INUVIK
Quilting might have a reputation as an "old lady thing," as Shona Barbour puts it, but the Inuvik Quilting Guild has a young membership that recently embarked on a modern design project.

Ray Solotki concentrates on her project. She got involved with quilting last year as a beginner. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

"I think there's that need to be creative, and also to be creating things for your own home," said Barbour, chair of the guild.

"I think the idea of giving quilts as a gift or being able to place that type of art in your house is popular right now."

She was leading a class on a modern design project on Nov. 5.

The project allowed quilters to come up with designs of their own instead of following a pattern.

"It's quite creative and artistic," said Barbour. "(You have) a lot of liberty with what you're doing."

Still, some rules of craftsmanship need to be followed to ensure quality work and the final product will hold together for years of use and enjoyment. Barbour helped provide a good grounding in those standards.

Barbour started the session talking about colour and design theory. The seven students involved in the class took home their projects at the end of the day to finish them on their own.

Ray Solotki was one of those seven. She got involved with quilting last year during the beginner course.

"I had never tried even using a sewing machine, and that of course looked like a good place to start," she said. "It definitely was. I stuck with it because I find it to be a great stress relief, and also because the Inuvik guild is very active and supportive."

The 35-member group has weekly sewing nights on Mondays and regularly brings in professionals to lead classes. Beginner classes start in the fall of each year.

The guild is funded by the NWT Arts Council. Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to contact the guild on the Inuvik Quilting Guild Facebook page.

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