Nearly 1000 people flocked to Embro for ‘Pieces of Magic’ Quilt Show

Maureen Brankley and Lucy Carter admire “Triangle Star,” a quilt made by Carol Cleater, at the Pieces of Magic Quilt Show on May 2. (Connor Luczka photo)

Connor Luczka, Echo Correspondent

The Embro Zorra Community Centre (EZCC) was packed full of people and blankets this past weekend, as the Oxford Quilters’ Guild held its Pieces of Magic Quilt Show on May 2 and 3 in the centre.

Gwen Tracey, social convener for the guild, said the show attracted a huge number of people to the small hamlet.

“We had a very successful show. It was well attended. I'd say probably around 900 people.”

The exhibition had quilts made by the organization’s 94 members on display to raise awareness of the guild, show off what members can do, and raise money for guild initiatives. It was also a chance for vendors to show their wares to the region’s dedicated quilters.

There were many technically and artistically complicated designs on display during the show and but despite the artistry, Tracey said that most of them will probably be used just like any other blanket.

“They'll either hang them or they'll put them on the bed, depending on the size. They’re designed to be used.”

This is the second year the EZCC hosted the show. As an Ingersoll-based organization, the guild previously had the show in its backyard but as the show’s needs evolved, the guild needed a new space.

The EZCC was perfect for their needs, Tracey said, and they moved there for the show in 2023. This year she particularly highlighted the staff of the centre, for going above and beyond in assisting them to put the show together across the two days, and the many volunteers who made the show possible.

“I've coordinated the show for the last few years, but I probably had 30 people rolling around there, helping me to get stuff, getting it organized. So, it's a big team effort, all volunteers. We just do it because we love the art, and we like to be able to show people what we're doing and encourage more people to give it a try.”

Tracey said that joining the guild is an easy process. All someone needs to do is be a member of the Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre and pay an additional $20 fee.

“Then you're welcome to come to any meetings that we have. We have studio time on Mondays and Thursdays, and you're welcome to come and participate in that. There are probably 15 people there who can help you along in your quilting journey, as you learn all the different things, because quilting is a pretty broad umbrella. There are a lot of different techniques that are used, and that's what the show really does share with the public. The quilts we're doing now are not necessarily the same as the quilts that our grandmothers did.”

Beginners are encouraged to join and take the introductory course offered by the guild. The seven-week course introduces novices to the basics and guides them as they create their first quilt.

More details on this year’s course are to follow. For more information about the guild or its events, visit https://www.oxfordquiltersguild.org/.