Holtz learned to quilt from her mother at age 14. Since then, she has made at least 50 of the patchwork heirlooms for family and friends. Holtz is among a group of women who quilt at the Grand Generation Center. The women volunteer to finish quilting projects brought in by people who have completed the first stages of a quilt. The charge for quilting a piece varies with the amount of detail each customer wants in the quilt and the quilt's size.
Customers can choose their own design for the quilt.
Lois Stienike, executive director at the Grand Generation Center, said the quilting group began in 1970 to raise money for the center. At the time, the average quilt could be finished rather quickly with the number of women volunteering. Today, it takes a little longer but not for lack of talent. She began quilting with the group in 1987. But since then, the group's numbers have dwindled.