Churches have long used magnificent art like stained glass and carvings to honour and signify their sacred purpose. But the relationship between churches and art runs deeper. In the 6th century, when books and literacy were restricted to the clergy and ruling elite, everyday churchgoers couldn’t read scripture. Instead, they “read” the holy stories through glasswork, statues and paintings.
This timeless bond between church, art and storytelling provides the perfect context for the biennial Stories in Stitches quilt show at St. Paul’s Anglican Church. Located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, the church is a striking example of late-19th-century stone architecture.
“When you stand at the church entrance, you will note the harmonious proportions of all parts of the building with its beautiful stained glass memorial windows” writes the author of A Short History of St. Paul’s Anglican Church. “The wooden groined ceiling, stained almost to a mahogany brown, adds to the warmth of the interior. It is not a large church … but its architecture gives it an air of spaciousness.” The massive wooden columns supporting the vaulted ceiling showcase exceptional carvings and shine with a rich honey-oak finish.
The church is beautiful but it was the incredible display of quilts and textile art which took my breath away. Color and pattern were everywhere ― draped over the pews, hung on the walls and clustered in the chancel ― bathed in the golden glow of the stained glass.
This was the sixth time the Stories in Stitches Quilt, Hooked Rug and Needlecraft Show was hosted by St. Paul’s with the support of the Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild of PEI. The Stories in Stitches title was chosen to emphasize the stories behind the hand-crafted works on display. Every stitched quilt, woven blanket, hooked rug, embroidered hanging and hand-crafted treasure has a story. But this quilt show is unique in its emphasis on storytelling ― makers share their stories with their artwork.
The splendid “cathedral window” patterned quilt, shown below, is a case in point. As explained on the exhibit card by the exhibitor, Stephanie Marie Schnatz, “This quilt top was started by my mother [Rosella D. Schnatz] in the 1970’s. I finished the top this year (2026). Each coloured square is 1″. There are over 1293 squares. I embroidered names and dates of relatives going back 6 generations in 1″ squares. The fabrics are from dresses and clothes l’ve made since I was 8. l’ve used fabrics from family curtains, shades, gowns, men’s clothing, bathing suits, etc. Each square reminds me of the events I attended and the years I made items. There are 2 purple butterflies from my first skirt I sewed on machine when I was 8. I am now 78.” Wow! More than 50 years of treasured memories are stitched into this exceptional quilt!
The patriotic display shown below also had an interesting story. As noted on the exhibit card “These are a few of seven Oh Canada wall hangings made by our Tuesday quilting group in response to President Trump’s statement labeling Canada as the 51st USA state. Each person made one and proudly displayed them in our windows and on our doors.” I had a chance to speak with one of the seven quilters in person. She told me how much fun the group had creating their “Elbows Up” maple leaf quilts. They used an assembly-line approach to piece the panels. Then each member applied their own unique touches to finish their quilted wall hanging.
Understandably, not every story revealed a fifty-year history or a patriotic team effort, but most makers shared glimpses into the backstories of their hand-crafted art. A sampling of the other artworks and their stories follows.
This stunning quilt, Midnight Diamonds, was made by Jean MacKie and quilted by Mackies Longarm. The description reads “Kaffe Fassett is the most iconic name in bright, colourful floral design. I can’t help myself as I need to play in his universe. Large scale in velvety colours, this quilt glows in any light.” Yes, it did!
This colourful, upbeat quilt, pieced and quilted by Maggie Whitten Henry, is titled Brilliant Log Cabin. She shares this story on the exhibit card “I made this quilt at my first retreat last year. I didn’t have anything planned; just threw a few dozen of the fat quarters I’d been collecting into a suitcase and hoped I’d figure it out! The log cabin with checkered sashing came together in an “improv” way, rather than being planned out or following a pattern. I really enjoyed creating weird colour combos and watching it all take shape. I used scrapy binding to finish it off, and big stitch quilted it with a colourful meander.” No plan? No pattern? Amazing!
This pretty quilt, titled DayDream, was made by Ada Chinery and quilted by Blueberry Cove Longarm Quilting. The pattern appears to be from Swirly Girls. The description reads: “Who couldn’t ‘DayDream’ when looking at this quilt! Batiks … Beautiful …. Colourful! When I first saw this pattern and fabrics in this kit, I knew I had to make it!! … I loved watching the blocks come together …. the crispness of the fabric …… ‘Almost magic’!!” Agreed!
Stars and Ocean by Shelly McCarville has a traditional vibe executed in a gorgeous colour palette. “This quilt was inspired by the beautiful backing that I found. To enhance it, I added stars and my favourite color. My hope is that whoever sleeps beneath it will have a sense of peace and tranquility.” What a beautiful sentiment!
Although most of the quilted items were designed as bed coverings, there were also several quilted wall hangings, runners and throws. This quilted wall hanging by Ruth Aquilani was titled Hanging On. She writes: “I like to take traditional quilt blocks and give them a modern or retro twist. This is a variation of Autumn Leaves pattern from the 1930’s. I used bright and bold fabrics, hand formed the leaves and vines, and hand appliquéd them.” Upcycling traditional quilt patterns? I love that idea.
Staircase quilts, also called stair stack quilts, are specifically designed to be hung on a staircase wall. Ruth Camrass’ Cascading Hexagons Stair Panels would be gorgeous along any staircase but displayed in front of St. Paul’s spectacular stained-glass windows, they were jaw-dropping! There were five 38cm (15”) wide quilted panels, ranging in length from 74cm to 173 cm (29” to 68”), made with custom dyed fabric and quilted free-motion.
Ruth Camrass also created the quilted wall hangings shown below. These innovative pieces, titled Fall Colours, were described as “Joyful folk art flowers on a patchwork background. Home dyed fabric, zippered stems, and quilted on a domestic machine.”
Admittedly, quilting dominated the Stories in Stitches show, but there were a variety of other textile arts represented ― rug hooking, weaving, embroidery and crocheting were all featured.
For instance, the outstanding blanket pictured below was hand-woven by Evelyn McQuaid. Titled Nautical Theme, it was “woven on an 8-harness loom … using 2/16 cotton wrap with a wool pattern yarn”. I don’t know much about weaving but I do know creating this design with all those little people, sailboats, hearts and anchors in multiple colours would require masterful shuttle management and exceptional tension control!
Rug hooking had a strong showing with several exceptional pieces on display. This wall hanging, titled Ebb Tide, showcased a spectacular, original design by Paula Kenny. Her story was noted as: “This piece uses abstract rug hooking techniques with mixed media on linen background. After attending a workshop on abstract mats, I designed and hooked three pieces inspired by PEI seashores.” This one-of-a-kind piece is packed with unique, intricate details.
Ethel by Mary Ploughman Jones was another outstanding hooked rug with a charming story. She wrote “Thornleigh Farm in Pownal always had sheep. This sheep represents the history of the farm. The bell was worn by the lead sheep. This rug uses raw sheep’s wool and other recycled wool. Made for my daughter who grew up on the farm.” Ethel will surely be a treasured family heirloom.
Knowing Ethel’s sheep’s wool might be too much for visitors to resist, a clear “PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH” warning was posted. This is, in fact, standard procedure at quilt and textile art shows.
It’s an interesting dilemma because textile art fans are typically highly tactile people ― we are unconsciously drawn to touch fabrics, fibres, stitching and textured surfaces. But human hands carry natural oils, sweat, and residues from lotions or food which can damage the artwork. As a result, visitors are rarely, if ever, permitted to touch it. Instead, they can seek the assistance of a guide or volunteer wearing protective, white, cotton gloves to examine a piece or to view a quilt’s back.
There were several good-humoured reminders, like the one shown below, posted around the Stories in Stitches show. The sign featured a series of traditional Sun Bonnet Sue motifs dressed in prison garb and read “Chain Gang They touched the quilts at the quilt show!”
More Info
The Stories in Stitches Quilt, Hooked Rug and Needlecraft Show is held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The event, typically held every other year, is hosted by the Church with cooperative help from the Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild of PEI. To learn more about the show, see their website at St. Paul’s Anglican Church – Stories in Stitches or on Facebook. Or to learn more about the Kindred Spirits Quilt Guild of PEI or their members, check out their Facebook group.
Today’s Takeaways
1. There is a timeless bond between church, art and storytelling.
2. Every stitched quilt, woven blanket, hooked rug, embroidered hanging and hand-crafted treasure has a story.
3. A beautiful setting can completely change how you experience a piece of art.
