Activities & Groups
We have several member events each month that are held in our wonderful guild room. For our most of our sewing activities we can accommodate 20 people. We invite our members to come and try out one of the activities listed below. There is bound to be something that will interest you and it's a great way to get to know your fellow quilters.
Our kitchen area is equipped with a fridge, microwave, kettle, and a Keurig. There is a water filling station in the hallway. Coffee is $1.00 per pod and payment is on the honor system.
​
The guild supplies, cutting mats, basic rulers, ironing stations and one table per person to work at. Except for community quilts and Monday morning hand stitching, sign up is required ahead of time and can be done at the monthly meeting or by emailing the event lead. Except for community quilt days which are free, sewing days are $5 each day. Our 1/2 day or evening events are $2. Fees are payable to the event lead.
​
We have 10 sewing machines and 2 sit down quilting machines available for use on a first come basis. Sewing days start at 9 and go until 4, unless otherwise stated.
Community Quilts
Community gift quilts is an important part of the Guild. We donate finished quilts to various organizations in our community, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the hospital, Victim Services with the RCMP, and New Beginnings, an organization that assists single and first-time moms with their children. You are invited to attend our monthly workshops where we might be piecing, kitting up tops to sew, packaging quilt tops/batting/backing, or sewing on binding. There is no need to bring anything but your enthusiasm and your lunch. We have several sewing machines available to be used including a couple of sit down quilting machines for those that want to free motion quilt. If you can't make it to our session, you can also pick up a kit to work on at home. The guild provides all of the supplies for this activity.
​
If you sew a top, or complete a quilt, your name will go into a draw for a prize at the June meeting. Our Guild gives away in excess of 100 quilts each year. Community Quilts meet on the first Wednesday of the month.
Embroidery Days
We are Guild members who have an embroidery attachment for our sewing machines, allowing us to stitch the amazing world of digitized designs. Our monthly sessions are a mixture of sewing and sharing – exchanging information on a new designer that has been found – new stabilizers – newest threads – troubleshooting stitch out issues – sources of linens, etc. Our participants have a variety of machines so if one is having trouble, there is always someone to offer help. The Guild’s Library has subscribed to a magazine for us - ‘Creative Machine Embroidery’ - which has free designs and projects that we often do as a group – otherwise we work on our own projects - which provides endless inspiration for everyone else. Have a look at this magazine to see the types of things that we do – or better yet – drop by for coffee and see what we are stitching. We meet the second Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of each month, from 9 am to 4 pm. If you have an embroidery machine or are thinking about one, please come and join us.
Mixed Media Monday
This is a one day event held on the 3rd Monday of each month. The group gets together to explore working with mixed media. This will be done by sharing ideas, learning from others and at times, accessing you-tube videos. Currently the group is working with Gelli plates. If you have experience with this or want to learn alongside other members, this group is for you. In order to protect the equipment, attendees need to bring protective covering for the tables (plastic sheet, plastic table cloth). Attendees must also bring along all their own supplies for this activity. Suggested items to bring include Gelli plate, brayer, acrylic paints, lots of paper, fabric and your imagination. Our goal is to incorporate mixed media into our quilting. If you are curious, pop in to see what we are working on. Contact the event lead for a more comprehensive list of supplies. This event starts at 9 and finishes up at 3.
Monday Morning Hand Stitching
​
Come see what we’re all about, we meet the first, second and fourth Monday morning of each month.
This is a chance to get some of that hand binding done, maybe learn a new hand embroidery or piecing technique, or even bring your mending and have a visit with new and old friends. There is lots of space for everyone at this event, so sign up isn't required. We have a few very experienced hand stitchers in this group and there’s always something new to learn. Just bring your hand stitching, and come for a visit. This is a great morning of fun that begins at 9 and ends at noon. The cost for this is $2.
Projects Half Done
This is a three day event for you to complete projects or begin a new adventure. It is an opportunity to sew with your fellow quilters, share information and participate in a fun time. Join us and work without the distractions of home.
Quilters' Day Out
This is a two day event that is set aside for members to come and work on their own projects with a group. It is held the 3rd Wednesday and Thursday of each month. It's great to get together with other quilters and see what everyone is working on or maybe get a bit of help or inspiration from others. Sign up is required prior to attending.
Toonie Tips Tricks and Techniques
This is an evening event that is held the 2nd Monday of each month, Learn or brush up on your quilting techniques or perhaps learn new tips or tricks to increase your quilting skills. This event is structured with specific themes each month and a small project is completed in the class. The class runs from 7 until 9, so is great for those that are unable to attend day time events.
Retreat
​
Each year the guild holds an annual 4 day retreat (Thursday - Sunday) at Ness Lake Bible Camp (NLBC) in late April. It is open to all members for a fee. We have two options available for the retreat, day trippers (those not wanting overnight accommodation) full retreaters, (those staying overnight on sight). NLBC features dorm style rooms with showers and bathrooms. It is nestled in the trees on Ness Lake - just outside of Prince George. There is lots of outdoor space for an afternoon walk if you need a break from sewing. The retreat committee plans several activities, that you can choose to participate in, daily games such as batik bingo, mystery quilt project, quick teaching moments. You bring your own projects to work on and participate as much or as little as you would like in the other activities. There is lots of time to visit with other attendees, and perhaps meet some new friends.
Along with your projects, sewing machine and accessories you will need to bring clothes, bedding (pillow, single size sheets and blankets)and toiletries.. All your meals and snacks are provided by the camp. This is a weekend of sewing, socializing, learning, and sharing. No housework, cooking, husbands, or children to distract you. A weekend to have an open mind and enjoy yourself!
Sharing Workshops
At these classes we share new techniques, and not-so-new techniques. We are always on the outlook for new ideas and recruit from within our guild. At times there may be an additional cost for specialty rulers or patterns, however this will be indicated at the time of sign up. We ask that individuals have taken a beginners class in quilting and have basic sewing skills. Please bring along your basic sewing tools. The guild has non-specialty rulers, cutting mats and rotary cutters available for use, as well as a limited number of sewing machines available on a first come basis.
​
Workshops are the second Saturday of the month. Sign up in advance is required as class size may be limited.
Studio Fair
Studio Fair is 3 day event organized by the Community Art Council (CAC) to showcase artisans within our community as well as surrounding areas. It is a popular event held in November and is the main fund raiser for CAC to cover operating costs. The guild, as members of the CAC, are invited to participate in this event. Our guild readily participates each year by securing a booth to showcase our members quilted and embroidered items. Items that members have made will be juried to ensure they meet our published standards. Members will price their items. Members that enter items into our booth, will be asked to help man the booth during the show. A percentage of sales will be retained by the guild. Members may wish to donate items for the sale with all proceeds going to the guild. Many of our members will be busy making items throughout the year to be ready for this popular event.
​