During recent freezing temperatures and bouts of snow and ice, the Ozark Spring chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s meeting program on The History of Quilt Making concluded with attendees learning to tie fleece blankets to be distributed to veterans in West Plains and surrounding communities.According to the crafting website Craft Schmaft, “The history of fleece blankets dates back to the late 1970s when Malden Mills developed a fabric made of superfine polyester yarn that was light, water-resistant and had good insulation. They named it fleece, which is also the term used to describe the wool coat of sheep — despite not originating from these animals. Patagonia, a company that provided mountaineering outfits, introduced this fabric as a sportswear material. The fabric was called synchilla (synthetic chinchilla) and is considered to be the first generation of modern fleece.” Tying a blanket, from left, are Daughters Jan Tappana, Linda Collins and Connie Weber.
