'Think Outside the Block’ — that’s the theme of the 17th Biennial Quilt Show by the Prairie Hearts Quilters Guild, coming to the Temple Gardens Centre on Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26.
“I’m hoping to have a lot of people come to our show,” said Terri Florkiewicz, president of the Prairie Hearts Quilters Guild and chair of the quilt show organizing committee. “There’s 205 quilts on display, there’s lots for people to come and see and do. We have a raffle table for a raffle quilt, we have a penny parade, as well, there’s 12 vendors coming, and we have a car that has a quilt on it this year, that’s something new.”
The guild’s biennial shows are always popular, drawing hundreds of visitors over two days to see the amazing variety of designs that can be produced. That’s in addition to the many quilters who will travel from across the Prairies and the country to visit, compete, and be inspired.
As an example of the endless creativity of quilters, Florkiewicz explained that the ‘quilted car’ coming to their 2025 show has essentially been wrapped: The creators left openings for the doors and windows, but otherwise the car is completely covered.
“There’s been a lot of work that’s gone into this. There’re 205 items in the quilt show, and they will range from completely handmade to made-by-machine, so there will be quite a variety to see, lots of colours,” Florkiewicz explained, although she added that she hasn’t actually seen any of the quilt submissions yet.
“People are quite tight-lipped right now, because it is a competition, so it is being judged, and there’s ribbons involved. And if you know quilters, ribbons are everything, so. We have what you call ‘show and share’ at our regular meetings, and in a quilt show year, we have a lot less show and share because people are getting ready, and they want it to be a surprise for the day.”
Quilt designs can range from traditional patterns to abstract modern designs that incorporate optical illusions or fabulous geometry. They can be designed in computer programs with essentially limitless options and made on a machine — or put together completely from scratch, taking years to tell a unique story. Techniques such as appliqué, embroidery, and patchwork add layers of texture and complexity to each creation.
They can be commemorative, showing a child’s trip from start to finish of high school or university, for example, or opportunities to display skill and artistic expression, such as a quilt with an original, impressionistic depiction of a local landmark. Many quilts will reference pop culture like movies, books, and anime, while others will remind viewers of times long past.
When you start with that level of creativity, and then theme a show as being about ‘Thinking Outside the Block’ even more, who knows what the result will be?
There will also be the traditional Trunk Show, with a guest artist, on the Friday night at 7 p.m. This year’s presenter is Carol Gold, one of the judges. She’ll take attendees through her journey as a quilter, with displays of her work, as well as tips, tricks, and fresh ideas.
Tickets are $15 per day, or $25 for both days, from sasktix.ca or in-person at the Temple Gardens Centre box office.
For more information, visit the guild website at prairieheartsquilters.com, or email prairieheartsquilters@yahoo.ca.