April is the month for quilts at Sidney Museum. This year we are presenting a spectacular exhibit produced by some of the finest quilters in the area, the Loose Threads quilting group. Quilts made by Loose Threads members range from traditional, contemporary to modern art and the display is peppered with a few antique quilts collected over the years. Wall hangings, lap and bed quilts are represented. Included are quilts made by former member, the late Moira Cannata, whose miniature pieced quilts were juried into the Houston International Quilt Festival 10 times.
Formed in 1998, Loose Threads meets weekly on Monday nights in members’ homes. All 10 members are present only four to five times a year as some are snowbirds and all love to travel. Included in the membership is Daphne Greig who is a pattern designer, international teacher and co-author of five quilting books. Daphne states that her “contemporary art celebrates elements and growth in nature, most particularly the growth of trees and plants and my personal growth as an artist. I focus on visual texture of fabrics and surface texture created with stitching and embellishments. I often work spontaneously in response to an idea or feeling. All types of textiles have a place in my work, as do many surface design techniques. My goal is to communicate awareness of the world around us with my work.”
The group works together to make and donate quilts to The Victoria Quilters’ Guild project for the neo natal unit at Victoria General Hospital and for disasters such as the High River flood. In addition members donate quilts to Victoria’s Quilts Canada supporting Cancer patients and baby quilts and Quilts of Valour to Canadian forces members.
The quilt exhibit is on display at Sidney Museum during the month of April. The museum is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily, admission is by donation.
