I was thrilled to see the turnout for the first Demo Day of the year. Special thanks to Christine, Evelyn, Dianne, Mary and Brenda for providing us with such a variety of activities to go home and try. I can’t wait to see how many of those snowmen end up carrying a microwave bowl, a bookmark or a quilted box. And I wonder how many will be wearing string bracelets?

It was particularly pleasing to see the new members circulating among the stations and being made to feel a part of the group. Several of them mentioned how friendly the guild is these days. Others commented on how much fun it was to have the time to sit and talk with or listen to some of the folks with whom they often don’t chat. 

On the whole, a day of fun, friendship, and learning…all things a guild should offer!

Go to the What's New page to see some pictures of the action -- and visit the Program page for a preview of this year's activities.

Judith Beaver
​Program Chair

Well, who knew what the results would be when Bonnie suggested that the smARTies try a group panel project? For starters, it turned out that so many people were interested that we had to form two groups of seven. Then...into the details…and a lot of wondering about just what it was we had actually signed up for!

In each group, a colour way was determined; one neutrals only and the other incorporating blues, pinks and creams. Then, within each group, fabric swatches were exchanged so that there would be some continuity of colour throughout the group’s work. Bonnie and her husband, Scott, did the figuring and construction of the panel patterns…making each of the seven sections different in shape, but of approximately the same area…a big job.

And off home each of us went. There was no theme, no shared vision, just individual ideas of what might work into a shared space. Several months later, here we are showing each other our creations for the first time and being quite amazed that they actually will hang in a cohesive manner!

Our titles for both sets of panels: Earth, Wind, Fire.  Be sure to come out and view these quilts at the Orchard Valley Quilters Guild Show May 2 and 3.  (See the previous blog entry for more information about the show.)

Here we are at the first reveal -- March 17.  Only six more weeks until show time!  (Click on images to enlarge; use side arrows to navigate.)

Judith Beaver

Join us to celebrate our journey in the ARTistry of Fabric and Thread at our quilt show on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, 2015. 

Over the past ten years we have travelled far with new techniques and new machines giving quilters the opportunities to experiment with design and personal challenges of  "What If?"  Our journey has taken us from traditional quilts to fibre art, felting, silk fusion, thread painting, embroidery and more.  What a journey it has been! 

Celebrating the Artistry of Fabric and Thread will feature displays of traditional and modern quilts of all sizes, art pictures, wearable art and accessories, demonstrations, silent auction, raffle quilts, Merchant Mall, and a boutique where you might find that perfect Mother’s Day gift.  

Join the fun at the Okanagan Mission Hall and the adjacent Log Cabin on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Be sure to invite your friends.  Click below for a poster you can download and send along.

Note: due to adverse weather conditions, the  January 6 meeting has been cancelled and the Trunk Show has been rescheduled to January 13.

2015 begins with a bang when Laurie Turik, guild member and well known local quilt teacher, presents a Trunk Show on January 6 at 9:30 a.m.  Please bring a friend, family member or neighbour to see how Laurie has evolved from a beginner quilter to the teacher and fabric artist she is today.  Many of her quilts are featured in the website page banners, and the slide show below will give you a taste of the treat we have in store on January 6.

As well, 2015 will bring many other exciting events: our ongoing tutorials, fun activities with our hand quilting and art quilting groups, a workshop with Marianne Parsons on March 28, a demonstration morning, our quilt show on May 2 and 3, and a bus trip with the Vernon Guild to the Lethbridge CQA show in June.  Keep checking the website for up-to-date information on these and other events.

Bonnie Rankin
OVQG President

The Shadow of the Bear raffle quilt being pieced by guild members is making excellent progress.  Log Cabin and Bear Paw blocks were created using donated fabrics from our members and the blocks were laid out at our November 11 meeting.  There were many enthusiastic suggestions regarding the best position for each block and all were finally pinned in place, to the satisfaction of all, and are now ready for joining, bordering and quilting.  Go to the What's New page for a look at the fun.

Thanks to all those guild members who so generously shared their beautiful fabrics … fabrics in all the glorious shades of autumn.  These rich colours have added so much to the richness and vibrancy of our raffle quilt.

The quilt will be raffled off at our quilt show May 2 to 3, 2015.  

Laurie Turik, Raffle Quilt Coordinator

December 2 -- the top is complete!

The Orchard Valley Quilters Guild started its 2014/15 quilting year on September 2nd and it was wonderful to see everyone again after the summer break.  September will see the start of both our new Hand Sewing and Art Quilting Groups as well as the display of our summer challenges and last year's Star Club Quilts.  We are working on our 2015 Raffle Quilt, and on September 30 we will be holding a demonstration morning where members will learn different techniques and tips.  So much excitement and that is only the first month of the year!  Come join us, make new friends and learn what our guild is all about.

Bonnie Rankin, OVQG President

Guild meetings begin again September 2, 2014 at 9:00 a.m.  We are looking forward to a year filled with tutorials, guest speakers, closet sales, demonstration mornings, sewing days, charity/community work, a retreat and many other surprises.  This year two new groups are being introduced -- the Hand Work Group and the Art Group -- to try to encompass all aspects of quilting and artistry with all types of fibre and threads.   Most importantly the Orchard Valley Quilters Guild is the perfect platform to share wonderful ideas and friendship.  

Don't be shy, we have all levels of quilters and artisans.  Come check us out -- hopefully there is something for everyone.  My name is Bonnie Rankin and I am the President of the Guild.  Ask for me when you arrive and I will be happy to show you around!