Yellowknife (July 09/03) - Whether you're experienced or not, the Yellowknife Quilter's Guild will peak your interests in crafts through quilting.

What started in someone's basement around 10 years ago has now expanded to a club of over 170 members.

Lisa Lowman, a member of the Quilter's Guild, demonstrates some quilting techniques. - Cheryl Robinson/NNSL photo

"It's definitely an addiction," said guild member Kathie Gibson.

She said when she first joined the guild six years ago she didn't have very much experience, but learned to quilt through workshops the guild hosts and from instructors they bring to Yellowknife.

With classes in hand stitching, wall hanging creation, table toppers, paper piercing and many more Gibson said she's quilting crazy.

"I've even got a little mini group with some of the other guild members. We call ourselves the Thread Heads," said Gibson.

Last weekend, the guild held an exhibit in the Centre Square Mall to show off some of their pieces and even sell a few.

But this presented a problem for Gibson.

"It's just so hard to part with your finished work," she said.

Gibson said she can only bear to give away her quilts to friends and family.

Several wall hangings and quilts were on display during the exhibit for viewers to judge their favourite.

One of the wall hangings in the contest was called "Tranquillity."

"That name just shows how relaxing quilting is, you can just forget about everything else," said Gibson.

Lisa Lowman, a newer recruit, took an initial quilting course when she moved up to Yellowknife two years ago and has been quilting ever since.

"It's so rewarding, especially when you get to the final product," said Lowman.

Lowman said the guild doesn't illustrate the stereotype of old ladies gathering together to quilt.

The 30-year-old quilter said the guild is not only beneficial, but a lot of fun.

"More and more people are becoming interested, which is just great," said Lowman.