By Sebastian Kanally, Times Chronicle
Prepare for a blast of shapes, colours, patterns and community when quilting enthusiasts flock to Quilts & Beyond taking place at the Oliver Community Hall, on April 14 and 15, 2023.
The quilting show is put on once every three years by the Double O Quilters Guild in Oliver and draws hundreds of people from all over the province. The show has been going on for 30 years.
The Times Chronicle spoke with Kathie Kirby and Roxanne Anderson, both members of the Guild and enthusiastic quilters.
The quail piece, the background is hand dyed, which Kirby dyed herself. It took her about a month to make. And that is working for about four hours five days a week. Sebastian Kanally photo.
Anderson is very excited for the show explaining that “it is like a big production, everybody helps, they have food, they have greetings.” Adding that “during the show the whole place will be filled. It’s quite a huge event, usually we have a couple hundred people.”
This year they also have a “rainbow challenge for the show and so people have made things in that theme, they are kept secret and they go up on the show, they get revealed and people vote, and then the person gets accolades.”
Anderson said that “some of the quilts are very elaborate, and some very simple, but the variety between them is just amazing. Even if you don’t quilt, you can admire the artistry.”
“We are giving a gift for people who come, we have sewn little hearts and we will be giving them out at the door, little felt hearts with a little message on them. Just to give them a little souvenir. And entry is just by donation, so we don’t ask for any particular amount,” she further explained.
Kirby is a seasoned quilter and has been a member of the guild for 30 years. Anderson referred to herself as the “newbie” on the block.
Colleen Baptiste works in human resources at the Osoyoos Indian Band teaching homemaking and life skills. In her free time she enjoys trying out new creative quilting skills. Contributed photo.
At the event there will be demos, refreshments, voting, and a silent auction will be held.
Among the many quilters that will be in attendance at the show will be Colleen Baptiste who works in human resources at the Osoyoos Indian Band teaching homemaking and life skills. In her free time she enjoys trying out new creative quilting skills.
She joined the Double O Quilters 25 years ago, and ever since she has been creating quilted comforts for her three children, two grandchildren and friends.
About 15 years ago, she created a block representing the Okanagan Nation for the internationally acclaimed Quilt of Belonging, and she has been making the annual SOSS Grad Award quilt from the Guild for the last 14 years. She particularly enjoys the camaraderie of the guild.
Heather Wiltse will also be in attendance. She was born in Vancouver but moved to Oliver in 1998 and joined the Double O Quilters. She has always had a passion for sewing. In 1997, being curious about quilts she sent away a booklet on how to make a quilt from Canadian Living Magazine and completed her first quilt that same year.
She prefers traditional quilts but has tried out some “art” type quilts as well. Wiltse also enjoys the camaraderie of the guild particularly because quilters are very generous with sharing their knowledge.
The Double O Quilters Guild was founded in 1988 and has about 80 members now. Guild activities run from September to April.
Quilts & Beyond will take place Friday, April 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oliver Community Hall on Park Drive. Entry to the event is by donation.
