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Albert Lea Today
By the People, for the People
Quilting Group Donates Veteran's Uniform Quilt
Albert Lea quilters create special project to honor local veteran's service.
Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:56am
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A quilting group's thoughtful gesture honors a local veteran's service with a handmade quilt crafted from his old uniforms.Albert Lea TodayA group of quilters in Albert Lea, Minnesota, called the Sassy Stitchers, presented a local veteran named Bryan Tlamka with a quilt made from his old military uniforms. The quilters decided to take on this project as a service initiative to show their appreciation for Tlamka's service.
Why it matters
The Sassy Stitchers' gesture highlights the community-minded spirit of local quilting groups, who often donate their time and skills to create meaningful projects for those in need. In a time when sewing and quilting are becoming less common, this story showcases how these traditional crafts can be used to honor veterans and strengthen local ties.
The details
When Tlamka first approached the Sassy Stitchers to help sew some patches onto his jacket, member Shirley Watson offered to do the work. After that, Tlamka asked if the group knew anyone who could make a quilt out of his old uniforms. The Sassy Stitchers decided to take on the project as a service initiative, working together during their weekly sewing sessions to create the special quilt for Tlamka at no cost to him.
- The Sassy Stitchers presented Tlamka with the quilt on Friday, March 28, 2026.
- The group had been working on the quilt project during their weekly sewing sessions leading up to the presentation.
The players
Bryan Tlamka
A local veteran in Albert Lea, Minnesota, who received the quilt made from his old military uniforms.
Sassy Stitchers
A quilting group in Albert Lea, Minnesota, that decided to create the quilt as a service project to honor Tlamka's military service.
Shirley Watson
A member of the Sassy Stitchers who initially helped sew patches onto Tlamka's jacket, which led to the group taking on the quilt project.
What they’re saying
“You made something beautiful.”
— Bryan Tlamka, Veteran
What’s next
The Sassy Stitchers plan to continue their community service projects, including making fabric grocery bags for the local United Way food pantry and bags for walkers and wheelchairs to donate to assisted living facilities.
The takeaway
This story showcases how local quilting groups can use their skills and time to create meaningful projects that honor veterans and strengthen community ties. In an era when traditional crafts are declining, the Sassy Stitchers' gesture demonstrates the enduring value of sewing and quilting as a way to give back and show appreciation.
