Guild History 1982 - 2007

Compiled from Archived Minutes

The Saskatoon Quilters' Guild was organized in 1982. The first meeting was held in February of 1982 at the Cosmo Civic Centre in Craft Room #3. At the inaugural meeting, basic structure was discussed and the mission statement was to:

• foster interest in and encourage the continuance of quilting by sharing techniques, ideas and sources;
• sponsor workshops; invite speakers and lecturers;
• disseminate information on local happenings (re: quilt shows, sales, etc.); and
• quilt for sociability.

The membership fee was set at $10.00 for the year. The first meetings were technique-driven with programs such as "stained glass, seminole, and Christmas items." Potlucks were also very important events right from the beginning. The first newsletter was distributed Sept. 3, 1987 by Deloise McKnight. It seemed to be a busy year since the library was also established in the fall of 1987 and kept at Homespun in the loft a second monthly meeting was introduced on a trial basis. The Block of the Month was also introduced in the fall of 1987.

In 1990, the guild saw its first retreat at Sage Hill and a move to a larger meeting space at Zion Lutheran Church on 4th Ave S. Membership dues increased to $20.00.

In 1992, the idea of Serendipity was born. It was called Quilts for Kids and evolved into Serendipity over ensuing years.

1993 was a great artistic year for Guild members, Zelma Hurd and Lynn Underwood, as they had quilts accepted into the Dimensions show.

In 1994 the Travelling Doll began her life and accumulation of her "outfit."

By 1997 the Guild was planning and organizing the Guild's very own quilt show. In 1999 preparations for the quilt show were nearing completion, with the show being held at the Western Development Museum.

The idea of an afternoon Guild meeting time was examined in 2001 and introduced in the fall of 2002. It turned out to be successful and was made permanent shortly after its introduction. Having two meeting times also dealt effectively with the problem of overcrowding during our evening meetings.

The Saskatoon Quilters’ Guild has come a long way from its beginning. So much has changed with the addition of each new member. There have been new techniques to share, new friends to make. Guild members have created and sustained an atmosphere of support, learning and friendship. The mission statement of the founding members is every bit as relevant today and very much a part of the Saskatoon Quilters’ Guild.

25th Anniversary Celebration

The Guild celebrated its silver anniversary in June, 2007. A report written by Cheryl Bock was published in the CQA Newsletter.

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