It’s an age-old tradition passed through the generations, with youngsters from years gone by taught how to quilt together scraps of fabric to create a work of art that would keep them warm on those cold winter nights.
Some are fortunate enough to have a quilt hand-stitched by a grandmother or great-grandmother, a piece of the past they can pass on through the generations.
Now, the quilting bug is spreading into present times, with more and more people opting to stitch one of their own. And its resurgence across North America means a wide variety of books and patterns for those looking to quilt a blanket, bag, vest, or other item. That can help someone with their first step in the quilting process–picking a pattern.
As well, there are computer programs for those who wish to design a pattern of their own.
“Quilting is really popular right now in the Rainy River District,” explained Emo resident Gail Govier, a regular entrant in the Rainy River District Agricultural Fair.
Govier caught the bug 20 years ago when she took a course in Sudbury. For Jill Kellar, another long-time fair exhibitor, it was 30 years ago when she first quilted a pot-holder and cushion with the Women’s Institute.
“The one I’m making for the fair is my own pattern,” Govier said of the original design she fashioned from Laura Ashley fabric using traditional Celtic quilting and different samplers (quilt blocks).
“It isn’t a bed quilt because it’s too small,” she explained, adding it would go in as a wall-hanging.
The next step is picking the fabric,
“And that takes awhile,” Govier added, who peels through fabric stores when she takes trips hoping to find the exact prints she is looking for. “That’s always fun.”
But quilting isn’t for people who want to finish a project in a night. While she said there were patterns that could be done in a weekend, Govier pointed out most take many, many hours to finish.
“I quilt while I watch TV,” Kellar explained. “That’s how I relax. I love to do it.”
Kellar, retired school teacher, shared her quilting passion with students, showing them how to design and put together an original quilt. And she’s made about 20 hand-stitched quilts of her own, as well as “quillows,” quilts that fold into a pillow.
Kellar felt the fabric’s colour scheme was most important in making a quilt. She has the colours in mind ahead of time, and once the pattern is sewn together, she tries to get the quilting done right away.
Govier added the judges also look for small, even stitches on the quilt.
While she won’t be here for this year’s fair, Kellar already is planning what she’ll be showing next year.
“Next year, I’ll have a green fan one in,” Kellar noted.
Both women agree they don’t go in the fair for the prize money. Instead, it’s a chance to share their labour of love. But Govier admitted there was a bit of friendly competition involved.
But in the end, it’s about seeing the finished product on a bed, or the pleasure it gives others receiving the hand-made gift.
“And also, that it’ll be here for generation through generation. It’s something that can be handed down,” Govier said.
That’s one reason she makes sure she stitches her name and date on each piece.
“It’s like signing a painting really. It’s a work of art,” she added.
“I have never sold any. I just can’t put a price on them,” Kellar noted.
It’s not just at fair time–it’s a hobby that’s lasting memory through the year.