DaytonDailyNews.com

WASHINGTON TWP., Montgomery County — Keeping their lines straight was the most difficult part of the production process. That challenge didn't stop 14 Scouts from making more than a dozen quilts to give to needy children.

Lori Embry, leader of Girl Scout Troop 30938 based at Weller Elementary School, can't recall what she did to earn her sewing badge.

"I do remember we made our own vests instead of buying them. I still have it and it's still in one piece, so we must have done a pretty good job sewing," Embry said.

Most of Embry's fourth-grade Scouts had never sewn before they met at Ready Set Sew, a sewing school at 61 Marco Lane in Washington Twp., to tackle the quilt project.

"I couldn't believe it because I had never done it before, so I knew it would be really cool," Deborah Liberman, 9, said.

The girls took turns pinning, sewing and ironing 25 squares of fabric together to make a single baby quilt. The finished quilts were donated to Hannah's Treasure Chest, a nonprofit organization that provides clothing, furniture and toys to local children.

Embry's daughter Alyssa, 9, was among the few with sewing experience. She's made costumes for a Destination ImagiNation team and pillows for her American Girl doll. Alyssa plans to make a stuffed animal for herself and maybe a quilt for her mother.

Deborah also expects to continue sewing. "I think I'll do a pillow next. Sewing is really fun and I'd like to get a sewing machine," she said.

Embry's Scouts have undertaken a number of service projects since the troop formed when the girls were in kindergarten. For example, they've sent cards to soldiers overseas and helped senior residents at St. Leonard pot flowers for their rooms.

With their sewing badge requirements completed, the troop will begin work in January on the World Neighbors badge. The badge focuses on cultures and traditions of other countries as well as homelessness and hunger.

"This badge is completely run by the girls, so we'll see what they come up with and follow through with their ideas the best we can," Embry said.