Calgary Chapter Stampedes into Action

Though only chartered in September of 2007, the Rimon Calgary Chapter shows every indication of being as lively as the Calgary Stampede.

At its first formal meeting, member Susan Podlog brought a completed quilt "As Numerous As the Stars" that she had assembled with squares submitted by participants in the July "Textile Treasures" workshop. The quilt has since been donated to Jewish Family Service Calgary to be used for their fundraising purposes (shown at right).

The group then decided to align itself with the Pomegranate guild, according to the September minutes, because:

• We want to learn new techniques, from each other and from outside specialists.
• We want to work on group projects for the benefit of the community and to leave legacies for the community
• We also want to work on projects for our own homes and families
• We want to emphasize but not be restricted to Judaic themes and images
• Our guild will give us Jewish connections, Jewish knowledge, and Jewish friends
• Our guild should try to pass on traditional needlework techniques to the next and future generations

The group plans on meeting monthly for demonstrations, speakers, film/video/slide shows, or just stitching together. Special events might be held from time to time to to provide more stitching time and recruit new members.

Future Activities and Events discussed include:

• A group project for Jewish seniors
• A textile garage sale – fabric, thread, embroidery floss, crochet cotton, knitting wools/ribbons and knitting needles
• Specific textile techniques – lace making, basic quilting, embroidery stitches
• Any of the textile objects needed to furnish the Little Synagogue on the Prairie

With so many items stacked on their proverbial plate, the chapter will in the meantime turn to a simpler project for its next meeting. Member Trudy Cowan will teach the making of a Kiddush cup/wine cup Bootie, a quick and simple cloth project that can be hand-sewn and then embellished in a variety of ways.

Posted on September 29, 2007.