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An old soul fed through needle and thread

Many of us are familiar with the intricate art of quilting. Most of us have a favourite quilt at home we use to stay cozy throughout the biting cold of winter. Only some however, are skilled in actually making these pieces of comfort.
Quilt

Many of us are familiar with the intricate art of quilting. Most of us have a favourite quilt at home we use to stay cozy throughout the biting cold of winter. Only some however, are skilled in actually making these pieces of comfort. Although many retired women take up quilting as a hobby, the activity is much more beneficial to the mind than credit is given.

Quilting itself is a process of sewing two or more layers of fabric together by use of needle and thread. This technique is known as stitching. There are several different types of stitching for functionality and decorative purposes. Once the basics are learned, creativity can begin. Colour, pattern, shape and texture are all simultaneous thoughts a quilter must keep in the forefront of their mind as the product comes together.

The creative appeal of the craft is evident in its sales. The Canadian Attitude and Usage Study conducted back in 2011 compiled a better picture of the craft industry in Canada. The Knitting/Sewing/Quilting segment brought in approximately $143 million, 3rd out of five.

Aside from the dollars, quilting is often a labour of love. Local groups dedicated to the hobby always find a cause for creation. Such is the case with our own quilting group within the city, the York Colony Quilters guild. The Quilters Guild meets every Wednesday at the Western Development Museum at 10 am from September until May. Within this time, the Guild creates prayer shawls for those in the nursing homes, Christmas stockings, placemats for the “Meals on Wheels” program, cosmetic bags filled with basic hygienic necessities for various shelters in the city, baby slings for new mothers at the hospital and school packs for local and oversea students. Additionally, the Guild has made fiddle cloths for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

“The feeling you get [from donating] is amazing. People don’t expect a lot from you, so when you give them something you have made, they are taken aback. Sometimes your gift is so treasured by someone because you took the time to care about them,” said Vice president of the guild, Sally Sibley.

“We have a blast making our projects together, and giving them out together.”

In this way, quilting becomes a community. A sense of community, or rather, a sense of belonging is important to mental wellbeing. Belonging is a primal, fundamental aspect of our brains. The need to share commonalities with someone begins at a young age and never stops. In fact, Isolation and loneliness harm the brain so much that it effects intellectual achievement, long-term emotional outlook and immune function. It can even affect motivation and self-control; meaning that if one doesn’t feel like they belong, they become less motivated and therefore less likely to face obstacles. This explains why group activities, such as quilting, are good for the brain. A sense of belonging can help the group take on new, challenging projects, as well as help individuals within the group face personal challenges. Knowing you are able to reach out to someone in case of personal trouble is sometimes the greatest comfort and motivator of all, even if that someone is from your local quilting group. It all stems from the fundamental need to belong.

Though donating is an integral part of the Quilters Guild, the sense of community is as equally important to those members. From this activity, mental wellbeing is increased. Anyone interested in joining this community and/or learning how to quilt are encouraged to come out to the Wednesday meetings. New faces are appreciated and always welcomed.