Quilts of Ireland 2009

Garnet Smalley from Cotton By Post was our guest speaker. All dressed up in his Irish green soccer jersey he gave us a small trunk show previewing some of the Irish quilts that will be seen at the upcoming Quilts of Ireland Show to be held in Ailsa Craig. This will the third international quilt show that he and his wife Suzanne, has hosted in Ailsa Craig. Previously, they have hosted master quilters from Russia and quilters from Africa. By themselves they organize the travel arrangements, scheduling, billeting, workshops, and activities for dozens of international quilters. It is an amazing accomplishment on their part and a wonderful opportunity for all of us to experience the culture of these countries through the tradition of quilting and all so close to home!

But first Garnet spoke of the ongoing impact of the previous African show. He showed us the Unity Quilt, where each block represents a story of conflict resolution, the centre block represents the ultimate goal of peace with God. Cotton By Post was granted stewardship of the quilt as Garnet takes it on tour and displays it at various schools to spread its message of peace.

Garnet told us tales of their trip to Ireland, how welcome they were made to feel, and free Guinness beer.

Starting in Dublin, they then toured various towns, visited guilds and gave talks on the upcoming show. One of their tour guides was Sherry Nugent editor of Irish Quilting Magazine. Irish Quilting Magazine will be one of the many guests of the show in Ailsa Craig. Look for an upcoming article about the show in IQM.

Although the basics of quilting are the same the world over, Garnet is truly fascinated by how individuals reflect their culture through quilting.

Quilters from Ireland will be at the show doing workshops to share their talent and culture with us. Descriptions of all the classes can be found on their website. As well, there will be Canadian quilters Kathie Wylie, author of Sewflakes, and Brenda Miller of Among Brenda's Quilts.

​Quilts of Ireland 2009 runs from October 19-24, 2009, at the Ailsa Craig Recreational Arena and features daily passes to the Quilt Show, Lectures and Slideshows, a Gala Banquet and workshops featuring Irish and Canadian teachers.

Guild Business:
Here are some Kids'Quilts returned!

The Guild welcomed 6 new members! Workshops were filling up quickly (see sidebar on right for a list of activities), with the Disappearing 9 Patch now full! October's guest speaker was announced: Michelle Dobrin fiber artist from Windsor, ON. There is a proposal for some Round Robins as a guild activity. Stay tuned as the Exec works out the details!

Many apples (below) to the food bank as this month's Secret Notion, thanks everyone!