It was a time to sew.
Tactile artists from across North America came together to share their love of the craft at the Saskatchewan Stitches Conference May 26 to June 5 at St. Peter's College in Muenster.
Participants at the conference had the opportunity to learn about skills in many different tactile arts, from bra making to quilting.
"Everybody's been really happy," said Wendy Toye, event organizer.
"They are happy with the classes, facility, meals... everything. All the classes have been well received."
One of the biggest hits this year was a lecture by Jodi Barrows from Keller, Texas. Close to 200 people attended her lecture.
"I teach the square in a square system of quilting," said Barrows.
The square in a square system is an advanced strip-piecing technique that allows the quilter to create triangle units without ever cutting or sewing one.
Not only does Barrows teach this quilting method, she also designs her own fabrics and quilting patterns.
All of her fabrics and quilt patterns tell a story.
Her latest book is called "Kisses for Your Beloved." It contains a story, which is a civil war love story, a line of fabric and a quilt pattern.
"It's a fun way to learn some history," said Barrows.
Barrows has written 20 books, four novels, has two DVDs and five teacher books and has a certified Teacher's Program.
During her lecture she spoke about her new fabric line based on the Pony Express and shared many tricks, tips and techniques for quilting.
Barrows enjoys teaching at the conference and sharing her love of quilting with others.
"I love it, it's a very relaxed atmosphere," said Barrows. "The women are here having a great time."
She not only enjoys instructing but learning from the other instructors and participants of the conference.
"I usually come and teach every other year... I really look forward to coming," said Barrows.
"I never knew how to knit before I came here and they taught me to knit."
All of the instructors at the conference were excited to be teaching others their skills.
"What I love about it is it tends to open up a lot of opportunities for students," said Ron Collins, a well known sewing personality in Canada. He was teaching garment sewing at the conference.
Another instructor at the conference was Beverly Johnson who has been teaching classes for Toye since before the conference started.
Johnson comes from Hamilton, Ontario every year to teach students how to make intimate apparel and loves the conference.
"Wendy has created a flurry of activity in the needle arts," said Johnson. "I wish we had something like this in Ontario."
She explained there is nothing like the Stitches Conference anywhere else. There have been trade shows, but they were put on by big corporations who did not have the understanding of tactile arts like Toye has.
"I think that's the difference," said Johnson. "She's part of the community, not just an organizer."
Next year will be the 10th anniversary of the Stitches Conference and Toye is excited for the milestone.
"We have so many great ideas for our 10th anniversary next year," said Toye.
