting lines, which Nicole says are easiest for beginners.

This way, no one felt overwhelmed, and everyone got to finish a project they could be proud of. Not a bad way to spend a few weeks, honestly.

Looking Ahead: Future Sessions

The response from families and the community has been huge. Nicole’s already planning another round of “Quilt Love,” and she’s tweaking things based on what the kids suggested.

The next session will have longer classes—up to two hours each week. Nicole hopes to keep this going so more kids in Monroe can give quilting a try.

How to Get Involved

If you’re curious about the “Quilt Love” class or want to sign up for future sessions, just call the Blue Bush Branch Library at 734-242-4085. Someone on the library staff—or maybe even Fraiser—will be happy to help you out.

Honestly, the folks at the library seem genuinely hopeful about this program. They’re eager to see it grow and connect with more young quilters around here.

For more details, you can check out the original article.