For three decades, Monashee Quilters have been stitching together more than just fabric, they have been creating comfort, community and friendship.
Formed in Lumby 30 years ago by Linda K. and Lois M. who first gathered friends to make a fundraiser quilt, the group has grown into nearly 30 members strong called The Monashee Quilters Circle, a charitable non-profit organization that continues to thrive.
Thanks to commitment of members and the donations and support of the community it has been possible for the club to create and donate many comforting quilted items to local care homes, babies, trauma victims, community fund raisers and people in need.
While embracing new ideas to keep quilting new and exciting we feel strongly about honouring the history and traditions dating back to when quilting first began.
For much of it’s history quilting was primarily a practical use for physical protection and warmth. Although quilting may date back as far as 3400BC, In North America in late 18th century quilts were not focused on aesthetics but practicality and created from whatever materials they had on hand sometimes recycling outgrown or worn clothing into quilts made purely for functionality and for keeping warm. In times of war quilts were often made and given to Soldiers for comfort and warmth.
In times of Slavery, as people would drape a quilt outside on a railing or hang in a window, Underground Railroad Quilt Codes using specific quilt block patterns were believed to signal slaves on the run, For example: The Monkey Wrench block was said to have been the first quilt block to be displayed indicating that enslaved people should gather their things, it’s almost time to run, then a Wagon Wheel block would be next to be displayed indicating that safe transportation was on it’s way. Some other blocks and their meanings are Bear Paw- follow an animal trail through the mountains to find water and food, Log Cabin- seek shelter here, the people here are safe to speak with, Bow Tie pattern dress in disguise. Double Wedding Ringí- meant now it is safe to remove your chains and shackles, Drunkard’s Path- meant Zig-Zag in case you are being followed by hounds.
Today quilting has become extremely popular in groups and guilds all around the world and styles are forever changing from the still popular traditional patterns to modern art for display on walls as well as the increasingly popular Barn Quilts which are quilt block patterns painted on wood and displayed on Barns and outdoor buildings. We have recently launched a barn quilt project in Lumby with Monashee Arts Council who are painting the wooden boards replicating fabric quilt blocks made by Monashee Quilters and are available for purchase at the Lumby Art Gallery. The finished quilt showcasing the first 20 blocks will also be up for sale or raffle at a later date. With community support Our goal is to see beautiful barn quilts displayed around the Monashee area with a map available posting where they are located so people can drive around and see them all.
