A quilt show is returning to Chatham this weekend that hasn’t been held in the community since 1979 when the former Kent County hosted the International Plowing Match.

The Chatham-Kent Quilter’s Guild will be hosting the IPM Quilt Show at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, which opens to the public on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Displaying the talents of quilters has been a tradition with the IPM, which is being held in Pain Court, Sept. 18-22.

“The pioneers brought it with them,” said Heather Loucks, assistant chair of the show. “It’s always been part of farm life and town life and sewing circles where they would make quilts together.”

The local quilter’s guild hosts a show every three years, to give members time to make their quilts, said Loucks.

But this show, held annually in conjunction with the IPM, has attracted quilters from across the region, including St. Marys, London, Sarnia and Windsor.

QUILT SHOW

Quilt displays, large and small, from traditional to modern,

Numerous pieces featuring special techniques

Demos, Vendors, Raffle, Boutique

Try our Tea Room for a restful interlude

MAY 3, Friday, 10 – 6

May 4, Saturday, 10 – 4

$6.00 Canadian and U.S.

WFCU Centre, 8787 McHugh Street

Windsor, Ontario N8S 0A1

                                             FREE PARKING          ACCESSIBLE FACILITY

This past year we enjoyed a presentation from “Quilts of Valour”. Janet Bergeron, the rep for Windsor/Essex and Don Oliphant, the Chatham rep explained that Quilts of Valour relies on quilters like ourselves to fill the need for quilt blocks, tops and quilts for veterans, injured Canadian service men and women, and to provide comfort and support for our servicemen in need. The organization had its beginnings with Leslie Zwaal in 2006 who was so impressed by the determination of our Canadian servicemen to fight not only for Canada but to willingly return to battle to be sure others could secure the freedom we have that she determined to make a quilt for every serviceman to show our appreciation for their sacrifice. These quilts presented at special ceremonies to veterans and servicemen do make a difference. Janet invited us to join them on “Sew Day” in Essex once a month or to go ahead and make our own blocks, or quilts which they would gratefully collect and complete. For further information on how you can help go to “quiltsofvalour.ca.

Don and Janet display two of the quilts that have been made for Quilts of  Valour. Janet thanked the members of our guild who have already participated in this very worthwhile venture by donating quilts, sewing blocks and quilting quilts.

If you are looking forward to attending our first guild meeting of the new 2017 -2018 season we have moved to a new location and day. Please now plan to join us on the first Wednesday of the month at Royal Canadian Legion Hall, Branch 594, 5030 Howard Ave. Doors open at 9:00am. Business meeting begins at 12:00pm. Here’s what our new “digs” look like.