Outside, fog lies on the fields like a dull grey blanket.
But inside the Bradford Legion, a handful of quilters are at work on brightly-coloured quilt squares and wall hangings.
It’s the monthly “Quilt Retreat” at the Legion.
From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, a group of quilters is sequestered behind closed doors in the Legion banquet hall.
They bring their own sewing machines, patterns, fabrics, scissors and other tools, and for twelve hours, work on their projects and share their expertise, uninterrupted.
“We’re not making meals, we’re not answering the phone, we’re not doing laundry,” said Chris Currie. “You’re sewing, and you have the encouragement of other quilters beside you.”
The retreats are generally organized by quilting fan Kathleen Kelly, but this month Kelly was away in Arizona. Group member and long-time quilter Lynn Turcotte stepped in to host the all-day retreat.
The quilters also bring their own snacks, but the organizer provides the luncheon – and the Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary provides supper, as well as tea, coffee and water. The cost? $50 per quilter, for the full day, with the funds going to the Legion.
“We pay to be here, and we just come to sew,” said Currie. “Everything we need is here.”
It’s not only the space, the irons and ironing boards, cutting matts and other items that are provided, “It’s the social aspect,” said Currie, and the sharing – very much like an old-fashioned quilting bee. “There will be somebody whose brain you can pick for a certain problem!”
Quilter Barbara Lee, at work piecing together a wall-hanging of a Christmas tree, agreed. “Chris has coached me for the first little bit this morning,” Lee said, providing both support, and advice.
Nancy Phillips was at work on two projects. She was piecing together complicated quilt blocks – “This is the first one,” she said, holding up a square. “It took me a lot longer than it should have - hours!” - and also brought in a Christmas quilt that she hoped to finish.
“It was supposed to be for my husband last year,” Phillips said. “2020 – I should have it done by then.”
Piled beside Turcotte were tiny squares of fabric, all organized by shape and colour, and clearly labelled. “It has to be,” she said, with so many pieces. “There are 170 pieces in this one block I’m doing.”
Most of the quilts were being made for family and friends, to show or to donate.
“I sew a lot for soldiers,” said Turcotte, who donates many of her quilts to veterans.
Normally, up to 10 quilters come out for the retreat. On Jan. 14, there were only four; others were on vacation, battling seasonal illness, or discouraged by the weather.
But those who did come were happy to be there. It was an opportunity to work without distraction, using the wonderful fabrics and patterns available, said Currie. “When you love to sew…!”
