In April 1987, Sylvia Harvey, Carol Seaman and Noreen Smale realized a dream with the organization of the Bluewater Quilters’ Guild. They ‘just knew’ there were people around Owen Sound who enjoyed quilting as much as they did; they were anxious to share their experiences and learn from others. On our 1st Anniversary, we had 32 members from Grey and Bruce Counties, meeting at Lee Manor to learn more about the art of Quilting.
An Open House in November 1988 and a Show and Sale in conjunction with the Owen Sound Fall Fair in 1990 saw a big increase in our membership and a wide variety of experienced quilters ready to share what they knew. By 1990, we had outgrown Lee Manor’s auditorium and moved to our present location at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.
Our Community Quilts and Program committees have continued to inspire us with challenges and ideas for quilts. When the opportunity to rent a store front on main street was presented, we decided to move our “stash” into the store front and do quilting from there. In 2015, when Pauline McCutcheon passed away from cancer, it was decided to name this space “Pauline’s Place” as she had been instrumental in getting our Outreach group organized and making quilts for the community from our “stash”. Pauline’s Place is now used for Executive meetings, Committee meetings, workshops, beginner quilting classes, and more. Pauline’s Place is located at 769 2nd Ave. E., Owen Sound, ON. N4K 2G9.
Over the years, many members have generously contributed quilting and organizational expertise to grow and strengthen our Guild. Members and program guests continue to inspire others to develop their knowledge, skills and creativity. Interests range from traditional to contemporary to artistic quilting. Members enjoy contributing to community projects and forging long-term friendships through a common interest and meeting place.
While Covid-19 has changed our regular routines, we are thankful for those who have embraced technology and been able to bring us our meetings via Zoom. It has been wonderful to still hear a speaker and learn about what’s going on in the quilting world via Zoom as well as to continue our “Show and Share” feature. Quilt-alongs are possible and Zoom has opened up a new way of learning.
This is the place for you if you have – or think you might ever have – an ‘addiction’ to quilting!
For a complete history of the Guild, see History.
Objectives
The Bluewater Quilters Guild plans its successful programs and activities, and members’ services to meet the following objectives:
- to educate and encourage members about the art and craft of quilting by providing lectures, workshops, and awareness of the broader quilting community through exhibitions and shows,
- to promote the art and craft of quilting to the community at large through participation in quilt shows, contests and community events, and
- where ever possible, to support requests from community organizations to provide quilted items for charity or to be used for their fundraising activities.
Constitution
The Bluewater Quilters Guild is a non-profit, non-incorporated organization. To learn more about how the Guild operates, review the Constitution