The Airdrie and District Quilt Guild will hold its bi-annual Charity Quilt Sew Day on Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Goldenrod Community Hall.
The event will bring sensational sewers together to create 10 to 12 quilts for charities such as the Crossfield Fire and Rescue Service, Community Links in Airdrie, Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity.
“This is very important to us,” said Brenda Stevens, charity coordinator of the Airdrie and District Quilt Guild.
“It is something we enjoy - giving back to the community. This is giving these people something to hold onto - something made with love. We wrap them in love.”
Quilts are given to children in crisis, needy families and as housewarming gifts. The group also makes placemats that are given out by Meals on Wheels. Fabric for the quilts is donated to the cause.
Stevens is encouraging all crafty quilters to attend the charity sew day.
“We invite others to come if they enjoy sewing,” she said.
“This is a good way to give back to the community and get the word out about our guild. Come join us, we have a lot of fun and learn a lot and enjoy each other’s company. ”
The Airdrie and District Quilt Guild has been in operation for five years and has a $30 annual fee.
“The more members we have, the more ideas we get and that only makes us richer,” said Stevens.
The guild also teaches quilting to 4-H members and Stevens is asking eager quilters of all ages to take part in the charity event.
“It is nice to see that the younger generation is interested in the craft,” said Stevens.
“It is a very vibrant community and a fun and exciting art. It can be very challenging and fulfilling in a lot of ways. Quilting gives two people a good feeling – the person who makes it and the person who receives it.”
Stevens would like to dispel the myth that quilting is “an old lady hobby.” She has been quilting for about 15 years and she said it was something that interested her even at a young age.
“I was born in the wrong generation,” she said. “I should have been a farm wife or a pioneer. I just enjoy the tradition of the craft.”
The Airdrie and District Quilt Guild’s Charity Quilt Sew Day will include potluck lunch.
