Every five years or so, the Cariboo Calico Quilters Club in 100 Mile House shares its latest creations with the community in the form of a big, colourful show.
This year just happens to be year 5 on the cycle, and on May 13-14, the crafty quilters will have a giant display of their works in the 100 Mile Community Hall for the public to view and purchase.
They're calling the show "A Bouquet of Quilts," and it's expected to feature about 230 quilted items made by their nearly 70 members.
In addition to the local handiwork, there will be the merchants' mall with quilting fabrics, kits and all kinds of quilting supplies for sale.
Four quilting supply stores from various locations in British Columbia will be selling the goods, Calico Quilters member Jan Kidston says, adding a nice variety is anticipated.
There will also be a tearoom on site with tea, coffee and snacks for sale. Door prizes will be given away every hour and some of the quilts will be on sale, she adds.
"We only do this every five years, and when we do it, we do it big."
The show will be open to the public on Friday from 2 to 8 p.m., and on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $2 cover charge.
Kidston says the money will be used to help cover their costs of hosting the show. It will be one of the rare times the club will take from people, as most of their efforts are put towards giving.
Members meet once a week to work on quilted projects that include quilts, which they donate to the BC Ambulance Service for children involved in trauma and to victims of house fires. Premature babies also benefit from their handiwork, as does the South Cariboo New Year's baby each year.
Currently, the group is getting ready to make quilts for tsunami victims in Japan, and in 2003, the forest fire ravaged community of Barriere benefited from their generosity.
With all of these charity projects on the go, the quilters always appreciate donations of cotton fabrics and the interest of new members.
They meet every Monday from 6:30 to 9 p.m., and on Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the lower level of the Creekside Senior Activity Centre.
Kidston says the club includes people of all ages and all walks of life.
"We're a nice mix. Members are happy to take newbies under their wing and teach them how to quilt."
For more information about the quilting club, contact Kidston at 250-791-5247 or by e-mail at kidston@southcariboo.net.
