Quilts have long been used to keep one warm over the many winter months, however, as one local enthusiast puts it, “quilting is also a wonderful outlet for artistic expression.” It is this second use of the term that inspired the formation of the “Threads of Time” quilter’s guild 27 years ago.

Elenore Dyck joined the group as an amateur and has since fallen in love with the hobby. Now her work, along with that of many other ladies, can be seen adorning the Mennonite Heritage Village in their bi-annual quilt show.

“There is a myth that quilting is difficult but it is actually quite easy," comments Dyck, "because it is all done in straight lines.”  As easy as it may be, the comforters made by Dyck and her companions look far from simple.

As Dyck explains there are three different styles of quilting: traditional, modern, and artistic. A traditional quilt features fancy fabric and conventional patterns, a modern quilt employs more solid colors but increasingly complex patterns, and an artistic quilt involves intricate patterns often requiring the use of free-motion sewing. All three styles can be viewed at the museum's exhibition.