The precision, passion and pageantry of the biannual Prince Edward County Quilter’s Guild show returned to the Wellington and District Community Centre July 8 and 9.

After a pandemic-induced five-year hiatus, Guild members showed their drop-stitching and bobbin work was as fine as ever. Over 300 pieces of hand-crafted fabric art made the arena floor a colourful palette.

An example of a Residential School Survivor’s quilt. (Jason Parks/Gazette Staff)

With over 40 examples from the Bay of Quinte Modern Quilt guild, a display of quilts for residential school survivors, a series of demonstrations by local vendors and a merchant mall, there was something for everyone at the 2023 edition Quilt Show, called “A Stitch in Time.”

Local quilters were thrilled to meet the public and show off their work, some of which was displayed for the first time since 2020.Local quilters were thrilled to meet the public and show off their work, some of which was displayed for the first time since 2020.

Show chair Janet Reader Day had a one word to describe the enthusiasm: “Awesome.”

“Our members enjoy showing off and the public enjoys seeing all the beautiful quilts and it’s one of the bigger and best quilt shows you will find in this region.”

Judging by the foot traffic in and about the Wellington arena, the public agreed. A popular stop was the Modern Quilt Alcove, where local quilter and activist Bill Stearman (Pictured at left) displayed his early-to-mid-20th-century Singer sewing machines next to quilts that are anything but your grandmother’s handiwork. Eye catching colours and unique, outside-the-box designs were on display and drawing many sets of eyes.

“Modern quilting is an international movement and the biggest inspiration behind the organization is innovation and trying something new,” Mr. Stearman explained. “Traditionally, quilting has been about pattern and repetition. Modern quilting is about trying new things–using negative space and brighter colours are all part of it.

One of the more popular displays was Vanessa Grenier’s Quilts for Survivors. An Indigenous mother from Missanabie Cree First Nation, Ms. Genier had the idea of creating quilts for survivors of residential schools when she heard of the 215 graves that were discovered at Kamloops, BC in 2021.

Indigenous artist Narda Julg staffed the Quilts for Surviors booth on Ms. Grenier’s behalf. She said that through donations and contributions organized by the Sault Ste. Marie-area artist, over 300 quilts have been made and distributed across Canada.

Lee Waterhouse of Belleville won Prince Edward County Quilters’ Guild Path of Stars 2023 raffle quilt. (Submitted Photo)

“I checked in yesterday and the number of quilts is up over 3,000, with just as many requests still outstanding,” said Ms. Julg. “She’s got many volunteers and organizations helping and creating quilts to help meet the demand. Many women in guilds across the county, including this one, are stepping up and volunteering their time and materials and making one or sending fabric, squares, thread and materials.”

Upwards of a dozen Truth and Reconciliation quilts have been created by local guild members and were displayed at the booth prior to their upcoming dispersement to residential school victims and their families.

“This guild has been around for six years and people are getting more engaged. At the start, you would have the quilters with their arms folded at presentations, not willing to crack a smile or admit they like the look what they saw but now, you look around the show floor and you can tell there’s some influence by the modern technique towards the traditional examples,’ Mr. Stearman  said. “There’s a crossover and it’s for the better.”

Ms. Reader Day picked up several show awards including Best in Show for Tamiko’s Quilt and both Viewer’s Choice awards for Bed Quilt (Dream Big Opal Panel) and Wall Quilt (Tenacious).

Deanna Gauduar won the Patricia Sztuke Best Use of Colour award for Hexy Memories. 

Meanwhile, Lee Waterhouse of Belleville won Prince Edward County Quilters’ Guild Path of Stars raffle quilt.