MOOSE JAW — The Prairie Hearts Quilters’ Guild is set to bring vibrant patterns, intricate designs, and a showcase of artistic craftsmanship with its annual “Think Outside the Block” quilt show this April.
The show will be held at the Temple Gardens Centre and will feature more than 200 quilts, a variety of vendors, live demonstrations, and a special trunk show. The quilting show will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 25, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.
“This year’s show is going to be packed with excitement,” said Terri Florkiewicz, president of the Prairie Hearts Quilters’ Guild and chair of the event.
“There’s going to be over 200 quilts on display… and any quilter can come and shop there as well. There is also going to be a boutique where members of the guild have made items to sell,” she added.
Think Outside the Block is one of only two judged quilt shows in Saskatchewan, with the other being in Saskatoon. The show will feature judges Carole Gold from Peace River, Alta., and Wanda Diboll from Portage la Prairie, Man., who will evaluate quilts and provide helpful feedback for participants.
“Our quilt show is a judged quilt show,” Florkiewicz said. “The judge comes and looks at all the quilts… and gives you some comments on how you’re doing. They comment on the good things about your quilt, and maybe something that you can improve on it.”
Ribbons and cash prizes will be awarded to top entries, and there will be a special category for first-time entrants as well as a youth category for quilters under the age of 18.
One of the highlights of the upcoming show will be the presence of featured quilter Colleen Lawrence. Lawrence, known for her work with batik fabrics, will have a dedicated booth showcasing her creations. In addition to being a prolific quilter, she is also a long-arm quilter, specializing in the process of stitching together the three layers of a quilt using a large, specialized machine that she’s bringing to the show.
Beyond the competition, attendees can look forward to quilting demonstrations on both days, raffle baskets, and a raffle quilt. A unique addition this year is a Volkswagen car, which will be fully covered by a large quilt for a fun and creative twist.
“This year, something different we have is a Volkswagen that’s going to be inside the building, and it will have a car quilt,” Florkiewicz said. “So, the whole car will be covered in a quilt.”
Another major attraction is the trunk show, scheduled for Friday, April 25, starting at 7 p.m. Carole Gold will be presenting her personal journey through quilting, sharing insights into the creative process and sharing how quilting has influenced her life.
“We look forward to seeing everyone come out and enjoy the show,” Florkiewicz said. “There will be a little over 200 quilts to come and enjoy, and there are lots of things to see and do.”
Tickets for both the quilting show and the separate trunk show are available now. They can be purchased online at SaskTix.ca or in person at the venue on the day of the event.
Admission to the quilt show is $15 per day or $25 for both days. The stand-alone trunk show will cost an additional $25 to attend.
For more information on the Prairie Hearts Quilters’ Guild, visit PrairieHeartsQuilters.com or “Moose Jaw Prairie Hearts Quilters Guild” on Facebook. You can contact the guild at [email protected].
The Temple Gardens Centre is located at 110 First Avenue Northwest.
