by Jo Barnes | photos by Tanya Murchie –
Some like the challenge. For others, it’s the friendships and comradery. But it’s the connection and joy of helping others that keeps all of them coming back week after week.
For over 30 years, the ladies of Sidney’s Summergate Village Quilters have been sharing their passion for making quilts by regularly collaborating on quilting projects, some of which are given to those in need in our community. “We create quilts to hang on the walls of the clubhouse, but it is our passion to create for the benefit of those less fortunate in our community,” shares member Dee Reid.
There are about a dozen seniors in this group, and they gather in the clubhouse of Summergate, the retirement community where they all reside. They meet once a week to work on a variety of quilting projects. “We meet Tuesdays at 1 p.m. in the community hall,” says Dee. “We have five completed quilts now, with two more to do. Cridge Victoria has contacts for transition houses as well as safe houses for women, so we will complete the quilts and then decide how to distribute them.”
Over the years, they’ve created numerous quilts – some large pieces which decorate the walls, and other smaller lap quilts which are ultimately donated. Local contributions of supplies and expertise have helped to bring the quilt creations into reality. “Arlene Mackenzie is a North Saanich quilter and known to our group. She donated enough fabric for eight quilts,” notes Dee.
The group’s collaborative efforts positively impact the community. Sometimes personal feedback from recipients is poignant and reminds these quilters of the potential they have to help others. “The first quilt we gave away went to a man who was transitioning from living on the streets to a residence,” relates Dee. “We heard from the charitable society through which we arranged the gift. The representative said that the man ‘was just beside himself that he had something of his own’.”
While they collaborate to make items to benefit others, they also enjoy the sense of community and inclusivity each week. Sharon Smith notes: “We are all at different levels in quilting. We share ideas and learn from each other. We support each other.”
Some are new to the artistic form but draw on skills they developed through other activities they pursued in their lives. “I was a late bloomer and only started quilting in my 60s. I have a stash of fabric originally owned by my mother-in-law which piqued my interest in quilting,” relates Dee. “In my career days, I was a printer. I designed projects and delighted in choosing paper textures and colours to best complement the job, not unlike choosing fabric designs and colours for quilting.”
Sharon adds: “I transitioned from rug hooking to quilting. When I moved to the West Coast, I took a quilting course with my mom. I finally finished a project I did with my mom some 30 years later!”
As with any artistic endeavour, there are challenges along the way. “Our husbands often help with cutting the fabric,” comments Sharon. “This is hard on my hands due to arthritis.”
Despite setbacks or problems, the satisfaction in completing a quilt is undeniable. “Sometimes you might get stuck, but you go to the rest of the group and get input like which colour to use or what pattern works best,” says Sharon, who adds with a big smile: “I love the personal satisfaction that comes from actually finishing the quilt!”
While it is a regular opportunity for these ladies to develop quilting skills and to collaborate on labour-intensive projects, it is also a way to socialize, laugh, share stories, and spend time with others. This chance for connection is invaluable. “There is a definite social aspect to our group. We’re all going through different things like health issues or the loss of a spouse,” says Sharon, adding emphatically: “I don’t know what I would do without these women!”
Dee enthusiastically adds: “I really look forward doing these projects. I think that no matter your age, you have the ability to create art. If you’re lonely, join a group! Get involved in something that interests you.”
The strong connections forged in these weekly gatherings bring personal satisfaction, and this celebration of friendship is reflected in their quilts on display. “We have lost members over the years. They’ve gone on to ‘quilting heaven’,” says Dee. “We have quilts hanging on the walls, and the members who helped to create them have passed on”.
The seniors of Summergate Village Quilters enjoy each other’s company as they learn from and encourage each other. Their quilting creations become a gift for others who will truly benefit.
