The Stitches From The Heart Quilt Guild generously donated dolly quilts to the residents of Extendicare Maple View in the Sault. “Nancy Guzzo, Activity Aid and Assistant to the Volunteers at Maple View, was telling me that some residents who have dementia revert back to earlier times in their lives as the disease affects their short term (present) memories but not their long term memories. Maple View has 20 to 25 residents who have dolls that they take care of like they were their babies” stated Susie Kainula, Chair of the Comfort Quilts program. “Judy Wheeler, long time Quilt Guild member, and I were talking and we thought it would be really nice if we could make some dolly quilts for the residents so they could swaddle their ‘babies’ and keep them warm.”
Quilters often make sample blocks to familiarize themselves with the pattern and to test out how the various colours and patterns of fabrics will play with each other in a quilt. Most quilters have these sample or orphan blocks on hand so it would be a quick and easy project for them to make up these dolly quilts. “I presented the idea to the Guild at our February meeting and received 17 dolly quilts at the March meeting!” stated Kainula. “I was really happy with the response I received from members as our members are always happy to share their talents”.
You can see more of the creative ways that talented members of the Stitches From The Heart Quilt Guild use combinations of colour, pattern and textiles to create gorgeous quilts at the upcoming Quilt Show taking place on Mother’s Day weekend at Tarentorus Sports Club. Members have been challenged to make a mini quilt that represents a Mother’s Garden. Each participating member will use one specific fabric that was chosen for the challenge along with no more than 5 other fabrics including the background and binding fabric. “It’s always amazing to see what members come up with and how each quilt is so different even when they all begin with one basic fabric” stated Kathy McColeman, Challenge Coordinator. “What makes it even more fun is that Quilt Show attendees will be given a chance to vote on their favourite mini quilt. Participants will also be able to select one quilt that they think deserves to win Best of Show. It’s going to be tough to choose only one among the 133 stunning quilts that will be on display.”
“Quilters are very generous of their time and skills” stated Cindy Connell, Quilt Show Chair. “We have had members donate three full size quilts for use during our Mother’s Day Quilt Show and have decided to provide the Lakeshore Kiwanis Club with two quilts that will be raffled off to help their club raise money to support children in the Sault.” Tickets are only $5 each and will give you a chance to win one of two quilts. The Modern Flying Wonder Quilt is valued at $1200 and the Comfort Christmas Quilt is valued at $500. “The third full size quilt will be given away as a door prize” stated Connell. The entry fee for the Quilt Show is only $5 per person and includes entry on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. “Plus our members have been busy at their sewing machines so everyone will get a lovely handmade gift as a thank you for attending our show” stated Connell “we encourage you to attend our Quilt Show on May 7th and 8th at Tarentorus Sports Club as there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
To learn more about the Quilt Show call Cindy Connell at 705-975-5905 or contact Karen Madill at 705-945-9932 to purchase tickets. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.
Stitches From the Heart Quilt Guild was created in 1992. Our Guild has grown considerably from the original group of 6 ladies who started meeting prior to the Guild’s creation. We currently have over 100 members and will be celebrating our 30th anniversary at this quilt show.
