A Common Thread is a Canora needlework group which is committed to making at least one quilt per year as a donation to support worthwhile projects.
This year, they did a two-day blitz to make quilt tops, according to Oney Pollock, president.
“The tops were then sent home with club member, Jopie Lavrysen (Canora Quilting) for long arm quilting,” said Pollock. “On return, club members sewed on binding to complete the quilts. The quilts are designed to fit the fabric we had on hand, which is all donated.”
This year, a total of six quilts were made for donation to the Regina Cancer Lodge. One of the quilts was started by group member Dianna Smorodin, who passed away in early 2021. The group then decided to complete her quilt and include it in the donation.
Like most group activities over the last couple of years, there were unforeseen obstacles to overcome.
“This project was planned in early 2020 - then COVID struck and our group did not meet for a year and a half,” explained Pollock. “This fall, with everyone vaccinated, we resumed meeting. We chose the Cancer Lodge because it is a place where many area residents have stayed while receiving treatments.”
In the past, they have donated quilts to groups such as the Gateway Lodge Auxiliary which looks after fundraising for the Canora Hospital, and Prairie Women on Snowmobiles, raising money for breast cancer research and equipment.
“Fundraising is left to the receiving group. Ticket sales should raise approximately $1,000 per quilt.”
In addition to Pollock, other members of A Common Thread are: Janet Hill, Doris Kopelchuk, Karen Kraynick, Renee Langan, Gladys Tomski, Julie Kraynick, Jopie Lavrysen, Laverne Rawlick, Carolle Pasiechnik, Donna Spelchen, Kathleen Harris, Julia Westerman, Roanna Ross, Dawn Leeguaer and Brenda Penny.
The group usually meets at the United Church in Canora every Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We have short business meetings two or three times a year to plan projects, classes, buying of equipment and so on,” shared Pollock. “Otherwise, we are informal and get together to work on our quilts, while enjoying one another’s company.
“We are always open to welcoming new members. Some come with experience and others are beginners who benefit from the help of many experienced quilters in the group.”
The group’s goal is to offer two to three quilting classes per year. The next charity quilt project is planned for 2022.
