KAMSACK - Although the Kamsack Quilting Club is now down to just eight members, the need for high quality, hand-sewn cotton quilts has only increased. This year, the small and talented team has managed to create a total of 59 quilts that will be sent out across Canada to comfort those dealing with cancer.
The group works with an organization called Victoria's Quilts Canada (VQC). VQC provides handmade quilts nationwide to people who are living with cancer. The intention behind the quilts is to bring physical comfort to those dealing with cancer as well as spiritual comfort in knowing that they are not alone in their struggle.
VQC is comprised of over 1,300 volunteers in 24 communities across Canada, plus Ottawa. The quilts they provide are made by individual quilters who work independently or in groups in a team setting similar to the quilting bees of times past. Since 1999, they have delivered over 84,000 quilts to people living with cancer.
It was around ten years ago when Kamsack members were introduced to Victoria Quilts chapter from Climax by Bobbi Wanner. Wanner is the quilt club member that finishes the Kamsack-made quilts with a long arm machine. At one time, quilting lessons were hosted in the basement of the Kamsack United Church by Lynda Cherwenuk and Colleen Koroluk. The Kamsack Quilting Club is hoping a new group of sewers will emerge to help continue the service into the future. If enough interest is shown, the members said they would be open to offering sewing lessons once again.
All quilts are made with donated fabric either by club members or others in the community. The club works exclusively with cotton fabric, which is considered better for cancer patients, and they make single size quilts (approximately 50 x 70 inches). Each quilt is crafted with the intention to help individuals with the chills during treatments.
Local residents who would love to learn a new skill and be of service to those suffering can reach out to one of the members in town. The 2021 Kamsack Quilting Club members are: Colleen Koroluk, Bobbi Wanner, Lise Rochefort, Lydia Thomas, Alva Beauchamp, Marjory Orr, Lynda Cherwenuk, and Kim Lichtenwald.
“For us the fun is in the designing and selecting patterns and fabrics. It’s great fun to see the completed tops without the hassle of assembling and finishing the quilts,” said member Lise Rochefort. “Due to the age of the members and the cold weather we have decided to meet again in February. Our most productive days are usually fall and spring with everyone sewing at home in the winter. But we are very proud to have produced another 59 quilt tops in 2021.”
Ode to my wife the quilter
Author Unknown
She learned to quilt on Monday.
Her stitches were very fine.
She forgot to thaw out dinner,
So we went out to dine.
She quilted miniatures Tuesday.
She says they are a must.
They really were quite lovely,
But she forgot to dust.
On Wednesday, it was a sampler.
She says the stipplin's fun.
What highlights! Oh what shadows!
But the laundry wasn't done.
Her patches were on Thursday.
Green patches, blue and red.
I guess she really was engrossed:
She never made the bed.
It was wall hangings on Friday,
In colors she adores.
It never bothered her at all,
The crumbs on all the floors.
I found a maid on Saturday!
My week is now complete.
My wife can quilt the hours away;
The house will still be neat.
Well, it's already Sunday.
I think I'm about to wilt.
I cursed, I raved, I ranted--
The MAID has learned to QUILT!
