Thursday, September 14, 2023

Passionate Handcrafters

There's a masterpiece in the making at Upper Canada Village near Morrisburg, and it's been in the works since 2019. Their talented interpreters have been working tirelessly, stitching a quilt that captures the essence of the site to celebrate their 60th anniversary. 

Founded in 1961, Upper Canada Village is one of the largest living history sites in Canada. They endeavor to depict life in a rural English Canadian setting during the year 1866. Over 40 historical buildings, many moved there prior to flooding of The Lost Villages during the building of the St. Lawrence Seaway, include homes, functioning mills and trades workshops.

This stunning quilt showcases the wonderful heritage homes and buildings throughout the Village, along with some familiar faces and beloved animals. 

Amazingly intricate details, vibrant colours, and heartwarming stories are stitched into every block. (The woman in blue has a crinoline!) Currently they are focused on quilting a scallop border and intricate cross hatching.

It is a testament to the passion, creativity and dedication of their interpreters who are taking it slow and steady to ensure that every stitch is perfect. 

Apparently this block depicts the woman who designed the quilt. How clever to include her too!

And take a closer look at the quilting frame. Holes are drilled at intervals and the frames kept in place with a large wooden stake as the quilt is rolled. Both beautiful and brilliant, and much easier than fiddling with clamps. Not sure what purpose the two sets of three stakes on either end of the quilt serve but I suspect that they are helping keep it stretched.

The Village is celebrating their fall fair this weekend; it would be the perfect time to see this incredible work of art up close and personal at the Ross Farm....M


Photos: Upper Canada Village

7 comments:

  1. What an incredible quilt! Thanks so much for sharing.:)

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  2. Last time I visited Upper Canada Village I was in Grade 7! and that's a while ago. Would love to go again, now, with a greater appreciation for what our ancestors found and worked with in and about 1866. What's Sunday looking like for you Marie? Road trip? Linda

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  3. I have been to upper Canada village twice…once when I was 20 and once with my husband and daughter in 2007. This quilt is a great way to remember and celebrate 60 years! Wonderful details!

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  4. I spent my 60th birthday at Upper Canada Village and had a wonderful time. I've been seeing snippets of this quilt from time to time so knew it was being sewn but hadn't seen anything closeup. My, aren't the details remarkable. It will be a true masterpiece. Thanks for sharing, Marie.

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  5. That an amazing quilt! So much detail. Thanks for sharing the photos.

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  6. Such a lovely quilt - very precious rendition of history! It reminds me of the apilleras...a woman's hands are so creative as she expresses her heart. Stunning.

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Thanks so much for stopping in - I look forward to reading your comments.