MOOSE JAW — The Prairie Hearts Quilter’s Guild has already achieved what could be an industry first , and now these crafty quilters are at it again with plans to expand this connection by hosting a virtual day project.
“A couple of years ago we reached out to a group (of quilters) in Newfoundland. They’re called the Pigeon Inlet Quilting Guild,” explained Ann Richey, president of the Prairie Hearts Quilter’s Guild.
“We’re (now) having a lot of fun with our twinning group in Newfoundland.”
As far as Richey is aware, the concept of twinning with another guild from across the country is an industry first and could even be quite impactful.
“We’ve done some trading. We’ve done little gifts back and forth and a Christmas exchange, and we’re learning about each other’s communities. (This) is really important because, sadly, it’s desperately needed in Canada to help dissolve some of the divisions that have come up over the years,” she said.
“And yeah, we’re having a good time learning about each other, sharing things, and sharing each other’s websites (and social media pages).”
The partnership involves an exchange of ideas, the formation of new friendships, and some members even share a few tips and tricks of the trade. It’s also a great way to have a little fun.
“We’re (organizing) little competitions… between each other,” Richey said in an earlier interview. “Maybe (they’ll) send something from their local area, and we’ll send something from our local area and just get to know each other.”
One of those friendly competitions is called “UFOs,” which stands for — contrary to common parlance — “unfinished objects.”
“A lot of times, quilters have several quilts or projects that they’ve kind of put on the shelf and forgotten about,” Richey explained. “So, we have a little competition with (the Pigeon Inlet quilters) to see which guild can finish the most unfinished objects. It’s not intense, but it’s fun.”
Richey admitted that she doesn’t yet have a prize in mind for the winner, but said it’s a great way to complete some unfinished projects regardless of what that reward will be.
Sometime in early 2025, the Prairie Hearts Quilter’s Guild is planning a new virtual quilt day project with its partner in Newfoundland as though everyone were together on a retreat.
“We’re going to try to do it (virtually) through Zoom. We’re still (working on) the details… (but we’ll) get together for a day of quilting. (Because) we’re virtually connected… we can share (tips and stories with) each other, joke around, and share stuff like that,” Richey said. “I think we’re going to title it ‘Quilt ‘Till You Wilt.’”
If the concept of twining isn’t new, the idea of hosting a virtual meeting between guilds over such a vast distance certainly must be. “I know it’s been done between guilds like, say, Regina and Belle Plaine, because that’s where we got (the idea) that it would be really good to do with the group from Newfoundland,” Richey said.
The meeting details have yet to be ironed out, but Richey said “screeching in” is a must.
“I think this is kind of a nice little way to maybe start something new for everybody,” Richey concluded.
For more information about the Pigeon Inlet guild visit ‘’ on Facebook.
To learn more about the Prairie Hearts Quilter’s Guild visit , email [email protected], or follow ‘’ on Facebook.
