Quilt celebrating Canada wins top prize

By Gillian Slade on July 27, 2017.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com  @MHNGillianSlade

Taking the “best in show” title out of about 1,400 entries is a quilt that celebrates Canada’s 150 birthday.

Brenda Toews seemed amazed to discover the pride of place soon after the Better Living exhibit hall had opened on the first day of Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede.

“I was shocked, very surprised,” said Toews. “I love our country and wanted to do something special.”

Toews was able to construct the quilt in a surprisingly short time. She began in May and finished it at the end of June.

The combination of fabrics on the front of the quilt were in a special release kit, which required cutting the individual pieces out and piecing it all together. On the back of the quilt is a special find at a quilting store in Canmore, said Toews. On a light coloured background there are numerous questions, answers and facts about Canada printed in red. It could be a history and geography lesson without even realizing it.

Now that the quilt has taken pride of place as the best in the show at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede, Toews reflects on how she will ultimately use the quilt.

This year it was finished in time to be part of her home decorations for Canada Day, something she makes a point of doing every year. Toews says it will probably be stored and brought out every year to decorate her home and celebrate July 1. It will be a way to celebrate Canada and how much Canada means to her.

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