Quilters displaying at Station Arts Centre

Stationhouse Quilters and Fibre Artists members Rosey Bourne, left, and Gale Conor hang up a smaller piece that will be part of the exhibit Wrapped in Warmth at the Station Arts Centre. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Artistry takes many forms, and the latest exhibit at the Station Arts Centre requires the vision of a finished product that an artist has, along with knowledge passed down from former generations.

“Wrapped in Warmth” is an exhibit by the Stationhouse Quilters and Fibre Artists featuring quilts and quilted pieces, which runs from Feb. 6 to 27. The quilts vary from simpler designs to intricate work.

“We are a group of like-minded women who love to quilt and love to play with fabric,” said Gale Connor, adding members vary from beginners to the experienced.

The group does not teach quilting and sends those seeking instruction to local business Cherished Pieces, which offers instruction.

“Sometimes people want a second opinion, ‘Do you like this as a border, or this?’ We are a second opinion,” Connor said.

The group is also a social get-together for those who love fabric and quilting. They meet twice per month on the first and third Thursdays, with the first Thursday being a social gathering and the third for work. The retreats, which are four times per year, involve members setting up on Friday night, then quilting Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Potluck meals are brought in.

“Everybody brings whatever projects they are working on or want to work on, and we just sew away,” Connor said.

While her description may conjure up images of the quilting bees of days gone by, the Stationhouse Quilters retreats have a chatter of sewing machines, along with a little socializing, that weren’t present in our grandmothers’ quilting bees. The process is still extensive, though. Connor said a simple quilt for a bed will take a minimum of 10 hours and involves piecing the top together, then adding the batting and stitching it to the back.

“The more intricate the design, the longer it takes and the smaller the pieces, the longer it takes,” she said.

Connor started the group seven years ago.

“I wanted to enjoy quilting with other people, and we had requests at the station, asking if there was a group,” she said.

“It’s more fun with friends,” said member Rosey Bourne.

The group also has a fibre section devoted to crocheting and knitting, but they are not part of this display.