Zooming allowed us to have a full slate of speakers, a few workshops, and other activities to help members connect in 2021. We met quilters from other provinces and the interior of BC and we learned from our own members.
Programme was varied and reflected the interests of our guild.
- Quilter on Fire, Brandy Maslowski encouraged organization of quilting spaces by showing hers.
- Thomas Roach took us into a cathedral in Vancouver.
- Carola Russell demonstrated her quick and easy quilt patterns and we bought Aurifil thread and other items from her online shop.
- Tracey Lawko showed us her process in the creation of her amazing thread-painted fibre art.
- Cristina De Miranda’s youth and exuberance were an inspiration. Eleanor P made Cristina’s “flights” pattern right away.
- In the Fall Karen Brown encouraged us to believe in ourselves. Last year on a SOSAH Day we used her ideas in Just Get It Done Quilts to use up scraps and fat quarters.
- Jennifer Houlden talked about use of colour.
- Members Teaching Members in November was informative and impressive. Each member had an interesting demo and found a way to present it.
On SOSAH Day in December Cheryl Arkison talked about using scraps and improv quilting. We continue to wonder if one can ever manage to tame their scraps.
Luncheons in June and December gave us an opportunity to share lunch, games, and entertainment. Members dressed for the occasion and had lunch with fine china and glassware.
For December you can see in the Galleries the results of the Star Exchange. There was a variety of stars and their different settings. Remember Barb M’s riddles and Judy’s Year in Review slideshow.
Workshops kept us thinking and improving our skills.
- Melissa Marginet presented Walking Foot Quilting and then later Break It Up for ways to QAYG. Members have mentioned that they have used Melissa’s techniques.
- Peter Byrne presented Cityscape. We learned a few new techniques and made a small wall hanging.
- Jennifer Houlden’s workshop on Canadian Icons presented a new technique for building a textured surface. Backgrounds that members made for Lone Pines and how they made the Northern Lights were impressive.
SOSAH Days (Sew Our Stash At Home Days) helped members interact with and support each other. There were many different themes to these days including one for Community Quilts. We got to know each other better and helped new members get to know our guild.
A UFO Challenge to finish our quilts and another to Grow a Quilt rounded out our year.
It was a good year. Zoom life has had its positive and negative aspects but it has certainly allowed our guild to continue to interact.
Happy Quilting,
Marilyn C, Les O, and Barb M
Seymour Quilters Guild 