The Quilt Show that held its biennial exhibition at the recreation centre in Gibsons last weekend was celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Sunshine Coast Quilters’ Guild.
Quilt Show chair Lois Anderson couldn’t have been prouder of the fine display of fabric art, and she encouraged visitors to view the “best of the best,” selections from the past 25 years that hung along one side of the arena.
Anderson had three of her own quilts displayed in that section, although the work that was delighting visitors was newer. Titled Beach Party, Anderson’s quilt depicted penguins in summer gear.
“The pattern showed only boy penguins,” Anderson said, “so I added some girl penguins with a little bling on their toes.” The bikinied birds look as if they have just come from a pedicure. This type of fun quilt is traditional — though the current trend is toward the non-representational, imaginative quilt patterns that rely on line, form and colour to create design.
Many of the Guild members’ submissions to the show had been adjudicated, and ribbons were awarded. Judged entries are only a small portion of the show and are only for those quilters who want some constructive critique on their work as a way of learning and moving forward with their craft. Others participate in the challenges: this year the Coastal Impressions banner challenge was taken up by five quilt artists. They are given criteria about the size and colour of the banner and are asked to adhere to the theme.
“It’s the view from my window,” laughed Anne Selder, who showed her Patio View banner of the ocean and a lighthouse.
As in past years, the Out of Bounds Quilters put on their own display of creative hanging panels that grabbed the attention of viewers. A category of wearable quilted garments was also eye-catching, particularly the wedding dress by Sherri Coulthard. And those who simply wanted a relaxing moment surrounded by fabric art could sit and listen to the silver voice of Jana Seale, an acoustic guitarist and vocalist.
Membership in the Guild is down this year, Anderson said, with 115 current members. She estimates that there are at least 500 quilters on the Coast and speaks about the value of joining the Guild: they run a lending library of references and they bring in teachers and speakers. Recently they raised enough funds to hold a celebratory event with this year’s judge, fibre artist Anna Hergert, and they were able to give two prizes of sewing machines. The delighted winners were quilters Lynda White and Marie Malcolm.
More about the Guild’s resource days and retreats can be found at www.scquiltersguild.com
