Arnprior & District Quilters' Guild Newsletter - January 2026
President's Message
Our Guild isn’t just about fabric and thread - it’s about friendship, creativity, and the joy of coming together over a shared passion, especially as we look ahead to the many exciting guild events planned for 2026.
For the next three months, we’ve transitioned to virtual meetings on Zoom. While we’ll miss seeing everyone in person, this shift allows us to stay connected during unpredictable winter weather. I’m grateful for your flexibility and positive spirit as we adapt - and I encourage everyone to join in, even if Zoom feels a little outside your comfort zone. We’re all learning together!
Looking ahead, we have retreats, workshops, and monthly ‘Sewcial Nights’ scheduled and I hope you’ll participate as much as you’re able. Trying something new, challenging ourselves creatively, and supporting one another is what keeps our guild vibrant and growing - both online and, before too long, back in person.
Happy quilting!
Amanda, President
For the next three months, we’ve transitioned to virtual meetings on Zoom. While we’ll miss seeing everyone in person, this shift allows us to stay connected during unpredictable winter weather. I’m grateful for your flexibility and positive spirit as we adapt - and I encourage everyone to join in, even if Zoom feels a little outside your comfort zone. We’re all learning together!
Looking ahead, we have retreats, workshops, and monthly ‘Sewcial Nights’ scheduled and I hope you’ll participate as much as you’re able. Trying something new, challenging ourselves creatively, and supporting one another is what keeps our guild vibrant and growing - both online and, before too long, back in person.
Happy quilting!
Amanda, President
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January Guild Meeting
When? We hope you'll join us on Wednesday January 28 for our first meeting of 2026, via Zoom. The meeting begins at 7 pm with "doors opening" at 6:45 PM. Watch your email a day or two before the meeting for the Zoom link to connect to this meeting. How? A basic familiarity with Zoom is required by meeting attendees and can be acquired in advance of the meeting using the Learning resources on the Zoom website Visitors We welcome visitors to our Zoom meetings. Visitors must pre-register AND pay the $5 visitor fee by e-transfer by noon on the day of the meeting. 
Sandy’s trunk show called “Confessions of a Scrapaholic” will take you through a light-hearted journey of quilting with friends and features approximately 45 quilts. She is currently working on a series of quilts and workshops attempting to modernize old stash. This is a very popular concept as we all have too much old stash. Sandy loves to encourage quilters to use up and think about their stash in a whole new way. Show & Tell
We'd love to see what you've been working on at our virtual Show & Tell. This is also an excellent time to show photos of quilts that you gave away between meetings and didn't have a chance to show us in person. To share your work at the meeting please send a photo of each item AND indicate if you would like to:
Please send the photos to the guild email account arnpriorquilters@gmail.com by 12 noon on Tuesday January 27. (Any photos that are submitted later will likely be shown the next month.) After the meeting the photos will be added to the web site Show & Tell page (just like after an in person-meeting), unless you specifically request in the email message that the photo not be posted. Programs
Workshop NEW!! ADQG is offering a workshop on Wednesday March 11, 2026 featuring Marie-Claire, aka La Quilting Coach, specifically on Quilt As You Go techniques. She will be walking us through and demonstrating numerous QAYG methods, with a handout for each participant to take home. She is extremely well reviewed and popular with our local quilt guilds. We are excited to share more about the registration for this event in the next week. Location: Arnprior Public LIbrary Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm Date: Wednesday March 11, 2026 Max participants: 12 Cost: $70 We are excited to share more about the registration for this event in the next week. Registration will be open on Jan 26th. March In-Town Retreat NEW!!
We are organizing another In-Town Retreat on March 27th & 28th for our members. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow members nearby. Location: Kinburn Community Centre, 3045 Kinburn Side Rd, Kinburn, ON· Time: Friday, March 27 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Saturday, March 28th 9:00 - 4:30 pm Cost: $45 includes meals Meals while at the retreat:
An email will be sent by Programs on Tuesday Jan 27th, indicating that registration for the retreat will be open and more information. Looking forward to seeing you all !!! -- Martha Palmer, Programs Co-ordinator |
Quilt Along
There was a Quilt Along Zoom session in early January where participants in the Magnificent Mystery Quilt Along could share tips and ideas with each other and get any questions answered. The next (and last) Zoom session will be in March.
The next set of instructions will be posted on Thursday February 5, and the final set on Thursday March 5.
Quilt Along instructions and info
There was a Quilt Along Zoom session in early January where participants in the Magnificent Mystery Quilt Along could share tips and ideas with each other and get any questions answered. The next (and last) Zoom session will be in March.
The next set of instructions will be posted on Thursday February 5, and the final set on Thursday March 5.
Quilt Along instructions and info
Sewcial Zoom Night
The next Sewcial Zoom night is on Wednesday February 11. This monthly casual sew-and-chat get-together is a great way to connect with fellow guild members. For more information see the Activity Schedule below.
The next Sewcial Zoom night is on Wednesday February 11. This monthly casual sew-and-chat get-together is a great way to connect with fellow guild members. For more information see the Activity Schedule below.
Stacked Triangles Workshop
By Amanda
On January 10, members gathered for a fun "Stacked Triangles" (aka "Whack 'n Stack") workshop, led by our member Sandi B. Armed with bold prints, rotary cutters, and a sense of adventure, participants stacked, sliced, and rearranged fabric to reveal eye-catching kaleidoscopic designs - each one completely one-of-a-kind.
Sandi led the group through fabric choices, careful stacking, and cutting tips, all while encouraging everyone to embrace a little creative chaos. Gasps, laughter, and plenty of “wow, I didn’t expect that!” moments filled the room as striking patterns began to emerge.
By the end of the workshop, tables were covered in vibrant triangles and happy surprises. Participants headed home with colorful works in progress, plenty of ideas for next steps, and a new technique to add to their quilting toolbox!
By Amanda
On January 10, members gathered for a fun "Stacked Triangles" (aka "Whack 'n Stack") workshop, led by our member Sandi B. Armed with bold prints, rotary cutters, and a sense of adventure, participants stacked, sliced, and rearranged fabric to reveal eye-catching kaleidoscopic designs - each one completely one-of-a-kind.
Sandi led the group through fabric choices, careful stacking, and cutting tips, all while encouraging everyone to embrace a little creative chaos. Gasps, laughter, and plenty of “wow, I didn’t expect that!” moments filled the room as striking patterns began to emerge.
By the end of the workshop, tables were covered in vibrant triangles and happy surprises. Participants headed home with colorful works in progress, plenty of ideas for next steps, and a new technique to add to their quilting toolbox!
2025-2026 Activity Schedule
Here's what's coming up!
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Date |
Activity |
Details |
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January 28 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting via Zoom |
Guest: Sandy Lindal of Scrappy Gal Quilt Co. |
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February 2 to 6 Monday to Friday |
Retreat |
Come for 3 or 4 nights, and quilt from morning until night! |
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February 11 Wednesday 7 to 9 PM |
Sewcial Night via Zoom |
Join us via Zoom for a fun evening of sewing in the comfort of our own homes. Zoom link will be sent by email. |
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February 25 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting via Zoom |
Guest: Cassandra Beaver Website |
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March 11 Wednesday 9 AM to 3:30 PM |
Workshop |
Quilt As You Go techniques workshop with Marie-Claire, aka La Quilting Coach Location: Arnprior Public Library, 21 Madawaska St., Arnprior ON |
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March 11 Wednesday 7 to 9 PM |
Sewcial Night via Zoom |
Join us via Zoom for a fun evening of sewing in the comfort of our own homes. Zoom link will be sent by email. |
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March 25 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting via Zoom |
Preemie quilt sew night |
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March 27 to 28 Friday & Saturday |
In-Town Retreat |
Two days of sewing, relaxing, visiting and laughing at the Kinburn Community Centre. |
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April 8 Wednesday 7 to 9 PM |
Sewcial Night via Zoom |
Join us via Zoom for a fun evening of sewing in the comfort of our own homes. Zoom link will be sent by email. |
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April 22 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting |
Location: 257 John Street, Arnprior Ontario (Christian Education Centre) Program TBD |
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May 13 Wednesday 7 to 9 PM |
Sewcial Night via Zoom |
Join us via Zoom for a fun evening of sewing in the comfort of our own homes. Zoom link will be sent by email. |
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May 27 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting |
Annual General Meeting Location: 257 John Street, Arnprior Ontario (Christian Education Centre) Program TBD |
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May 29 Friday |
Quilt Show Set-up |
Many volunteers needed to help with quilt show set up Location: Nick Smith Centre, 77 James St., Arnprior ON |
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May 30 to 31 Saturday to Sunday |
Our Quilt Show |
Setup by guild members Friday May 29 Location: Nick Smith Centre, 77 James St., Arnprior ON |
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June 3 Wednesday 7 to 9 PM |
Sewcial Night via Zoom |
Join us via Zoom for a fun evening of sewing in the comfort of our own homes. Zoom link will be sent by email. |
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June 17 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting |
End of year potluck Location: 257 John Street, Arnprior Ontario (Christian Education Centre) Unofficial President s Challenge projects due |
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November 16 to 20 2026 Monday to Friday |
Retreat |
Come for 3 or 4 nights, and quilt from morning until night! |
For up to date information on all of our events, including past events, refer to the online Schedule which is regularly updated as new information becomes available.
Quilt Show
The Quilt Show committee is in need of hangers and have asked for our help.
While you are shopping, please ask if the hangers could be included with your purchase, and do enlist your family members to help out as well.
You can bring the hangers along to the December meeting and to the April and May meetings.
Thank you!
Charity
Placemats
Our Charity team's Carolyn Prince delivered 50 placemats to Nancy Peck, the program co-ordinator for the Arnprior-Braeside-McNab Seniors at Home Program in mid-December. The placemats were distributed with hot meals delivered by the Meals on Wheels team and also with frozen meals for people going home from hospital.
Our Charity team's Carolyn Prince delivered 50 placemats to Nancy Peck, the program co-ordinator for the Arnprior-Braeside-McNab Seniors at Home Program in mid-December. The placemats were distributed with hot meals delivered by the Meals on Wheels team and also with frozen meals for people going home from hospital.
L to R: ADQG's Carolyn Prince and Nancy Peck
Arnprior Regional Health partners with Arnprior-Braeside-McNab Seniors at Home to offer the fee-based Meals on Wheels program. Hot nutritious meals (consisting of soup, crackers, hot main course, dinner roll and dessert) are cooked fresh daily at The Grove long term care facility in Arnprior and delivered to the client’s home. The program is available to seniors 55 years of age or older, adults who are chronically ill, adults living with a disability, adults convalescing from surgery or illness, and adults undergoing medical treatments (no matter the age).
Again thank you to our guild members for your generous donations of the gorgeous holiday-themed placemats at our November meeting.
These placemats are reversible with a non-holiday fabric on the other side so they can be used throughout the year by their recipients. What a great way to share the impressive talent and creativity of our guild members with the wider community.
These placemats are reversible with a non-holiday fabric on the other side so they can be used throughout the year by their recipients. What a great way to share the impressive talent and creativity of our guild members with the wider community.
Raffle Quilt
We're all being asked to sell tickets for our beautiful bird themed raffle quilt which will be awarded to a very lucky winner at our quilt show in May. Funds from this raffle will be put toward future Charity initiatives. This is a very important aspect of our Charity program and is used to purchase batting, backing fabric and much more.
Raffle tickets were distributed at our December meeting and at the recent workshop, and will also be available at the February retreat.
We’d like to distribute raffle tickets to all members by March. If you haven’t picked up your tickets yet, please contact Marilyn at (613) 406-8650 so we can arrange a pickup. All tickets sold should be returned to the guild by either the April or May meeting. Thank you so much for your participation and support!
This photo of the quilt was sent out to everyone in December so you can have it on your phone or other device to show to potential ticket purchasers. You can also open this newsletter to show it, or you can save it to your local device using your web browser's Save function.
We're all being asked to sell tickets for our beautiful bird themed raffle quilt which will be awarded to a very lucky winner at our quilt show in May. Funds from this raffle will be put toward future Charity initiatives. This is a very important aspect of our Charity program and is used to purchase batting, backing fabric and much more.
Raffle tickets were distributed at our December meeting and at the recent workshop, and will also be available at the February retreat.
We’d like to distribute raffle tickets to all members by March. If you haven’t picked up your tickets yet, please contact Marilyn at (613) 406-8650 so we can arrange a pickup. All tickets sold should be returned to the guild by either the April or May meeting. Thank you so much for your participation and support!
This photo of the quilt was sent out to everyone in December so you can have it on your phone or other device to show to potential ticket purchasers. You can also open this newsletter to show it, or you can save it to your local device using your web browser's Save function.
Sewing Activities
Our guild has a lot going on! Here are the sewing opportunities for you:
Our guild has a lot going on! Here are the sewing opportunities for you:
- Magnificent Mystery Quilt Along
- Presidents' Challenges - Formal and Informal
- Retreats
- Fat Quarter Club
- Charity Projects
- Personal projects for our Quilt Show
Thank you to the financial support of the businesses who advertise in our newsletters.
You can click/tap on any of the advertisements in this newsletter to access the vendor's website. Please support our advertisers!
You can click/tap on any of the advertisements in this newsletter to access the vendor's website. Please support our advertisers!
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December Guild Meeting
On a snowy night some of our members bundled up and made it to our meeting on December 7th. The hall was filled with holiday cheer, delicious dishes for our potluck dinner table, and plenty of Christmas fun during our Christmas trivia contest!
Martha dressed for the occasion!
Here's a very festive project we saw at Show and Tell. Show and Tell quilt photos
The last activity of the evening was the much anticipated Christmas and quilting themed trivia contest. We split into 4 teams and had a fun and exciting time coming up with answers to the challenges that Amanda had prepared for us. The results were very close with 2 teams tied for first place. The team that came out on top after correctly answering the tie-breaking question is pictured below, and delighted with their prize bags.
Thank you Amanda for such a tremendous activity to wrap up 2025.
And thank you to everyone who brought along the yummy food and quilted wonders to decorate the hall.
Thank you Amanda for such a tremendous activity to wrap up 2025.
And thank you to everyone who brought along the yummy food and quilted wonders to decorate the hall.
Upcoming Quilt Shows
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Location |
Dates |
Guild |
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Ottawa ON |
May 3 |
Hintonburg Fabric Flea Market |
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Arnprior ON |
May 30-31 |
Our guild! ADQG |
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Brighton ON |
June 6-7 |
Trent Valley Quilters Guild |
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Ottawa ON |
June 12-13 |
Common Thread Quilt Guild |
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Renfrew ON |
June 13-14 |
Quilters Guild of Renfrew & Area |
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Winnipeg MB |
June 18-20 |
Canadian Quilters Association Quilt Canada |
CQA Activities
Quilt Canada 2025
Photos of the award winning projects can be found here. Click/tap on a photo for details about the maker and the project.
Quilt Canada 2026
Photos of the award winning projects can be found here. Click/tap on a photo for details about the maker and the project.
Quilt Canada 2026
You can monitor the evolving plans for Quilt Canada 2026 here.
Dates: June 18-20 2026
Location: Winnipeg Manitoba
The Canadian Quilters' Association is very active on social media and you can follow along on Facebook or Instagram.
You can monitor the evolving plans for Quilt Canada 2026 here.
Dates: June 18-20 2026
Location: Winnipeg Manitoba
The Canadian Quilters' Association is very active on social media and you can follow along on Facebook or Instagram.
Browse the CQA Events Calendar for information about quilting events across Canada by province, territory, or date.
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ADQG Leadership Team
President: Amanda Vajda Contact Charity: Marilyn Erskine Contact Treasurer: Sandy Beach Contact Secretary: Pamela Friedrich Programs: Martha Palmer Contact Membership: Johanne Vajda Contact Library: Jacquie Lavictoire Communications: Janet Brownlee Contact Key Volunteers
Photographer: Emma Russell Preemie Quilt Coordinator: Carolyn Prince Raffle Ticket Sales: Brenda Payer Retreats: Sue Hodgins |
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Communications
Social Media
Have you followed us on Facebook yet? It’s a great way to stay up to date with our upcoming events and guild news.
To follow us on Facebook click/tap here.
To follow us on Facebook click/tap here.
Want even more? Join our Members-Only Facebook Group! It's a special space where you can share your creations, ask for advice, and connect with fellow members for support, inspiration, and friendship.
To join the Members-Only Group click/tap here.
To join the Members-Only Group click/tap here.
Attention Pfaff Sewing Machine Owners
About a week after our beloved local Sew Inspired quilt shop closed last spring, I urgently needed some work done on my Pfaff Quilt Expression sewing machine. Our nearest Pfaff service centre is now Mad About Patchwork located just south of Stittsville. I received excellent service from them and I'm very happy to recommend them for your Pfaff machine servicing. Be sure to check their hours, which are quite limited, before you go there. I think you can drop off or pick up outside of their published open hours if you call ahead to arrange a time.
-- Janet Brownlee
THANK YOU to Amanda, Martha, Carolyn, Marilyn, and Emma for their guild updates, photos, and other news this month.
-- Janet Brownlee, Communications & Newsletter Editor
-- Janet Brownlee, Communications & Newsletter Editor
Our meeting next month is on February 25 via Zoom