Nothing comforts like a handmade quilt. The Quesnel Quilt Guild is showcasing members’ work in a unique Quilt Walk, May 2 – 16 in various outlets in downtown Quesnel and West Park Mall where the public can view and appreciate the beauty, creativity and craftsmanship of locally produced quilts in diverse styles, sizes and applications.
“The guild had a quilt walk project years ago and the members felt it might be appropriate to do another quilt walk now,” guild member Sandy Brunt said.
“That first Quilt Walk was very successful.”
In order to establish where their quilts would be displayed, the guild approached the Quesnel Downtown Association and discussed their plans to solicit shop owners willing to display the work. West Park Mall also provided display space for the Quilt Walk.
With nine downtown retail outlets and two display spaces, the public can view as many as 60 quilts, all handmade by guild members.
In the downtown area, the old Bo Peep Boutique store front location will feature the guild’s community comfort quilts.
The Quesnel Quilt Guild provides comfort quilts to sick children, victim services, Ministry for Famillies and Children and the hospital for children in need up to the age of 16.
“We usually provide about 60 quilts during a one year period,” Brunt said.
“Materials are provided and then guild members donate their time to make the quilts which are then donated as comfort quilts.”
Quilts will be displayed at The Breeze, Circle ‘S’ Western Wear, Bo Peep Boutique, Green Tree Health and Wellness, Carver’s/The Outlaw, the Credit Union, Back to Basics, Carter’s Jewellery and Willis Harper. In West Park Mall a display is to be set up in the storefront space across from Warehouse One.
“As much as possible, members are meeting specific store owners requests, however the public is reminded these are for viewing only and people are asked to refrain from touching the quilts.
Each quilt will be identified by who created it and the name of the quilt.
“We will also include some props to add to the display,” Brunt added.
The quilted items in the Quilt Walk could be any quilted item from the smallest potholders, table runners and placemats to king-sized elaborate quilts,” Brunt said.
“There will be maps and details for this two-week show including whose work is in which display space.”
The Quesnel Quilt Guild is made up of about 55 members of all ages and experience levels. This show is exposure for the guild and a chance to show the public what the guild does and to encourage new members.
“The guild is a teaching guild and members are pleased to share their extensive knowledge,” Brunt said.
“Once a month there’s a demonstration of a new technique or new materials. Quesnel is like a quilters candy store with four great quilt shops. You’re spoiled for choice as each shop has different and unique selections.”
Brunt has been quilting for about 16 years and said she loves to give her work away.
“It’s like giving a piece of yourself away to someone who really appreciates it,” Brunt said.
Quilt guild member Roberta Dalgleish, who has 21 years of quilting to her credit, added she finds quilting very relaxing.
Guild president Dawn Marshall summed up her reason for devoting 16 years to quilting as, “it’s so rewarding.”
Drop by any of the participating stores, pick up your map
and enjoy the Quilt Walk.