Quilting Gets a Modern Update in the Kennebecasis Valley

If you think quilting is just an outdated hobby, the Kennebecasis Valley Quilters Guild wants to change your mind. More than 200 quilts filled the Quispamsis Lions Club this weekend for the 44th annual show. The event proved that this classic craft is attracting a whole new generation of artists.

Organizers chose the theme Scrap Happy: No Piece Left Behind for the event lasting three days. Show organizer Janet McLeod noted that finding a unique theme gets harder every year, but the focus on using scraps brought out incredible creativity from dozens of local crafters.

McLeod also pointed out a noticeable shift in the crowd. Over the past two years, the show has drawn a much younger audience. People want to do handiwork again, and modern designers are creating fresh, interesting patterns that appeal to new quilters.

Best in Show Goes to a Six Year Masterpiece

Lorette Cole took home the Best in Show award for a quilt that took her six years to complete. The stunning piece depicts a group of Amish men cutting ice in northern Maine. Cole based her work on a photograph by Presque Isle photographer Paul Cyr. Respecting Amish traditions, the quilt does not show any of the men’s faces.

Cole painted the fabric used for the horse and the men’s jeans by hand before she even started quilting. She learned this technique through workshops with renowned designer David Taylor. While Taylor initially declined to help because he does not usually do human figures, he changed his mind after seeing examples of Cole’s applique work. The two finished the horse together during a workshop. Cole then spent two weeks planning and a full day stitching an embroidered chain linking a blade used for cutting ice to the horse.

Cole owns Spruce It Up Quilt Shop in Upper Cape and has been quilting since 1977. She submitted eight quilts to this year’s show and took home four ribbons.

A Social Craft with a Bright Future

Beyond the art, quilting offers a strong sense of community. Ann Perry, another organizer for the show, emphasized that quilting remains a deeply social activity in an increasingly isolated world. She noted that many people join the guild specifically for the social connection.

The show welcomes entries from outside the guild as well. This year, 47 of the judged entries came from people outside the membership. As the guild looks ahead, they are already planning their 45th anniversary show next year under the theme Beautiful Blues to celebrate the sapphire milestone.

You can read more about the event and see additional photos in the original CBC News report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Kennebecasis Valley Quilt Show take place?

The event takes place at the Quispamsis Lions Club.

Who won Best in Show at the 44th annual event?

Lorette Cole won Best in Show for her quilt depicting Amish men cutting ice, a project that took her six years to complete.

Can people outside the guild enter quilts into the show?

Yes. People outside the membership can submit their quilts for judging by paying a small entry fee.

What is the theme for next year’s quilt show?

Next year’s theme is Beautiful Blues in honor of the guild’s 45th sapphire anniversary.