Quilters will drive long distances to buy beautiful materials and patterns, Holly Lightfoot will bring the goods right to the quilters.
Lightfoot operates the Rolling Ray of Sonshine Quilt Shop Truck and was in Maidstone parked in the arena parking lotfor a few days this week. She retired from farming in Swift Current after surgery on her legs and found herself on another path. In 2000, she started quilting as part of a project to send some support to people in Haiti.
"O.K. Lord, I'll sew blocks together but I won't cut them," she remembers saying. As she learned about cutting techniques she found it more enjoyable than she thought it would be and is now called the "Stack and Whack Queen" by her quilting group.
The hobby became a greater part of her life and it led her to a brand new way of life. This has been her first full summer on the road, travelling around the province with her mobile store. She has been down Highway 32 and 4 visiting communities including Leader, Kyle, Outlook and Biggar and has had to make some changes due to road construction. Her next big event will be in St. Walburg where she will set up for a few days including the Blueberry Festival. Her schedule is still open for September, but she plans to be in Manitoba during October.
When she pulls into a community she hops onto her bicycle to explore the town and figure out where everything is. The Rolling Ray of Sonshine is stocked with bolts of material, thread, notions, a small number of kits, patterns, cutting tools and a little lace.
"It's enough to get somebody started," said Lightfoot.
She says the journey breaks every comfort zone she has ever had, but she knows this is where she is meant to be.
"The Lord is with me, it's the only way I can be on the road," she said.
Between customers she works on her own quilting projects and has a few on display on the walls of the trailer. With her bright yellow truck and smile she welcomes quilters at all levels and is enjoying her time on the road. She'll park the truck in her farmyard for the winter and hopes to be able to welcome people for retreats at her home with the shop right outside.
Lightfoot can be reached at 306-774-9408.
