For a number of years, the Buckhorn Area Quilters’ Guild has held a popular children’s quilt camp in the summer months. Previously, it was a weekly activity that was organized by members of the guild. This year, however, the format was changed to take place for the first full week of July, from Monday to Friday, instead of once a week.

With the change, it meant that equipment and supplies did not have to be packed away at the end of every session. Instead, the girls were able to leave their machines and projects ready for use as soon as they arrived the next day.

The nine young ladies, who came together for the inaugural weeklong camp, were all ten years or older, and were at different stages in their quilt making/sewing experiences. The campers included every stage from absolute beginner, to older girls who were more experienced at using a sewing machine and doing hand work. Each student chose one of two patterns available, depending on her experience, and selected  all the fabrics to make that quilt her own. All fabrics were available at no cost, due to the generosity of donors, and the girls enjoyed picking the colours and patterns that pleased them.

The girls shared tools, suggestions and fabrics with the other campers, and were quick to encourage and make positive comments with their fellow students. Each one of them was assisted by an experienced volunteer quilter and was able to complete her quilt so that, on Friday, she could proudly display her finished product before taking it home.

Facilitators Yettie Ireland and Pat Clayton were well organized and can take credit for a very successful event. Hopefully, the girls, along with the many others who have participated in this wonderful activity in previous years, will continue to take their sewing/quilting skills to a higher level throughout their lives.

The camp was so successful, that the St Matthews/St Aidan’s Anglican church has been booked and  plans are already in motion for next year.

Of course, none of this can happen without the support of many people and groups. We would like to thank Yettie and Pat for their time and inspiration, as well as all of the donors who contributed fabric, supplies and food that make it all possible. The girls appreciated your generosity.

Cheryl Cyblinski
Coats and Clark
Fabricland Peterborough
Northcott Fabrics
Quilters’ Inn
Paul Leger
Pizza Alloro
St Matthew/St Aidan’s Anglican Church
anonymous donor
members of the Buckhorn Area Quilters’ Guild