Anyone who has enjoyed the soothing comfort of a cozy quilt has probably carried that memory with them since first experiencing it.
The feel of a quilt is something everyone can relate to, and the visual qualities are also easy to appreciate.
Quilter Debra McCracken of Castlegar is in a unique and ideal situation in terms of practicing and promoting her craft.
Nicely set up in a corner of the Flamingo Motel on Columbia Avenue, Debra has a chance to interact with folks who are interested in what she does. There are those who are guests at the motel who get an up close and personal introduction to what Debra creates, thanks to the lovingly created works adorning the motel beds.
There are also the locals who don’t pass up an opportunity to stop by Flamingo Quiltworx to make a major purchase, maybe an accessory or two, or just to talk a bit of shop, sharing their passion with a like-minded enthusiast.
Debra’s desire to create quilts goes back to her teen years, wanting to supply a special something for a loved one.
“When I was in high school (in Calgary) I started quilting by going to the library and getting a book out,” she told the Castlegar News on August 10. “I was always kind of a crafty kid and I thought making a quilt would be like the ultimate gift for my mom.” She continued here and there, creating wedding gifts, baby gifts, etc.
“Since then (in 2000) I finally started taking some classes.”
Information was fuel for Debra’s quilting fire and she fully realizes she’s hit upon a life-long pursuit.
“Once I learned how to use all the tools it just fascinated me that everybody could be doing the same thing but using different fabrics… and how differently everything could turn out. From then on I just haven’t stopped. There hasn’t been a day that I haven’t quilted.”
It doesn’t look like there are too many ahead that she doesn’t get at it either, not with the extensive network she is now a part of.
“When we moved to Castlegar 11 years ago I went to the Brilliant craft fair and met Pauline Weinart.
She told me about the quilters, where they meet and who to talk to. The quilters just kind of took me in. They’re very generous with sharing their information, their knowledge. Everybody understands there’s more than one way to do things.”
For anyone interested in acquiring a beautiful quilt, or finding out about quilting, Flamingo Quiltworx is a great place to check out. It’s part of the Flamingo Motel at 1660 Columbia Avenue. Phone 250-365-7978.
