Twelve members of the Vermilion Quilters Guild have pieces on display at the Vermilion Public Library until the end of February.
The artworks, ranging in size up to 40 inches, showcase a variety of quilting techniques and the artistic skill held by members of our community. Larger pieces, too big to fit in the library’s space, are often donated to various organizations as fundraisers or for the cozy comfort they bring. Since its inception in 1997, the Guild has donated quilts to the Cross Cancer Clinic, Lloydminster Interval Home, the Stollery Children’s Hospital, Little Warriors, Days for Girls, and Quilts of Valor. Christmas 2022 pillowcases filled with personal care items were given to each long-term care resident, supportive housing resident, and Focus resident in Vermilion.
At the library, Barb Knauft’s stunning “Hummingbird” showcases vibrant colours and complex stitchery while Anna Giesbrecht’s “The Giesbrecht Family Tree” traces generational lines. Kathy Annis’ “Little Red Houses” provides a nod to tradition while Nicole Dymond’s abstract “Succulent Garden” offers a delightful aesthetic mind-twist. Dymond’s breathtaking “Custom Heirloom” speaks volumes with its complex simplicity. Alice Swan and Guild President Lyn Yaremchuk explore innovative techniques while Sue Klym plays with colour, shadow, and texture. Beryl Tovell, Pat Carey, and Janice Jones provide a touch of festive whimsy to the show. Cindi Plant displays her talented command of colour in “Batik Vase” while Fay Yaceyko demonstrates meticulous embroidery work in “Bird and Nest.” Truly, all of the artists’ works are deserving of quiet contemplation, and Vermilion is lucky to have such a talented display of art viewable for free.
The guild also hosted a Meet and Greet the evening of Tuesday, February 6 at the library, where a handful of members showed samples of various techniques and fielded questions about the hobby. Regular piecing, appliqué, raw edge appliqué, paper piecing, foundation paper piecing, and English paper piecing are just a few of the techniques used by members of the guild.
With around 30 current members, the guild meets five days each month for “sew days” at Red Feather Ridge, located about 20 minutes from downtown Vermilion. These days typically run the second Thursday and Friday of each month as well as the final Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of each month, starting at 9 a.m. and ending whenever the last person leaves, sometimes as late as 9 p.m. Any seamster knows it’s not uncommon to effortlessly put in 12-hour days while completely immersed in a flow state, losing all sense of time. Non-members are welcome to join but are asked to contribute $10 per day to help with rental costs. Individuals bring their own sewing machines, cutting tools, and notions, and the guild supplies cutting tables and ironing tables to share.
The guild’s mission statement is “Inspiration, friendship, and learning is our common thread,” and they warmly welcome anyone with an interest in quilting, from traditional to artistic, and using those skills to impact the world in positive ways. For more information or to express interest in joining a sew day, reach out to Lyn at 780-581-5455 or follow the Vermilion Quilters Guild on Facebook.