BIBLE HILL - Faye Bradley's love of quilting can be traced all the way back to her childhood.
"My mom always quilted and I grew to love it from watching her," said Bradley, 80, of Bible Hill.
And with about 50 years of quilting experience, and more than 100 quilts created, it's no wonder Bradley is excited to participate in this weekend's quilt and hooked rug show and sale at St. David's United Church in Bible Hill.
She will have more than a half dozen quilts at the annual event, which runs today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m and again Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the church. However, one very unique creation will be on display only because it has a special destination.
"This is the first quilt I've made with ties," said Bradley, proudly showing off her creativity.
It required about 100 ties and two weeks to make the quilt, which also features two ties that were previously owned and autographed by Steve Murphy, a news anchor on CTV News.
The creation began last year after Bradley saw a tie quilt in a magazine. She was working on her own version while watching the IWK's Christmas Daddies fundraiser on television last fall. When she saw a Steve Murphy tie being auctioned off, she immediately launched into action to purchase the tie for her special quilt. However, her attempt failed.
"I bid $200 because it was unique and going for a good cause but it was up to $300 and I couldn't afford it," said Bradley.
Little did she know that her disappointment spurred relatives to contact Murphy, asking him to send Bradley a tie or two for her project. And within a "couple of months" he did just that and now two autographed ties are part of Bradley's tie quilt. It will be donated to this year's Christmas Daddies fundraiser.
"Everyone who sees it says it's so different. I'm very proud of it."
As far as making quilts, Bradley says there are many reasons she enjoys the hobby.
"It's relaxing and I don't want to sit and watch TV so it gives me something to do and it's good for my hands because I had a stroke. It works as therapy too," she said.
Bradley also enjoys knowing where her quilts will end up.
"I sold one that was given as a wedding gift and another one went to England," she said.
"And I give a lot away to people who need it like at the food bank, mental health, transition house."
Bradley also loves the fact the quilt show is going strong after 15 years.
"I like the show and sale and am always inspecting quilts and getting ideas from them," she said. "It's a tradition of working with your hands that should be carried on because young people aren't doing it, and there aren't too many you can go to."
mchiasson@trurodaily.com
INFO BOX:
What: 15th annual quilt and hooked rug show and sale
When: Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Where: St. David's United Church, Bible Hill
Includes: Blueberry desserts and refreshments
Admission: $2
Proceeds go to: Ten per cent of the quilt and rug sales go the church with the remainder going to the quilters/rug hookers. Outreach projects the St. David's quilters support include Kane's Kitchen, IWK and Doctors Without Borders.
Last year: About $2,000 was raised for outreach projects and at least 50 quilts and rugs were on sale.
