Needle art

Even with a background in Museum Studies and experience working in community museums, what I know about quilts you could probably push through the eye of a quilter’s needle. Of course, you know many of Ontario’s community museums have quilt collections. You knew that, right? I thought I’d write something profound, even witty, to let all y’all know I’m all over quilts like—well, like a quilt on a bed.

I do know a little bit about the Prince Edward Quilter’s Guild. It was formed in 1986 to promote quilting as an art form, and to preserve the rich history of quilting in PrinceEdwardCounty. And that’s about all I’ve got, folks. When I freelanced for another news organization, I was sent out to cover the PEC Quilters’ Guild Quilt Show. Needless to say, I usually spent more time drooling over, and photographing, the beautiful works of art than I did gathering enough for a story. I usually had to go back to get some quotes from the artists. But as far as this year’s show goes, here I go. One for the money, which is six dollars for admission. (Now don’t go whining about six bucks, it’s a small price to pay for such an amazing show.) Two for the show, which will be held at the Essroc Arena in Wellington on July 12 and 13. The show is, literally, just around the July corner so mark your calendars and get your walking shoes shined. It’s an art show. It’s a demonstration show. It’s a quilter’s market show. It’s a show for men and for women and, what the heck, it’s for kids.

So, quilting. Well, I do know this much about quilting: if it were an easy thing to do, I am sure I’d be a quilter. I did attempt to try my hand a quilting, about 30 years ago. I went to the library and I found a book titled Grandmother’s Needle Arts or something to that effect. As I always do, I checked out the pictures first. The quilts pictured were stunning. Which made me think, “This can’t be as simple as piecing pieces together.” The pictures of the equipment, well that was another story. Scissors, pins, batting, backing, triangles, templates, tracing paper, tracing wheels, special feet for the sewing machine, plates for the sewing machine, seam tape, seam binding, fabrics, quilting frames and patience. Of course, I added “patience” because I just knew it was implied. My head swirled. I felt faint and took the book back to the library. Deep in my heart and gizzards I knew someone would get hurt if I took up quilting as a pastime or a passion. I certainly couldn’t imagine anyone getting a peaceful night’s sleep under a quilt I had created.

Quilting’s history is as old as the need for protection against the elements. Remnants of quilted pieces have been found in ancient burial sites around the world. Early quilted garments were created for warmth and protection. More recently, quilting has transitioned from utilitarian to craft and is now considered an art form.

Get your quilt on, folks. Essroc Arena, July 12 and 13. Six bucks. That’s a wrap.

theresa@wellingtontimes.ca