Millennials and Baby Boomers share a love of quilting
By Joan Janzen
The Prairie Crocus Quilt Guild in Kindersley continues to grow as millennials and baby boomers come together to share their love of quilting. Chairperson Regan Overand reports the guild now has 28 members, with the most recent joining last month.
Quilters travel from Eston, Eatonia, Kerrobert, Smiley, Pinkham, Major and Kindersley to attend meetings, which are held on the second Tuesday evening of each month at the Kindersley Seniors Centre.
Regan Overand is one of the 28 members of the Prairie Crocus Quilt Guild in Kindersley, which continues to grow as millennials and baby boomers share their love of quilting. This family tree quilt continues to expand as new generations are added. Submitted
Overand has been a member of the guild for five years and has been quilting for 15 years. She notes that quilters of all skill levels — from beginners to seasoned experts — are welcome to join.
While some members have been crafting quilts for decades, Overand says eight members balance their passion for quilting with raising families and building careers. The guild has been active since 1982, and long-standing members are enthusiastic about welcoming younger women into the group.
“A lot of the younger ones learn by watching YouTube,” Overand explained. In contrast, senior quilters remember taking classes offered at Veronica’s Sewing Supplies. “They have knowledge and experience and can help us. It can be intimidating for younger quilters, but they’re very welcoming and very supportive.”
Beyond quilting, the guild provides an opportunity to socialize and build friendships. Members also participate in weekend retreats held periodically and host a quilt show every second year during Goose Festival, where approximately 200 quilts are displayed.
“There’s a group of ladies that do a lot of charity quilting,” Overand said. Quilts have been donated to the hospital and fire department, and over the past four years, members have made quilts for all residents at West Central Abilities. “Every Christmas we make placemats for Meals on Wheels,” she added. “It’s a way to use our talents and give back to the community.”
New members also bring fresh ideas and styles to the craft. Overand is currently updating a family tree quilt for her husband’s family that was originally started in 2000. “I keep adding a big border so there’s more room for additions,” she said. Another member created a quilt using T-shirts from her high school years.
While quilting styles, techniques and tools have evolved over time, the motivation behind the craft remains unchanged. “I quilt all year long in my basement. I find it stress relieving,” Overand said. “I mostly make quilts for friends and family. When people appreciate it, it makes it all worthwhile.”