2026 Piecemakers Quilt Show a big success

By Kayla Rock

The Piecemakers Quilt Show drew large crowds to the Pyramid Recreation Centre this past weekend, celebrating the artistry, dedication, and community spirit behind the timeless craft of quilting.

More than 2,100 visitors passed through the doors over three days, filling the venue with lively conversation and admiration. Attendees traveled from across southwestern Ontario including Owen Sound, Windsor, and Toronto, as well as from farther afield, including the Niagara Region and parts of Michigan and New York State.

This year’s show featured more than 300 handcrafted quilts and quilted pieces, showcasing a wide range of styles from traditional patterns to bold contemporary designs. Visitors explored displays rich in intricate stitching and storytelling, with many pieces representing months, or even years, of careful work and creativity.

Highlights included several national award-winning quilts from the Quilt Canada 2025, along with three entries set to compete at Quilt Canada 2026 this June in Winnipeg.

Throughout the weekend, visitors cast ballots for their favourite pieces in the People’s Choice Awards. Winners were announced across multiple categories:

Bed Quilts: Theodora Rijkhoff for Woman Who Made History

Baby, Lap, and Throw Quilts: Sandra Hunter for Row Quilt

Wall Quilts: Holly Saunders for Some Day on Quilts

Wool Quilts: Darlene Roger for Fall on the Farm

Wearables: Jill Thorpe, who earned both first and second place for Crazy Jacket and Bargello Jacket

Challenges: Darlene Roger for The Loon

Beyond the displays, the event highlighted quilting as a tradition passed down through generations. Many participants spoke about learning the craft from mothers and grandmothers, keeping both techniques and family stories alive.

Norah McGuire of Sew Little Time said she learned quilting from her grandmother and finds the most rewarding moment is when a quilt is completed. “That’s when it starts to feel alive,” she said.

“Every quilt has its own story,” added Michaelanne Hathaway, owner of Stache, emphasizing the creativity behind each piece.

For many quilters, the craft offers more than artistic expression. Participants described quilting as a calming and meaningful practice, with finished works often becoming treasured family heirlooms.

Cathy McKenna of Thread the Needle noted that quilts frequently remain within families for generations, carrying deep sentimental value. Like many others, she learned the craft from her grandmother and continues to hold that connection close.

Organizers extended their gratitude to the Town of St. Marys for its hospitality, as well as to local downtown businesses for their quilt-themed window displays. They also thanked volunteers and staff at the Pyramid Recreation Centre for their support in making the event run smoothly.

Above all, organizers expressed appreciation for the visitors who made the journey, noting that strong community involvement continues to make the Piecemakers Quilt Show a memorable and meaningful annual tradition.