The annual Homespun weekend in Carlyle offered visitors a chance to celebrate both modern creativity and traditional craftsmanship. Despite the rainy weather, turnout was strong for both the craft show and the quilting display, two events that showcased the talents of vendors and makers from across the region.
The Homespun craft show filled the venue with more than 60 exhibitors from across Canada. Committee member Nicole Currie said the event has built its reputation on one key rule: everything must be homemade. “Everything when you come to Homespun has to be what you’ve done, what you’ve created, so that’s awesome,” she explained. “It keeps it different than a trade show, and so we have lots of quality crafters here, and it’s always exciting to see what they bring.”
Shoppers explored a wide variety of items, including metalwork, woodwork, clothing, gourmet foods, and candles. Currie noted that the mix of returning vendors and first-time exhibitors helped bring something new to discover each year. While the rain may have kept farmers out of the fields, she said it encouraged people to come inside and browse the unique displays. “We’re sorry for the rain, farmers, but please come in and we’ll find some goodies for you.”
Running alongside Homespun was the Qiuilt Show, which featured more than 50 entries. Organizer Beverley Thompson said the quilts were judged across different categories, while several pieces were also displayed simply to enhance the welcoming atmosphere. “When you come in here, it just makes you feel good, doesn’t it? It’s just so cozy,” she said.
This year brought new features, including an antique corner where community members displayed quilts and other handmade items passed down from previous generations, often accompanied by stories. Another highlight was the “unfinished business” section, which showcased quilt tops that had been completed but never finished.
Thompson reflected on both the joy and the challenges of organizing the quilting show. She said the tradition of quilting is struggling to attract younger participants, though some grandmothers are still teaching children how to sew. “I would be sad if this all came to an end,” she admitted. “This is my last year of doing it. I’ve been doing it a long time, and it’s time for someone else to take it out, and I’m worried. We’re looking for new people, very much so that have an interest in this kind of thing, to step forward and let’s keep it going.”
Even with water leaking into the venue due to the heavy rain, more than 100 people attended the quilting show, which Thompson considered a strong turnout. She credited both community volunteers and local students who helped with setup and takedown.
The Homespun kitchen was also busy throughout the weekend, with proceeds going toward fundraising for the new school project in Carlyle. Together, the craft show and quilting display highlighted both the creativity of vendors and the resilience of a community determined to keep traditions alive while supporting future growth.