Shuswap quilters will be getting together once again to relax, mingle, create and, of course, learn throughout a very special annual getaway.
The Shuswap is in no way suffering a shortage of talented and creative people, each of whom have found their own way of expressing their artistic selves.
Some, create in solitude, while others prefer to combine their talents with others such as musicians creating a band.
The Shuswap’s Kathy Kinsella considers herself to be a solitary artist.
“I am actually one who works well alone,” says Kinsella in a press release, “but I also crave the stimulating company of people who love to work and play with fabric and fibre.”
One of her favourite weeks of the year is Quilt Week at Sorrento Centre. It has been happening every spring for many years and Kinsella describes the value of getting together with other quilters as astonishing.
This year, there will be three workshops to choose from, each will provide instruction and assistance for the participants’ chosen projects.
But the day doesn’t have to end at supper time.
Participants are welcome to sew into the wee hours if they choose, or relax in one of the comfy lounges that are located in each lodge building.
There is also the opportunity for a field trip to a nearby quilt shop and a show-and- tell evening with participants from all three workshops.
This year, the workshops include “Salute to Scrap Quilts” with Dianne Jansson, where you can use up fabric you already have to create a beautiful quilt based on the colour value of your fabrics, rather than the actual colour of the fabric.
“Dianne is simply the best at this,” says Kinsella, “you will be guided to create an exciting quilt.”
Lynn Knox will be teaching “Trail to Sorrento,” which can be made in a single or queen size on a light or dark background. It is a stunning quilt and easy to make, so a suitable course for beginners and up.
Kathy Kinsella will be teaching an artsy workshop called “Botanical Art Quilt: Surface Design.”
The participants will create a small original art quilt based on leaves. Kinsella has picked and preserved lots of fall leaves that will be used as the basis for these quilts.
There will be different techniques taught, and participants will choose which ones they like best to incorporate in their work.
This is a great workshop for those who have yet to dip their toes in the art quilting pond but suitably challenging for those who are already experienced.
This year the quilt week participants will check-in on April 19 and depart on April 25, after experiencing five days of instruction and creativity.
This fun-filled event is a retreat format with delicious meals, comfortable private rooms and lots of space to spread out to create your masterpiece.
Registration is limited in each workshop so you are encouraged to register as soon as possible by phone at 250-675-2421, or by checking out the course information and registration at www.sorrento-centre.bc.ca.