Quilters set for fall show

With fall here and winter approaching, now might be the ideal time to ponder the quilting world and what it has to offer.

Much of what it has to offer will be on display, Oct. 13-14, when the Mountain Cabin Quilter’s Guild hosts a show at the Canmore Seniors’ Centre.

On display at the show, said co-organizer Marsha Wright, will be quilts, wall hangings, a queen size quilt raffle ($2,000 value) and some samples of quilts which are being donated to the hospital for use by chemotherapy patients.

“We’ll have anything and everything at this show,” said Wright, “with quilts from award-winning members and novices. And not just traditional styles.”

In the past, about 500 people have attended the quilt show, and more are expected this year. All attendees will be given a ballot and at the end of the show, one item will receive a Viewer’s Choice Award.

Along with displays, there will be a silent auction, a pre-Christmas sales table, the raffle draw and tea, coffee and treats available.

Funds from the raffle will go to education for guild members, to the Canmore Art Guild which hosts guild shows and to HUGS for the chemotherapy blankets.

These days, the Quilter’s Guild has about 85 members, but always welcomes new members. The guild meets twice a month at the Seniors’ Centre, with the first Wednesday of each month being a stitch and learn evening and the third Wednesday being the main meeting.

“Outside of CAG, we’re really the only association in the valley for artists,” said Wright. “Quilters are very giving people by nature and that’s why we became involved with the HUGS project this year.

“The hospital approached us to make 12 quilts for chemotherapy patients who use them while receiving treatments in chairs at the hospital. Our people donated time and fabric and money for the project, which is exciting to see.

“One of our members even has a $5,000 quilting machine at All Bottom’s Covered and it can be used by members working on HUGS quilts. We already have more quilts than we committed to, which shows how popular the HUGS project is.

“Getting involved with the hospital was really a no brainer, the support has been overwhelming. And for the patients who use them, I think it will help to know people care and are thinking about them.”

The quilt show will run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 13) and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday (Oct. 14). Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for kids and children under 6 are free.