It's snowy outside, but here's one reason to think about spring

Too early to talk about events not taking place until spring? One local organization is "quil-ty" as charged.

Organizers of the Stitches From The Heart Quilt Guild show in May want to get the word out now because they will be having a judged competition, and quilters need to be members in good standing before the end of December to take part.

You can find more details in the following news release:

The Stitches From The Heart Quilt Guild will be hosting its bi-annual Quilt Show in the spring.

The ‘Quilted Garden’ show will take place on the Mother’s Day weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 11 and 12 at the Tarentorus Sports Club, 56 Avery Rd. just north of Third Line.  

“We have so many wonderful things planned for this year’s quilt show,” said Sandra Johnson, Quilt Show chairperson who announced that the show will be judged. 

The Guild recruited certified quilt judge Bonnie Rankin who addressed members during their general meeting in September via Zoom. 

“Bonnie provided members with a lot of valuable information and insight into things she considers when judging,” said Johnson. “Technique and design will be judged equally."

“Quilting is an art form, and as artists, we want to refine our techniques, enhance our skills and improve the construction and design of our quilts,” stated Donna St Jules, president of the Guild. 

“Having our quilts judged will provide positive feedback as well as constructive criticism which will help us to improve our skills. This opportunity to have our quilts judged is one of the perks we enjoy as a member of the Guild.”

Individuals interested in submitting Quilts to be judged in the show must be members in good standing as of Dec. 31, 2023.  Please contact Alice Marshall, Membership Chair at 705-256-5130 If you are interested in becoming a member.

Organizing a judged quilt show with about 150 quilts requires a lot of planning and organizing. 

“We have a dedicated committee of 20 members who have been meeting since last year,” Johnson said. “And we will have approximately a third of our membership volunteer in some capacity whether it be making gifts for participants, donating items for the Silent Auction or New To You fundraising activities, helping set up and hang the quilts or volunteering during the Show.  It is a lot of work but well worth the effort.”     

The Quilt Show will have a Sewing Room which is a new addition to this year’s show. Laura Coccimiglio and Jennifer Freiburger are planning a variety of workshops and activities during the weekend which will be interactive and include special displays and demonstrations. 

“We plan on having members demonstrating various techniques throughout the weekend,” said Coccimiglio, “and we will have sewing machines and bins of fabric available so people can try their hand at sewing and learn a new technique.”

Be sure to mark your calendars so you can enjoy this fun, family friendly activity.  For more information about the Quilt Show contact Sandra Johnson at 705-992-9063 or email at sjjohnson52@gmail.com.

Stitches From the Heart Quilt Guild has been providing opportunities for quilters to share, learn and gather with other quilters for more than 30 years and has over 130 members. 

They meet the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Senior’s Centre on Bay Street and always welcome new members.