Daphne Budding
June 2, 2025

Two Weekends of Quilted Joy: Celebrating Community and Creativity in the Kootenays

The past two weekends were a complete delight—I had the joy of attending both the West Kootenay and East Kootenay Quilt Guild conferences. These annual gatherings are more than just events; they’re heartfelt celebrations of the work, love, and creativity that go into quilting all year long.

As a member of the New Denver Quilt Guild, I’ve always looked forward to the West Kootenay conference. It’s a chance to reconnect with familiar faces, many of whom I only see once a year. This time, I also had the pleasure of attending the East Kootenay conference for the very first time—and what a fantastic day it was! I met so many incredibly talented quilters and came away feeling both humbled and inspired.

While I was there as a vendor, I was also very much a fan, soaking in the creativity and craftsmanship all around me. The quilts on display were stunning—vibrant, detailed, deeply personal. It was tough to choose which photos to share here because every quilt had something special. I've included just a few below to give you a taste of the magic.

You might ask, why do we gather like this each year? Well, it’s not just about showing off our own work (though that’s fun, too!). It’s about sharing ideas, sparking creativity, and leaving with our minds full of fresh inspiration and new quilting plans. There’s something special about being surrounded by people who speak your creative language—it energizes the soul.

Hats off to the Rossland Quilt Guild and the Creston Quilt Guild for organizing such well-run, welcoming, and joy-filled days. And a special thank you to the folks in Creston for the absolutely delicious lunch. It was a treat in every way.

To all the quilters out there—whether you stitch for love, forgiving, or simply for the joy of creating—congratulations. Your work matters. Every quilt is an act of generosity, a piece of art, and a story stitched with care.

Until the next time,

Daphne