Friends are important any where, any time – and Quilt Canada Special Friends are no different. Like our many Sponsors, our Special Friends for Quilt Canada 2012 have provided much needed support and in this blog post – we would like to say thank you to each and every one of them.

Thanks to the donations from our Sponsors and from some of these Special Friends, some lucky quilters will travel home with door prizes that include quilt kits – from bed quilts, to wall hangings and table runners, magazine subscriptions, quilt books, beautiful quilting threads and more. Others have generously provided cash donations, or helped out in various ways to ensure this year’s Quilt Canada is a success.

Avonport Discount Fabrics is one of the quilting destinations in Nova Scotia. Filled to the brim with quilting fabric and supplies, Avonport offers a full range of products specifically for quilters at bargain  prices. Avonport is open 6 days a week, from Monday through Saturday and is a ‘don’t miss’ destination, especially with their discount coupon from the Virtual Market Place.

Diane’s Decorating Diary is a blog written by Diane Matheson of Ajax, Ontario. Diane’s interest in crafts is evident, not only through her blog, but also through her Etsy store, FROM MY STASH TO YOURS, where you will find some interesting and unique fabrics and kits – take a look at her offer of a 50% fabric discount in the Virtual Market Place.

Eileen Gidman is a textile and watercolour artist based in British Columbia, whose training in fine art combined with her passion for fabric painting and dyeing result in one-of- a kind textiles and quilt kits. Visit Eileen at her booth in the Merchant Mall where she will have a free hand dyed fabric square featuring a lighthouse for the first 50 quilters each day. And don’t forget her 10% off coupon in the Virtual Market Place.

Gerene’s Quilting is operated by Gerene Chisholm, a local long arm quilter well known in our quilting circles in Nova Scotia. I wrote about Gerene previously to show the wonderful work she did on the Quilt Canad 2012 raffle quilt. Gerene’s generous donation of long arm quilting and batting made that project possible – check out her Virtual Market Place listing for a generous discount on long arm quilting.

Homestead Stitches is in North Bay, Ontario and has a great on-line store, specializing in hand dyed wools that are often hard to find in Canada. They have a great selection of fabric and kits – check out the penny rugs. I’ve done a few and they are so much fun and a nice break from my regular quilting. As a Special Friend, their cash contribution to support this event is appreciated.

Quilters’ Line is located in Markdale, Ontario and they have a great on-line shop that features fabric, quilt kits, original patterns and even teddy bear supplies. Quilters’ Line will showcase their products here in Halifax as a vendor in the Merchant Mall and they’re also offering you a special deal in the Virtual Market Place – a 15% discount on kits.

Sew with Vision is a local Halifax-area shop with great fabric, an array of threads, and the latest in Pfaff sewing machines. Many of you will have the chance to meet Sew With Vision’s owner, Bonnie Spinney, at the Pfaff booth in the Merchant Mall and locals should check out her Virtual Market Place listing for a great deal on long arm quilting services.

Suttles and Seawinds is located in Mahone Bay. Few quilters head that way without a stop at their store to gaze in awe at the quilts on the walls in the barn, the interesting fabric collections and in particular, to drool over their unique sets of fat quarters.

Tammachat Natural Textiles is also located in Mahone Bay and as their name implies, they are in the fair-trade textile business. They work with women in Thailand and Laos to produce beautiful woven pieces and silks, like the one pictured here. Their beautiful products are almost a show all by themselves – be sure to visit their booth in the Merchant Mall and check out their discount offer in the Virtual Market Place.

The Weed Man may seem like a strange fit for a quilting event, but their commitment to their community is evident. They readily agreed to cover the costs of our Hospitality Room for a day, and for that, they certainly deserve our thanks. A similar thank you goes out to Sobeys and to Superstore, who have also contributed to the costs of providing refreshments to weary quilters taking a break from their workshops, quilt show visits or volunteer shifts.

A Needle Pulling Thread has helped promote Quilt Canada 2012 with advertising and the generous donation of magazines and door prizes. They are one of very few Canadian magazines promoting needle arts, and it’s been great to have their support.

Please don’t forget to show your appreciation to our Quilt Canada 2012 sponsors, Merchant Mall vendors and to Special Friends, like those above, by visiting them in the Merchant Mall, checking out their Virtual Market Place listings and/or paying a visit to their on-line shop or visit them in person at their store.

Quilt Guilds across the country have also stepped up to the plate and provided their support – many as Special Friends, contributing funds to help with prizes, and others as Sponsors.  We thank them too for their friendship and assistance – Quilt Canada couldn’t happen without your continued support!

4 days and counting….

 Atlantic Fabrics  is a Quilt Canada Platinum Sponsor – the only such sponsor from Nova Scotia.

We can’t say enough about the support that they have provided to us in creating an event that quilters will enjoy. From the “oh-so-convenient” delegate bags stocked with quilting essentials (sorry, no photo – they’re a surprise), to their sponsorship of the Nova Scotia Quilt Challenge, to table decor, to door prizes and on and on, they have been an important player on our team.

They make it clear how pleased they are to be a Platinum Sponsor of this event. According to Kathy Dean, owner of Atlantic Fabrics, “It is such a natural and exciting place to be when there are events which showcase our industry in such a huge way.”

In fact, Atlantic Fabrics is a long-time fixture on the scene in Nova Scotia. Kathy and her husband Dennis recently celebrated 28 years of business providing everything that crafters, sewers and beginner to advanced quilters need to support their creative endeavours.

Atlantic Fabrics is a veteran at Quilt Canada, participating as an exhibitor in 1984 when it was held in Halifax. There is no comparison between today’s line up of cottons, notions, books, patterns and quilt batting to the lines that were available way back in the early 80′s.

As we all know, quilting has come a long way in the last couple of decades, and Atlantic Fabrics has kept up with the times in the products that they carry, the services they provide and the classes that they teach. Classes are scheduled year round and they provide opportunities to Quilt Guilds to do workshops on location or in their meeting place and the classroom is available for rental as well for special events or special guest instructors. Quilt Canada is the perfect opportunity to showcase and support the talents and creativity of their staff and their customers.

They recently became a dealer for Baby Lock sewing machines and will be featuring the line up at Quilt Canada with show specials especially for this event. They now offer a long-arm quilting service in-store and through the CQA/ACC Virtual Market Place  they  have a special deal for quilters looking for some creative quilting for their finished quilt tops.

Atlantic Fabrics will be a huge presence in the Merchant Mall at Dalplex, with 6 booths displaying only a fraction of the products they have available in their 21,000 square feet of store front in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. They expect that the variety of books, patterns, kits, fat quarters and other items on display will cause some excitement and fun for all attendees. Quilting fabric and other essentials are a major portion of their regular stock, and even with 6 booths, it will be a challenge to show you all they have waiting for you in their Dartmouth store.

Be sure to drop by their booth for all the details and prepare to be inspired by the selection and creativity they have put together for their special guests. If you can, take a short trip across the bridge to the Dartmouth store – they guarantee it will be worth your time. Traveling in on a bus tour? Give the store a call at (902) 434-7220 or send an email (info@atlanticfabrics.com) to set up a group visit – they would love to play host and advance notice would be to your advantage.

If you’re traveling around the Province, be sure to add their other stores in Greenwood, New Glasgow and Bridgewater to your itinerary. Each storefront takes great pride and pleasure in providing sewers and quilters alike with a wide variety of products at the best value pricing they can offer.

Our thanks go to Atlantic Fabrics for their great support as a Platinum Sponsor. Kathy, Dennis and their staff have been a delight to work with.

Ever gracious, Kathy adds, “I would like to thank the Organizing Committee who have worked tirelessly to bring this event to Halifax. You have been a very dedicated group who have shown such organizing skills and commitment to the Quilting Association. Thank you for all you have done. We know you are all creative and experienced quilters who pride yourself in piecing together beautiful quilts. This time you have pieced together another great work of art, in Seams like Home, because it is HOME. We hope this coming week you will be able to enjoy the fruits of all your hard work. Come out, Halifax and the rest of Nova Scotia – support this talented group of organizers.”

Thanks Kathy – we’re blushing! To everyone, come and join us! It will be fun!

Still 5 days and counting….

I’ve heard it said that ‘nothing in life is free’ but not true in this case – the Quilt Canada Merchant Mall is indeed free of charge to all visitors.

I’ve heard that this question has come up at various Guild meetings or in chats around Quilt shops – so this brief blog post is just to assure everyone that there are no fees to enter the Merchant Mall. The vendors will be eager to see you and as an added bonus, the TrendTex Challenge quilts will be on display right in the centre of the Merchant Mall – so that too, is free for your viewing.

Of course, there are some modest fees to access some of the other nine exhibits on-site at Dalhousie, the I.W.K. and the Mary Black Gallery. Take a look at the Quilt Canada Show Directory and you’ll see the fees, if any, and the hours for each of them.  And, of course, don’t forget the Quilt Canada Map so you can find your way around.

Hope to see you there!  5 days and counting….

This is the first time that I have volunteered to help with an event like Quilt Canada. It has been almost overwhelming to experience the generosity of quilters and quilting companies as they have stepped up with donations of awards, delegate bags and gifts, door prizes and hand-made items that they are so willing to share with their fellow quilters.

The count for the Catch of the Day bags only a week ago was 693 and is now more than 720! Each one is unique and the total is so much more than we expected – a true testament to the creativity and generous spirit in our quilting community.

You’ll recall that we also suggested that quilters contribute a favourite Fat Quarter, along with their contact information. The Fat Quarters will be shared with quilters who are here at Quilt Canada 2012 – and we hope that whatever they make with the Fat Quarter will be shared with the Fat Quarter’s donor. We thought this would be a great way for quilters across this very large country to connect with each other – and you have not disappointed us! We have received hundreds of fat quarters from across the country and they will soon find a new home in another quilter’s stash just waiting for their next project.

And then, there are unexpected packages that arrive in the mail, unsolicited, as a complete surprise. I’d like to share one such instance with all of you.

A couple of weeks ago, I received a rather large shoe box in the mail from  Ontario. Expecting a few more Catch of the Day bags, I was surprised – and amazed – to find a box that did indeed include three lovely bags, but was also filled to the brim with coasters made to fit the 2012 theme – Seams Like Home. The sender, a long-time quilter, attended her first CQA workshop in 1984 when she talked her husband into a family visit nearby. Since then, she’s attended Quilt Canada events in Montreal, Calgary and Thunder Bay and this year, she will attend Quilt Canada in Halifax with her two daughters.

This generous quilter took the time to make 350 of these ‘so-cute’ coasters to share with her fellow quilters at this year’s Quilt Canada event. So, to Anja Landells, a big thank you! Looking forward to meeting you here in Halifax!

6 days and counting….

Northcott Canada is supporting Quilt Canada 2012 as a Silver Sponsor. As Northcott explains: “The Canadian Quilter’s Association works hard to promote a greater understanding and appreciation for the exciting, creative and fun industry that we thrive on: Quilting. We are proud to be a Silver Sponsor of Quilt Canada. We know that it will be a great success bringing quilters together to showcase amazing Canadian quilting talent!”

Founded in 1935, Northcott was originally focused on the fashion industry as a textile converter, but in the mid 80s,began to shift focus to the ever expanding cotton print market for the quilt, craft and home decor industries. Their cotton prints can be found in retail stores and quilt shops around the world.

Northcott takes pride in their commitment to quilting and in their support to good causes. Most quilters have seen – and likely purchased – Northcott’s Quest for a Cure fabric collections. Participating collections are identified with the unique Northcott Quest for a Cure logo on the fabric bolts. They donate a portion of the purchase price for the fabric that is sold. No doubt many of us have some of these fabrics squirrelled away in our stash (I know I do!)

Northcott has now extended their support for good works to the Quilts of Valour program. OH CANADA is the latest Stonehenge fabric collection from renowned artist Linda Ludovico. This sophisticated collection features Canadian symbols such as maple leaves and moose, combined with wonderful shades of red, cream and black.

OH CANADA was created specifically to support Quilts of Valour – Canada. The mission of Quilts of Valour – Canada (QoV) is to ensure that our injured Canadian soldiers are recognized for the  bravery and commitment that demonstrates their patriotism. QoV provides support through the presentation of quilts of comfort made for our military service people. Northcott will donate a portion of sales from Stonehenge, OH CANADA to the charity. The collection will be available in stores starting June 2012 – take a look at the collection  and start planning your quilt.

AND HERE’S A FREEBIE! Northcott is offering an exclusive free pattern through the CQA/ACC Virtual Market Place.  All you have to do is email Northcott at info@northcott.net and tell them the names of the two Canadian designers who have designed quilts using the Oh Canada collection. Just between us, you can find those two designers here – just look in the right hand margin and click on each of the quilts. Simply cut and paste their names into your email and send it off the Northcott and they will email you back with a PDF of the pattern. Happy sewing!

We’re very pleased to have Northcott’s support for Quilt Canada 2012.

P.S. For EQ users like me, check out the collections on their web site – you can download the fabrics and use them in your EQ designs – yet another freebie!

7 days and counting…..

There is so much happening at Quilt Canada 2012 that no doubt, you may want to find a quiet corner to relax for a few minutes and perhaps enjoy a spot of hospitality.

Quilt Canada will provide a Hospitality Room at Howe Hall on each of the four days of this event – open from 10am to 5pm Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday and open until 7 pm on Friday. This will be a great space for a quick break between classes, some down time for volunteers, or perhaps a bit of quiet time for visitors as they move between quilt shows.

The Nova Scotia Miniature Quilt Challenge will be exhibited here, so all the more reason to come and spend a bit of time in the Hospitality area.

But, of course, Quilt Canada is really run by volunteers and donations – so for those of you who love to bake, or who might be willing to make a small food donation, here is your chance to pitch in.

We would appreciate any donations of squares, cookies, loaves or breads that you might be willing to provide. Fruit and bars would also be a great addition. Donations may be dropped off just before the quilt shows open each day, ideally by 9:30 am, on the table just in front of the Study Hall, on the lower level of Howe Hall (see Quilt Canada Map). We’ll be serving water and juice and your donation of baked goods or fruit would ensure a tasty treat for those who visit the Hospitality Room.

Many thanks to those of you who can help out – events like this one simply can’t happen without your support – and what a great chance to show how hospitable we are here in Nova Scotia.

Now is the time. Although our schedule is filling, there are still opportunities for you to volunteer in a variety of ways. Whether you are a joining us from Halifax or across the country we invite you to help make Quilt Canada 2012 a success.

Would you like to support teachers and students in workshops – and pick up some tips along the way? Volunteer as a Workshop Hostess to make sure things run smoothly in classes.

Do you want to have a chance to support vendors and see all the shops? The Merchant Mall crew needs runners, people to sell raffle tickets, and white glove hostesses for the Trend Tex (TT) show.

Does a shorter shift at a single location appeal to you? We require Ticket Takes for lunch and for evening events.

Are you interested in spending time and answering questions at a quilt show? Become part of the White Glove brigade. White Glove Hostesses are being recruited for both the National Juried Show (NJS) and the Invitational Quilt Show (IQS), and both promise so incredible and diverse work by talented quilters.

Would you like a sneak peek at one of the shows? We still need a few more volunteers to help hang the IQS and TT shows on Tuesday, May 29.

You can volunteer for a couple of hours or several days. Shifts vary in length from 1.5 to 8 hours. They are located around the Dalhousie campus. To learn more, contact  Mary Elizabeth at volunteerqc2012@hotmail.com. Volunteers will be sent job descriptions prior to their shifts and we’ll have contacts on site to answer any questions.

Follow us on twitter (QuiltCanada2012) or Facebook (Quilt Canada 2012) for regular updates during the conference, including immediate volunteer requests.

Benefits of Volunteering

As if all the fun and quilting inspiration isn’t enough, we’ll say thank you with a small gift. Volunteers who work a minimum of 3 hours will receive a CQA lapel pin. Those who work 8 hours or 3 shifts will receive a CQA lapel pin, FREE admission to the NJS and a ticket to one of the Friday night lectures. In addition, all volunteers will be entered for a volunteer prize draw – and there might be other surprises along the way. Register for a shift for your chance to win.

Apron Ladies

We want everyone to be able to easily recognize the wonderful volunteers. In keeping with the conference theme, Seams Like Home, we are asking all volunteers to wear their own aprons (we’ll have a few extras available). Members of the Local Organizing Committee will be wearing aprons with Nova Scotia tartan (you’ll be reading more about the L.O.C. in a future post) and other volunteers will wear something from their own collection, bought or made. It should make for some colorful crews and some interesting discussion. So watch for our apron ladies and feel free to ask if there is a story about their apron.

Volunteer today

Thanks to everyone who has already scheduled shifts. Join the team today – and tell all your friends who might also want to help us make Quilt Canada 2012 seam like home. You’ll be glad that you did!

No matter how big and powerful government gets, and the many services it provides, it can never take the place of volunteers.

Ronald Reagan.