Once a quilter finishes another masterpiece, the leftovers are saved because you just never know when they might be the perfect addition to the next quilt.
This month’s show at the Quesnel Art Gallery is titled May our Scraps Disappear. Quesnel Quilters Guild members were asked to utilize those myriad scraps to create a one-of-a-kind quilting project.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Quesnel Quilters’ Guild. Back in November 1983 a group of seven women, who shared an interest in quilting, fellowship, socializing and just getting to know each other, gathered to primarily exchange and encourage each other’s quilting.
Now, Quesnel’s Quilters’ Guild includes 63 members encompassing all forms of quilting.
At the group’s monthly meeting, members present demonstrations in all aspects of quilting. Each year they sponsor three workshops with outside instructors who teach different techniques and skills. The guild also hosts one show a year, with every third year being the large quilt show at the UNBC/CNC Quesnel campus.
“Interest in quilting is growing by leaps and bounds,” Guild member Cyndi Myron said.
She added almost a dozen new members joined this year alone.
For the Scraps show, the only criteria was to use scraps; the rest was left to the quilter’s imagination and creativity.
With 25 quilts in the show, May our Scraps Disappear showcases the work of at least a dozen guild members.
Also included in the show are many smaller quilting projects which began with a quilting exercise given to each guild member.
“Everyone was given an inspirational word and a colour swatch, the rest was up to the quilter,” Myron said.
“These quilting projects are scattered throughout the show.”
Although the show is primarily for display and appreciation, some items are for sale and are so marked.
Each quilter’s story is different, but for Myron she has been quilting for about 20 years.
“I do it for the enjoyment and the peacefulness it affords me,” she said.
“It’s an expression of my creativity and the joy the finished quilt brings someone else.”
Myron employs an assortment of techniques and admits she loves learning new techniques.
“It’s been fun learning machine quilting,” she said.
“It’s like drawing with a sewing machine.”
She remembers when she was a beginner and realized she could actually quilt.
“Anyone can quilt, anyone can sew and anyone can choose colours,” Myron said.
“It’s just putting together colours you like in a pattern which inspires you.”
And as for joining the guild, Myron said it’s great because other, more experienced quilters are happy to provide assistance should you ask.
Quesnel Quilter’s Guild meets from September to May, the first and third Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and the second and fourth Tuesday from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the Arts and Recreation Centre.
For information contact Cyndi, 250-992-5658.
