Sandra Rohne

Sandra made this quilt twice! She made the first one for her oldest stepson who is a flight instructor in the Air Force because "I want each of the kids to have one really special piece of work before I leave this earth" and this design was perfect for him.

Sandra's husband loved the quilt so much he asked Sandra if she would make one someday for the local school fundraiser. Here is the wonderful story that Sandra relates about that:

"My husband Jochen (Joe) was born and raised in East Germany. He and his family escaped, literally sneaking out in the night, when he was 18. He was sponsored to emigrate to the U.S. at the age of 24 and arrived here with the limited English vocabulary of the days of the week, the months, counting 1-10, Yes, No and Thank You. He worked on a farm until he was able to purchase a farm of his own. He married, raised 3 very wonderful and successful children, lost his wife to cancer in 1993 and then married me (also a lifelong dairy farmer) in 1994.

Joe absolutely loved the quilt I made for his son and family and asked me if I would make one someday to donate to the local school foundation fundraiser. I agreed that would be a great idea. We live in a small rural area with a very strong community support ethic. I thought I would make a donation quilt for the 2005 dinner/auction. However, my husband died suddenly and unexpectedly in January 2005 and I wasn't able to pursue that project. I did, however, make one this year. I enlarged the pattern by 50% to a 40x40 piece.

Last night was the annual big event and I just wanted you to know that this quilt has been the talk of the town. It sold for $1850.00 and drew bidding from throughout the room and a rousing cheer from everyone when this was accomplished. This is the largest price ever received for an item in this fundraiser. "

Congratulations Sandra!