UNION — Every week, a group of women come together in the basement of the Union Methodist Church with fabric and thread to make quilts. The Cook Memorial Library, La Grande, has some of these works on display in an annual exhibit showcasing the creativity of the Quilt Questers, a group focused on building community.

The Quilt Questers began in the 1980s as a way to help with outreach for the church.

The group has gone from eight or 10 people to more than 100 quilters and now has around 40 members.

Earlene Lamb, former Quilt Questers president, said having a strong organizational system has helped the group maintain a steady membership.

“It is amazing what an email list and Facebook page will do,” she said.

Lamb and other members described the group as a place of support and conversation. For those who join with little knowledge of quilting, Lamb said there is always someone ready to assist. She explained the group has a culture of helping one another whenever needed.

“The quilters are like family,” Lamb said. “Especially for those who might not have family in the area. We look out for each other.”

The organization also holds monthly meetings at Island City’s city hall. The meetings feature a show-and-tell of members’ projects and a program of some kind, including talks given by guest quilters. The group also holds classes for those who would like to learn more about the art of quilting.

The quilts the group makes go to a variety of charities, including retirement homes, dialysis centers and newborn babies. Members quilt blankets, wall hangings and clothing. Some go on display. Besides the library’s show, which will be up until May 19, the Quilt Questers have a large exhibit at the Union County Fair every summer.

“I think people enjoy seeing the quilts and appreciate the artistry,” Lamb said. “They like to see people are still quilting. Plus in the library the fabric absorbs the sound. And it is good for those who have made it to see their works on display too.”

There are very few people who are part of the group under the age of 40. Lamb explained this is because quilting takes time and those who are younger need to focus on other things, such as work and family.

However, Lamb said, it is never too early to start collecting fabric.

Quilters are tactile sorts who enjoy the feel and look of various fabrics. She said quilting is two hobbies in one.

“One hobby is doing the actual sewing and making the quilts,” Lamb said. “The other is shopping for the fabric.”

A large portion of the fabric the group uses is donated or thrifted. Lamb said when a member passes away, it is common for their fabric to be passed on to the group. In this way, the fellow quilter remains a part of the community. Some even donate whole quilts, which Lamb said she loves.

“I am in love with old quilts,” she said, “and I just love their stories.”