When you think of art in the hands of everyday people, what comes to mind? It isn’t Andy Warhol lithos or Gauguin pastels, Renoir’s oils or Henry Moore’s bronze. We posit (now there’s a word) that quilting is the perfect expression of art in the hands of the common man, or woman, particularly grandmas and girls in the settler days, up to quilters of every age and walk of life today. As promised, we’ve pulled together the threads of a fascinating story for your enjoyment. And as you know, the gift-giving season approacheth, so take these opportunities to shop!

  • The QUILT, a showing of more than 170 handcrafted quilts, is located just across the street from City Hall. People from across North America have donated their artistry through the creation of quilts in all shapes, sizes and colours to express their emotional and physical support to breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. The big date for the Stratford gala auction is November 17, and it’ll be hosted by Sheila McCarthy and Carlo Rota of CBC’s Little Mosque on the Prairie; you can view some of the quilts in person, and bid in advance online up until November 11.
     
  • D&D Country Quilts 9th Annual Show, Oct. 12 to 14, is a wonderful opportunity to head to the Crystal Palace in Mitchell, about 10 minutes west of Stratford. No-charge admission and no-charge parking will get you in to see some 200 pieces of quilting: quilts, quilt tops, crib quilts, hangings, maybe a pot holder or two, and fabric for sale as well. The two Ds in the name are Doris and Donna, mother and daughter who share a lifelong passion for this fabric art.
     
  • Amish quilts have enjoyed a much-deserved popularity over the last 30 years, stemming from their reserved colour palettes, intricate stitching, the revival of many traditional Amish patterns and the place that quilting has in an old-world community such as the Amish live. OK, that said, Amish quilts are gorgeous and highly coveted as gifts, traditionally for weddings, engagements, hope chests and births. We’ll add to that birthdays, Christmas, Hanukah, anniversaries, and the all-important “because I deserve this” gift. You will want to jump over to the Amish October Tours page to read about Quilts Galore and Kathy’s Dry Goods in Millbank.

To learn more:

Visit our members