From its humble beginnings 40 years ago, what became the Barnswallows Quilters has come a long way.
It marks the milestone with its upcoming annual show set for May 1-3 at the Access Event Centre in Morden.
As always, the show serves as a showcase of the creative talent from across the region. Every year it brings a wide variety of work that is both traditional and contemporary, and that is something organizers are always keen to highlight.
“They’re all very artistic,” said co-chair Lesley Andrew. “Maybe it’s because of Manitoba’s long winters. We have more time to do these kinds of things in winter time.
“There is a lot of talent for sure, and it’s neat to see it come through in so many different ways. It’s not just the traditional quilts. There’s beautiful wall hangings and a variety of things.”
The quilt show had modest beginnings, Andrew recalled, noting it started when Gloria Dyck converted an old horse barn on her property into a gathering space for friends to sew.
“She gathered her friends to hand quilt a quilt for charity,” she said. “They met regularly and enjoyed having a show and tell. So this event eventually led to having a public show.”
The variety of work displayed for the show has grown to include all manner of fabric work by artisans from all over southern Manitoba.
The 2026 event runs Friday, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 3 from noon to 5 p.m. in the event centre community hall.
Registration happens on Wednesday April 29 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the facility’s Morden Chiropractic meeting room. While Barnswallows members get preference if space becomes limited, the show is open to all quilters.
“You don’t have to be a member, although we do have a lot of quilts and we may not be able to hang up everyone’s quilts,” Andrew noted. “We welcome everyone with different levels of expertise, whether you’re a first time quilter or you’re learning new techniques or you’re sharing your inspiration with others … anyone can register a quilt for the show.”
As always, the show will shine a spotlight on a feature quilter. This year it’s Joyce Debreuil, who will have several pieces on display.
Another feature of the show is the annual challenge where creators are given a theme to work with for the following year. This year’s theme is “Connection.”
“It is always interesting to see. They take a theme, and what one person sees with it is different from what another person sees,” said Andrew, who shared that the 2027 theme is “Ruby” in honour of the quilting showcase’s four decades in the community.
A new feature this year will be a display by a fiber art network from B.C. with the theme of “Up Close.” The show will also feature a merchant mall overseen by Aspen Grove Quilting. And, of course, the Barnswallow’s Boutique allows members to have some of their work available for sale as well. There will also be a rainbow auction, with proceeds supporting South Central Cancer Resource and Boundary Trails Health Centre women’s health services. Andrew shared that they will have perhaps around 60 high school students tour the show on the Friday, and she hopes that it will inspire the next generation of quilters.
“And we’re always encouraging new members … everyone is welcome. It doesn’t matter what level of expertise you are,” she said. More information is available online at the barnswallowquilters.wordpress.com.
