OSCEOLA — “I have always loved quilting,” said Joan Lemay in a recent interview. ”Even though my own mother did not quilt by herself, I would watch her and my aunt, or a neighbour, working away sewing pieces of cloth into patterns. As a result, I have always worked by hand.”
Ms. Lemay will be the featured speaker of the Bromley Historical Society on Tuesday, June 23, at 7 p.m. The presentation, Talking Quilts, will take place in the Old Bromley Town Hall, 498 Micksburg Road, Osceola.
“I am drawn to the math part of the work,” she said. “The drawing up of the chosen pattern, laying it out, and determining the size of things. I like the feel of 100 per cent cotton. Each different caliber of the cloth has a unique texture .My own designs are simple, but I use five or six colours and place them to best effect.”
A member of the Renfrew Quilt Guild since 1998, Ms. Lemay noted that in Renfrew and the area the style of quilting varies greatly with some makers using sewing machines, while others prefer to hand-sew quilts.
The Guild is very much a teaching one, with 98 members from both Ontario and Quebec.
Ms. Lemay will bring examples of her own quilts and recount the stories behind them. She is hoping people will bring their favourite quilts and share the stories behind their creation with everyone.
Refreshments will be served following the event. This free presentation is open to the public.
