Arnprior & District Quilters' Guild Newsletter - September 2025
President's Message
Amanda's Night Sky quilt by Jaybird Quilts
It is with great excitement and anticipation that I welcome each of you to the 2025-2026 season! As we begin a new year together, I’m filled with gratitude for the creativity, dedication, and camaraderie that each of you brings to our community.
For those of you who may not know me yet, my name is Amanda and in 2016, after more than a decade of providing my mom with fabric selections, pattern suggestions and general quilty opinions, I decided to join her in my own quilting adventure…well, that and her constantly saying “If you want it that much, make it yourself”! I love being able to express my creativity and to connect with others who shared my love for fabric and design. As a self-proclaimed 'modern traditionalist,' I’m drawn to the timeless patterns of traditional quilting and the beautiful prints of the 1930s and 1950s, but I also love mixing in modern elements like bold solids and newer techniques.
This season promises to be filled with new opportunities for learning, creating, and connecting. Whether you are a seasoned quilter or just beginning your quilting journey, there will be something for everyone! We’ve lined up an inspiring mix of workshops, quilt challenges, guest speakers, and a variety of exciting events (Quilt Show 2026!) designed to inspire and connect us all. I encourage each of you to dive in, get involved, and make this year your own!
Our guild has always been a place where creativity thrives and friendships blossom, and I’m so honored to be leading us into another year of stitching, learning, and fun. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming meetings and events!
Amanda Vajda, President
For those of you who may not know me yet, my name is Amanda and in 2016, after more than a decade of providing my mom with fabric selections, pattern suggestions and general quilty opinions, I decided to join her in my own quilting adventure…well, that and her constantly saying “If you want it that much, make it yourself”! I love being able to express my creativity and to connect with others who shared my love for fabric and design. As a self-proclaimed 'modern traditionalist,' I’m drawn to the timeless patterns of traditional quilting and the beautiful prints of the 1930s and 1950s, but I also love mixing in modern elements like bold solids and newer techniques.
This season promises to be filled with new opportunities for learning, creating, and connecting. Whether you are a seasoned quilter or just beginning your quilting journey, there will be something for everyone! We’ve lined up an inspiring mix of workshops, quilt challenges, guest speakers, and a variety of exciting events (Quilt Show 2026!) designed to inspire and connect us all. I encourage each of you to dive in, get involved, and make this year your own!
Our guild has always been a place where creativity thrives and friendships blossom, and I’m so honored to be leading us into another year of stitching, learning, and fun. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming meetings and events!
Amanda Vajda, President
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September Guild Meeting
When? We hope you'll join us on Wednesday September 24 for our first guild meeting of the 2025-2026 guild year. 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
 April In-Town Retreat
Welcome to a New Quilting Year!
As we turn the page to a brand new quilting year, we’re so excited to reconnect, create, and be inspired together once again. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the May meeting — your ideas and input have helped us shape an exciting lineup of programs and events for the months ahead! We’re thrilled to kick things off with our first meeting of the year on September 24, featuring a special presentation from guest speaker Monika Henry from Penny Spool Quilts and also featured in Make Modern magazine. You won’t want to miss her insights and creative energy! Mark your calendars for our In-Town Retreat, happening October 17–18. It’s going to be a wonderful time of sewing, sharing, and laughter right here in town. We’ll share all the details at the September meeting, so be sure to join us. We’re also introducing a Guild Quilt Along for members — a fun and low-pressure way to sew together (virtually or in person) and stay inspired throughout the year. We can’t wait to see you all at the first meeting — let’s make this a wonderful quilting year together! Martha Palmer, Program Coordinator |
Retreats
Welcome to the 2025/2026 quilters guild.
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
Welcome to the 2025/2026 quilters guild.
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
Pillowcase Challenge
At our May meeting, Chris Gordon of the Quilt Guild of Renfrew and Area issued our guild a challenge to make pillowcases for patients at CHEO, and our guild accepted that challenge. The pillowcases are due at our September guild meeting.
L to R: Sue Hodgins and Chris Gordon
The pillowcases have a main body, a wide cuff, and an optional narrow trim in between, and are made using an innovative method often referred to as the "magic" or "burrito" method.
Fabrics should be 100% cotton.
For much more pillowcase challenge information and photos, refer to the May Meeting Blog Post.
Instructions for making the pillowcases are here.
Block of the Month
Circle of Friends block
Emma Russell introduced her Circle of Friends block at the June meeting. Instructions and photo(s) are posted on the website Block of the Month page.
There's still time for you to make this block. If you need the fabric that Emma is providing for the 4 little squares in the block you can pick it up from Joyce Murray. Call Joyce 613-623-5513 to arrange pick up.
Bring your completed blocks along to the meeting. You'll get one draw entry for each block that you bring in, so the more blocks you make, the higher your chance of winning the blocks.
Register for 2025-2026
We’ve got tons of fun happening - sew days, workshops, great speakers - and we’d love to share it! So why not invite a friend (or two) to our next meeting? Guests are always welcome and can attend for just $5!
Returning members and new members can sign up online, or at the meeting (look for the paper registration forms at the front table). The $30 membership fee can be paid by e-transfer, or pay at the guild meeting by cash, or cheque payable to Arnprior and District Quilters' Guild.
Whether you're brand-new to quilting or seasoned stitchers, there’s a place for everyone here. Let’s keep the good vibes going and our guild growing!
See you at the meeting!
Johanne Vajda, Membership
Returning members and new members can sign up online, or at the meeting (look for the paper registration forms at the front table). The $30 membership fee can be paid by e-transfer, or pay at the guild meeting by cash, or cheque payable to Arnprior and District Quilters' Guild.
Whether you're brand-new to quilting or seasoned stitchers, there’s a place for everyone here. Let’s keep the good vibes going and our guild growing!
See you at the meeting!
Johanne Vajda, Membership
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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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 |
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October 17 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) |
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November 26 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting |
Location: 257 John Street, Arnprior Ontario (Christian Education Centre) |
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December 10 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting |
Holiday Potluck Party Meeting Location: 257 John Street, Arnprior Ontario (Christian Education Centre) |
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January 28 2026 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting via Zoom |
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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 |
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March 25 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting via Zoom |
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April 22 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting |
Location: 257 John Street, Arnprior Ontario (Christian Education Centre) |
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May 27 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting |
Annual General Meeting Location: 257 John Street, Arnprior Ontario (Christian Education Centre) |
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June 17 Wednesday 7 PM |
Guild meeting |
Location: 257 John Street, Arnprior Ontario (Christian Education Centre) |
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February 2 to 6 2026 Monday to Friday |
Retreat |
Come for 2, 3 or all 4 nights, and quilt from morning until night! |
Previous Guild Events
Recaps of last spring's guild activities:
If you're ever looking for information about a previous guest speaker or a particular guild meeting, head to the Links page.
( More -> Resources -> Links )
We were inspired by these stunning quilts shown by Alison and Joanna at our June meeting's Show and Tell.
- May 20 Millennium Star Strip Paper Piecing workshop
- April 11-12 In-Town Retreat
- Photos of Show and Tell quilts
If you're ever looking for information about a previous guest speaker or a particular guild meeting, head to the Links page.
( More -> Resources -> Links )
We were inspired by these stunning quilts shown by Alison and Joanna at our June meeting's Show and Tell.
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Outdoor Quilt Show NOW!!!
by Janet Brownlee, September 19
What a delight this outdoor quilt show was today! A fascinating walk through a forest of quilts (over 200 quilts) on an absolutely beautiful day! Hosted by Mad About Patchwork just outside of Stittsville on their shop property, the show continues over the weekend (weather permitting). The show is free and donations for 3 quilting charities, which had representatives on site were welcomed.
With the permission of shop owner Alison I'm sharing these photos with you.
Click/tap on a photo in the gallery to see it in full
What a delight this outdoor quilt show was today! A fascinating walk through a forest of quilts (over 200 quilts) on an absolutely beautiful day! Hosted by Mad About Patchwork just outside of Stittsville on their shop property, the show continues over the weekend (weather permitting). The show is free and donations for 3 quilting charities, which had representatives on site were welcomed.
With the permission of shop owner Alison I'm sharing these photos with you.
Click/tap on a photo in the gallery to see it in full
Charities: Victoria's Quilts Canada, Quilts for Survivors, Quilts of Valour
Here's more information about the show.
Local quilt shop Mad About Patchwork is presenting an outdoor quilt show outside their shop at 2477 Huntley Rd, Stittsville, weather permitting.
Dates: Friday September 19 to Sunday September 21
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission is free; donations to Quilts for Survivors, Quilts of Valour, and Victoria's Quilts will be welcomed
Refer to their website for more information.
Dates: Friday September 19 to Sunday September 21
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission is free; donations to Quilts for Survivors, Quilts of Valour, and Victoria's Quilts will be welcomed
Refer to their website for more information.
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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Almonte ON |
September 26-27 |
Almonte Quilters 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 |
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 2025-2026
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
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
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. Last year we saw some lovely photos of the Block of the Month quilts being assembled and finished off, 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:
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
THANK YOU to Amanda, Martha, Sue H, Johanne and Emma 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 October 22