Show revealing a patchwork of talent

A patchwork of talent will be on display for an afternoon of socializing in the Griffiths Senior Centre this weekend.

The Griffith Girls Quilting Group is inviting the public to view dozens of quilts while enjoying refreshments and desserts at the Pumpkin Patch Tea and Quilt Show Sept. 30 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Black Diamond.

The group’s more than one dozen members will show off their sewing skills with the display of quilts and their culinary abilities with a variety of pumpkin desserts including pies, tarts, loaves, cheesecake and pumpkin ginger trifle.

“It’s very sociable,” said member Norma Wynne. “You can sit down and visit with other quilters. Some people enjoy just looking at the quilts or they can just come in for the tea and see what’s going on.”

Wynne said this year is the ninth the group has invited the public to view their creations, which includes quilts made for charities like Rowan House Women’s Emergency Shelter and the Children’s Hospital in Calgary.

“The room will be full,” she said. “We’ve invited other quilters to showcase their quilts, to just drop them off between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. People enjoy seeing what other quilters are doing.”

Throughout the afternoon, visitors can bid on silent auction items, including a Canada 150 quilt made by the quilting group.

Wynne said the group consists of mostly seniors in the area who enjoy quilting as a social activity. They meet Monday afternoons and once a month on Saturdays.

“We have a bit of a social and we share techniques,” she said. “It’s to get us out so that we’re not sitting home and being isolated.”

Members of the group learn from each other, whether it’s a new pattern or different sewing techniques, Wynne said.

“You are constantly learning different things,” she said. “It’s an art form. Depending on what level the quilter is we get ones that just do art quilts.”

For elderly members, Wynne said quilting is a great way to keep their minds and hands active.

“Even maneuvering with your fingers you are using those fine motor skills because you’ve got to move your fabrics around underneath your needle on your sewing machine,” she said. “Quite often it looks simple but once you start breaking it down, you’re using your math skills and your reading skills.”

Admission to attend the tea and quilt show is $5. Proceeds from the sales and silent auction will go towards purchasing fabric and supplies for the charity quilts.