Gail Oates admits she was always envious of her younger sister’s knack for quilting and embroidery.
Even though Oates made most of her own clothes throughout high school and university, as well as Halloween costumes for her children, the Massey Drive resident always wanted to learn the art of quilt making. Once the last of her children enrolled in university eight years ago, Oates finally got her chance by joining the Long Range Quilter’s Guild.
Oates will be among those in attendance this weekend for the guild’s eighth biennial quilt show and sale titled “Once upon a Quilt ...” this weekend at the Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook. She has submitted four quilts and a wall hanging for the show, which is expected to have more than 100 creations on display.
Each year, the guild donates community quilts to a charitable organization and this year’s recipient is the Canadian Red Cross, Western Division.
Oates said her quilts and wall hangings can take several hours or several months to complete, depending on the design.
She admits her works of art can sometimes be difficult to part with, but ultimately, well worth it,
“It is hard to give them up, but when you know it’s going to someone who appreciates it, you don’t mind,” Oates said.
“We call them gifts from the heart and we say whoever sleeps under these quilts are sleeping under a blanket of love.”
Two years ago, the guild made quilts for the Ronald McDonald House in St. John’s and shortly afterwards, Oates got a call from a father whose children were given quilts made by Oates and her fellow quilters.
“He asked us not to stop doing this because it brought so much joy to his little girl and boy when they were in the Janeway receiving treatment,” Oates said. “It was wonderful just to hear that reply back.”
In addition to her work with the guild, Oates also plans to make a quilt for each of her nearly 30 nieces and nephews.
“I already have six made and two wedding gifts for my children, so I’m getting there,” she said with a chuckle.
Since getting involved with quilting, Oates and six of her sisters have become involved with the craft.
Oates has also taught two of her daughters quilting and hopes they eventually pass it on to their children.
This year’s show will run from Friday to Sunday at the Pepsi Centre and will include quilting demonstrations, a merchant’s mall and quilter’s boutique.
For more information, contact Pauline Parrill at 686-5418.
