Member Background

by Wendy F.

     I made my first quilt in my last year of high school (1976) when I hardly knew what I was doing. It was cut from what was called crimplene (100 % polyester knit).  I used left over fabric from dresses that I had made in high school. It was machine sewn, and machine quilted as well.  I had no knowledge of how to hand quilt at that point. The back was all small blocks as well because I thought that was how I was supposed to make it. It was a really warm quilt.
     My next exposure to quilting came in 1981 when I moved to Swan River Manitoba.  I was part of a ladies mission circle and they gathered on a regular basis to make quilts to raise funds for a Bible Camp. I didn't get any real quilting lessons at the time, but I caught the bug , and started making my own quilts, and still have one of them today.  My first quilting efforts were rather clumsy but over the years I have steadily improved. I have a good selection of quilting books.  My quilts are not what one would call "works of art ", but they are a "labour of love ".  I have given many quilts as gifts to family and friends and they have all been well appreciated.  I have been a member of what used to called "Mayflower hand-quilters of Nova Scotia" (that has been renamed Mayflower Quilters Guild to include the different kind of quilters ) I was also a member of the West Island Quilters Guild when I lived in Montreal.
Since joining Tidal Threads I have learned so much about colour and colour placement. Having members in our group who are expert quilters, but who are most gracious about accepting those who are not has encouraged me to improve my quilting skills and inspired me to go on to complete new projects .

Member Background

by –  Martha E.


My love affair with quilting began in the 70's when a friend convinced me that we could each make a quilt for our daughters, and quilt them together. Since then, my style has evolved to include reproduction and traditional quilts, adaptations of published designs, and a few original quilts. My skills have improved as well, and I consider myself an intermediate level quilter. Luckily, my sister Nancy is an artist, and I have come to rely on her design skills and great colour sense to assist me in my quilt projects. Together we started the Tidal Threads Quilt and Needlework Guild in 2008 and so far it has been a very satisfying venture. We also have a booth in the Grand Manan Farmers’ Market in the summer where we sell our quilted products.

‘The journey is the destination’ describes my approach to life. I have always loved maps, and my husband and I have been able to fulfill our dreams to travel to many corners of the world. We have visited many countries in western Europe and Asia, as well as the Baltics, Russia, and New Zealand. The journey became the destination in all these trips. This philosophy really came into its own when we spent time living and working in China. There you must relinquish your desire to be in control of what happens to you, and just "go with the flow". Not an easy lesson for a retired educator who was used to being in charge. I am trying to let go of my need to control things, and just enjoy the moment. It's a very satisfying and freeing transformation!

Most of my quilts have been gifts to friends, family, or charities. Putting pieces of fabric together, whether they blend or contrast, exemplifies my attempt to understand others and encourage friendship and love between people of different backgrounds and cultures.