Come see quilts, hooked rugs and needlecraft in a gorgeous setting and perhaps the biggest quilt show in eastern Canada. Even better, you can add your own work to Stories in Stitches VI.
For the sixth time since 2013, historic and beautiful St. Paul’s Anglican Church in downtown Charlottetown will host the most dramatic show of quilts. Visitors can also see hooked rugs and other artistic needlework. Stories in Stitches 2026 will run from Tuesday, Sept. 22 to Saturday, Sept. 26. Feel free to come in the morning, afternoon or early evening on Friday.
This exhibition sprung to life with cooperative help from Prince Edward Island’s Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild.
What a great way to display these works of art. They will be set out on the pews and railings of the church, against a background of richly warm woodwork, lit by the colourful stained-glass windows.
The church’s beauty and acoustics will accent the fabric arts, as gentle music plays in the background. A variety of artisans will also present demonstrations.
Organizers expect an appreciative audience. Each of the previous shows (in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2024) drew more than 1,200 visitors. Again, this time, cruise ships docking in Charlottetown will bring hundreds of extra visitors.
Admission costs just $10 (via cash/credit/debit). The church is wheelchair accessible and is welcoming to all. Therefore, everyone can have a chance to spend a wonderful hour or so soaking up the magnificent display.
The story behind the title
Why the title ‘Stories in Stitches’? Because every piece usually has a story about ‘why’ behind its creation. It may reflect a person or cause for which it was made or something that happened during the making. Labels will share contact data and information about the history, intent and technique of the work.
Over the months leading to the later-September show, the hosts welcome inquiries and applications from potential participants. They invite artists across the whole gamut of fabric, fibre and needle crafts, in all styles from antique to modernistic.
This is not a sale, although presenters are given the option of allowing subsequent purchase of their works. Watch for the labels that indicate possible sales. The maximum number of pieces any one person may enter is five. There is no entry fee for exhibitors.
The deadline for registration as an entrant is Monday, Aug. 31 This is a fine opportunity to show your creative craft.
For more details, contact Carol Macdonald via email at carolmcdnld70@gmail.com or call her at 902-218-2213.