Arnprior & District Quilters' Guild Newsletter - October 2025
President's Message
I’m excited to welcome you to this month’s edition of our newsletter! Whether you're a long-time member of our guild or a recent addition, we are grateful to have you with us as we continue to grow and create together.
I want to take a moment to reflect on the great presentation we experienced at last month's meeting. Monika Henry truly inspired us all with her insights and dedication.
I want to take a moment to reflect on the great presentation we experienced at last month's meeting. Monika Henry truly inspired us all with her insights and dedication.
Monika Henry's "Ghostly Greetings"
In the spirit of inspiration, I’m excited to announce that the President's Challenge has officially been issued! You can find more details below and I will talk in detail about it at the meeting. I encourage each and every one of you to embrace this challenge and bring your best ideas and creativity to the table!
And don’t forget to save the date for something truly special: our Quilt Show, Quilting in the Valley, is taking place on May 30-31, 2026! This will be a celebration of our craft, our community, and the incredible talent we have among us. More details will follow soon, but I wanted you to mark your calendars now for what promises to be an unforgettable event.
-- Amanda, President
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October Guild Meeting
When? We hope you'll join us on Wednesday October 22 for our next guild meeting. The meeting begins at 7 pm with doors opening at 6:30 pm. Where? 257 John Street, Arnprior Ontario (Christian Education Centre) Parking is available on the nearby streets. Please do not park in the adjacent church parking lot. Win! The meeting will feature draws for door prizes, and a Guess-the-Number of Pages book sponsored by our Library. Tickets will be sold for draws of a basket of quilting goodies, and 50-50. And you can win fat quarters if you participate in the optional Fat Quarter Club. 
Bring
Visitors We welcome visitors to our meetings for a $5 fee payable in cash at the door. Program Notes
October Meeting
This meeting we have a unique presenter. Val Forte has been an inspiring leader, teacher and mentor to a dedicated group of high school students for the past 15 years, guiding them through the art and heart of quilting. They have learned the basics from colour and design choices to hand stitching and finishing a quilt. Under her leadership, these young quilters have not only learned valuable skills in craftsmanship and creativity but have also embraced the spirit of giving back. Together, Val and her quilting partner have worked with students to create and donate over 200 quilts to Victoria’s Quilts, an organization that provides handmade quilts to people living with cancer. Her passion, patience, and commitment have made a lasting impact—not only in the lives of her students but also in the many lives touched by the warmth of their quilts. She is also bringing the raffle quilt that they have created. We’re thrilled to have her with us at our October 22nd meeting. Happy Wife Quilting of Carleton Place will be our shop of the month at this meeting. -- Martha Palmer, Programs Co-ordinator Quilt Along
Our exciting Magnificent Mystery Quilt Along was introduced at our September meeting and is now well underway. Head on over to the Quilt Along page to find out all about it and get started on your own Magnificent Mystery quilt. |
Retreats
I have managed to book our next retreat at Spruceholme Inn, Fort Colounge, Quebec on February 2nd to the 6th 2026. Unfortunately I was not able to secure a date for this fall, but have no fear, I have also booked another one (still in 2026) from November 16 to 20th. I can start taking registration now for both retreats either at the guild meetings or online. Refer to the Retreats page for more information.
We will continue with our ‘bring your own placemat’ theme, it is a great way to get to know our fellow quilters.
-- Sue Hodgins, Retreats Co-ordinator
I have managed to book our next retreat at Spruceholme Inn, Fort Colounge, Quebec on February 2nd to the 6th 2026. Unfortunately I was not able to secure a date for this fall, but have no fear, I have also booked another one (still in 2026) from November 16 to 20th. I can start taking registration now for both retreats either at the guild meetings or online. Refer to the Retreats page for more information.
We will continue with our ‘bring your own placemat’ theme, it is a great way to get to know our fellow quilters.
-- Sue Hodgins, Retreats Co-ordinator
WANTED!!!
We're looking for a Workshop Coordinator to work with Martha. Responsibilities will include scheduling and organizing workshops, getting ideas from members, etc.
If you're interested in taking on this important role, please speak to Martha at the meeting or contact her now.
We're looking for a Workshop Coordinator to work with Martha. Responsibilities will include scheduling and organizing workshops, getting ideas from members, etc.
If you're interested in taking on this important role, please speak to Martha at the meeting or contact her now.
Pillowcase Challenge
Your response to the Quilt Guild of Renfrew and Area's challenge to make pillowcases for patients at CHEO was amazing with 334 pillowcases donated at our September guild meeting! Well done and thank you!
Sue Gordon has already delivered 300 to volunteer group Comfy Cases Ottawa who will wash and label them, then distribute them to sick children and youths (up to age 18) at CHEO, Ronald McDonald House, and Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice all in Ottawa. The Renfrew guild has delivered 400.
After our successful challenge last spring to make preemie quilts for babies needing special care, this is another great joint effort to support local children and teens in need of medical treatment at CHEO.
Look at the amazing pillowcase colours and fabrics!
After our successful challenge last spring to make preemie quilts for babies needing special care, this is another great joint effort to support local children and teens in need of medical treatment at CHEO.
Look at the amazing pillowcase colours and fabrics!
Thank you to the nimble fingered volunteers who folded and arranged all of these colourful pillowcases at our September guild meeting.
Official President's Challenge
I’m excited to announce this year’s President’s Challenge, and I hope you’re as ready as I am to get creative! For this challenge, you will receive a specific colour palette to inspire your quilt. Here’s how it works.
The Challenge
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. Let’s make this a fun and colourful experience for everyone!
-- Amanda, President, president@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
The Challenge
- Create a quilt with a minimum size of 24" x 24" using the colour palette I will send you.
- You are welcome to add black, white, or a neutral colour to complement the palette.
- Sign up at the October meeting.
- You will receive an email from me with a colour palette, and the fun will begin!
- All completed quilts are due at our May meeting, where they will be proudly displayed and voted on.
- Important: Please attach a copy of your colour palette to your quilt when you bring it in for display.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. Let’s make this a fun and colourful experience for everyone!
-- Amanda, President, president@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
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'Informal' President's Challenge
I challenge you to push yourself to try something new! The quilting world is full of endless techniques, and even experienced quilters can find fresh skills to explore. Your challenge is to pick a technique you’ve never tried before, learn it, and create something that showcases your new skill. There are so many resources available to help - books, magazines, YouTube tutorials, classes, and fellow quilters are all great places to start.
For inspiration, you might consider exploring techniques like trapunto, a new method of applique, thread painting, free motion quilting, or something else that piques your interest. If you’re a newer quilter, you could take on a more advanced block or quilt design. When you share your project at our June meeting, please tell us what you set out to learn, what resources you used, and whether you’d use that technique again in the future. And don’t worry - your project doesn’t need to be finished by then to participate! -- Amanda, President |
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Membership
At our September meeting, we had 53 members in attendance (including 11 who joined or renewed their memberships at the meeting.)
It was also a pleasure to welcome 4 guests - we hope to see you again soon.
Our membership continues to grow, and we're proud to report that we now have a total of 70 members. Thank you to everyone for your enthusiasm and support.
It was also a pleasure to welcome 4 guests - we hope to see you again soon.
Our membership continues to grow, and we're proud to report that we now have a total of 70 members. Thank you to everyone for your enthusiasm and support.
Name Badges
Personalized name badges are now available for members.
We've created Set-Up Groups to help things run smoothly at our meetings. This group is responsible for:
Reminder emails have been sent to the set-up group for October. Thank you all for your time and dedication - it truly helps make each meeting a success.
-- Johanne Vajda, Membership
Personalized name badges are now available for members.
- Cost: $10 each
- How to get one: Stop by the membership table and see me to place your order.
We've created Set-Up Groups to help things run smoothly at our meetings. This group is responsible for:
- Room setup
- Assisting the speaker
- Organizing snacks
- Clean-up and takedown after the meeting
Reminder emails have been sent to the set-up group for October. Thank you all for your time and dedication - it truly helps make each meeting a success.
-- Johanne Vajda, Membership
Happy Wife Quilting will be the shop of the month at our October meeting.
Our Quilt Show
Our "Quilting in the Valley 2026" Quilt Show will be on May 30-31 2026 at the Nick Smith Centre in Arnprior! Typically held in alternate years, this show was delayed by a year due to last spring's renovations to the arena. It's not too soon to start thinking about your quilts you'll display at the show. You can find more information about the show here.
We'll all be asked to sell raffle tickets for the stunning bird quilt that will be won at the show. Proceeds from the ticket sales will be used to fund future Charity projects by our guild.
Thank you to the guild members who made these gorgeous blocks and to Marilyn and her crew who assembled the quilt top. The quilt is 92" x 92"
We'll all be asked to sell raffle tickets for the stunning bird quilt that will be won at the show. Proceeds from the ticket sales will be used to fund future Charity projects by our guild.
Thank you to the guild members who made these gorgeous blocks and to Marilyn and her crew who assembled the quilt top. The quilt is 92" x 92"
2025-2026 Activity Schedule
Here's what's on our guild calendar so far.
For up to date information on all of our events, refer to the online Schedule which is regularly updated as new information becomes available.
For up to date information on all of our events, refer to the online Schedule which is regularly updated as new information becomes available.
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Date |
Activity |
Details |
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October 17 to 18 Friday and Saturday |
In-Town Retreat |
Two days of sewing, relaxing, visiting and laughing. |
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October 22 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting |
Location: 257 John Street, Arnprior Ontario (Christian Education Centre) Fat Quarter Club: Black & Hallowe'en themed fabrics Guest: Val Forte who has led and guiding students to make more than 200 quilts for Victoria s Quilts |
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November 26 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting |
Location: 257 John Street, Arnprior Ontario (Christian Education Centre) Fat Quarter Club: neutral (neutral) colours Examples: white, cream, beige Guest: Madonna of Paisley s Quilt Shop for a trunk show of her own quilts, and shop-of-the-month |
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December 10 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting |
Holiday Potluck Party Meeting Location: 257 John Street, Arnprior Ontario (Christian Education Centre) Fat Quarter Club: Christmas fabrics |
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January 28 2026 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 2, 3 or all 4 nights, and quilt from morning until night! |
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February 25 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting via Zoom |
Guest: Cassandra Beaver Website |
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March 25 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting via Zoom |
Preemie quilts sew night |
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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 27 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting |
Annual General Meeting Location: 257 John Street, Arnprior Ontario (Christian Education Centre) Program TBD Official President s Challenge projects due |
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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 |
Quilt Show |
Setup by guild members Friday May 29 Location: Nick Smith Centre, 77 James St., Arnprior ON |
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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 2, 3 or all 4 nights, and quilt from morning until night! |
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Completed Events 2025-2026 |
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September 24 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting |
First meeting of the 2025-2026 guild year Location: 257 John Street, Arnprior Ontario (Christian Education Centre) Guest: Monika Henry of Penny School Quilting Fat Quarter Club: colour Autumn Brown |
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October 8 Wednesday 7 to 9 PM |
Sew Evening |
Join us via Zoom for a fun evening of sewing in the comfort of our own home. Zoom info has been sent by email. |
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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In-Town Retreat NOW!!!
by Janet Brownlee, Friday October 17
Today is the first day of our fall In-Town retreat at the Kinburn Community Centre. What a cheery and busy spot on this lovely afternoon.
I was interested to see Amanda and Martha working on their Quilt Along Magnificent Mystery quilts and their delightful fabric and colour choices, and all of the other amazing projects.
I was interested to see Amanda and Martha working on their Quilt Along Magnificent Mystery quilts and their delightful fabric and colour choices, and all of the other amazing projects.
A little break from sewing for this group photo. What a happy bunch!
Some very impressive results from Day 1.
Linda with her Christmas quilt
Amanda's quilt top
And 3 by Jacquie!
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September Guild Meeting
Quilt pattern designer Monika Henry of Penny Spool Quilts gave us a very interesting and informative presentation at our September guild meeting. Here are a few photos of the quilts she brought along.
Upcoming Quilt Shows
I try to track down any upcoming shows in Eastern Ontario, and when requested, I publish information about shows that are further afield.
Here's a list of the upcoming shows that I'm aware of.
Here's a list of the upcoming shows that I'm aware of.
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Location |
Dates |
Guild |
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Waterloo ON |
October 17-18 |
Waterloo County Quilters Guild |
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Toronto ON |
November 14-15 |
York Heritage Quilters Guild |
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Winnipeg MB |
June 18-20 2026 |
Canadian Quilters Association Quilt Canada |
See the Upcoming Quilt Shows page on our website for detailed information about the shows listed above.
Tips:
Tips:
- You can find the up-to-date quilt show information at any time on our web site More... --> Resources --> Upcoming Quilt Shows
- If you know of any upcoming local shows that are not listed on our web site, please let us know so we can share that information with all of our guild members. We are often asked by quilt guilds from both near and far to advertise their shows and we are always happy to do that.
- Browse the CQA Events Calendar for information about quilting events across Canada by province, territory, or date.
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 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.
You can monitor the evolving plans 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.
ADQG Leadership Team
President: Amanda Vajda president@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Charity: Marilyn Erskine charity@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Treasurer: Sandy Beach treasurer@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Secretary: Pamela Friedrich
Programs: Martha Palmer programs@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Membership: Johanne Vajda membership@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Library: Jacquie Lavictoire
Communications: Janet Brownlee arnpriorquilters@gmail.com
President: Amanda Vajda president@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Charity: Marilyn Erskine charity@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Treasurer: Sandy Beach treasurer@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Secretary: Pamela Friedrich
Programs: Martha Palmer programs@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Membership: Johanne Vajda membership@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Library: Jacquie Lavictoire
Communications: Janet Brownlee arnpriorquilters@gmail.com
Key Volunteers
Photographer: Emma Russell
Preemie Quilt Coordinator: Carolyn Prince
Raffle Ticket Sales: Brenda Payer and Ann Hunter
Retreats: Sue Hodgins
Photographer: Emma Russell
Preemie Quilt Coordinator: Carolyn Prince
Raffle Ticket Sales: Brenda Payer and Ann Hunter
Retreats: Sue Hodgins
Communications
Guild Facebook Group
Have you joined our guild members-only Facebook Group yet? If not you are missing out on all the fun. This is a great way to get to know your fellow guild members, to ask questions, learn a new block, a new tip or trick. This is a great spot to share your in-progress projects, and much more.
Hope to see you in our Facebook group soon. Click/tap here to join the group.
Hope to see you in our Facebook group soon. Click/tap here to join the group.
Advertisers
Thank you to our newsletter advertisers! Your support funds our Communications budget which includes the hosting of this web site. We are very grateful for this financial support.
Our advertisers are:
Please support our advertisers. To access a vendor's web site you can click/tap on any of their advertisements in this newsletter or on the links above. Our advertisers are also listed on the Links page.
Our advertisers are:
- Bytowne Threads
- Happy Wife Quilting in Carleton Place ON
- Lori's Quilting Shop in Kanata ON
- Paisleys Quilt Shop near Carp ON
- Quilters Curve quilt shop in Combermere ON
- The Needle and Thread Emporium near Renfrew ON
- Watergirl Quilt Co quilt shop in Prescott ON
Please support our advertisers. To access a vendor's web site you can click/tap on any of their advertisements in this newsletter or on the links above. Our advertisers are also listed on the Links page.
THANK YOU to Amanda, Martha, and Johanne for their guild updates, photos, and other news this month.
-- Janet Brownlee, Communications & Newsletter Editor
-- Janet Brownlee, Communications & Newsletter Editor
Our next meeting is on November 26