A summer playground for Calgarians, Lake Windermere is a mere three hour drive away. The lake is actually just a widening of the Columbia River…beginning past Radium, B.C. stretching from the town of Invermere to Fairmont Hot Springs. My family has been going to the lake for more than 30 years. Yet, each time I leave home headed for the peace, tranquility and relaxation that awaits me, I love it more and more. The drive itself is a beautiful journey…Highway 93 in B.C. has an incredible mix of wildlife often grazing just off the highway.
Verdant Creek is maybe halfway between Castle Junction and Olive Lake on Highway 93 – and is a large reason visitors stop at Vermillion Crossing and Kootenay Park Lodge.. The colour of the water in the creek has always fascinated me.
The town of Invermere itself is the hub of the Valley, a throwback to quieter days – it reminds me of Stars’ Hollow! (Gilmore Girls fans?) Main Street has shops and restaurants lining both sides leading down to the amazing and stunning beauty of the public beach.
Teeny tiny Windermere is a village or a hamlet in the most picturesque spot on the lake. It’s beaches are pristine and beautiful.
I was in Invermere recently, looking for a fitting backdrop to photograph some quilts by Rachel Elliott, Charity Coordinator for the ever-expanding Calgary Modern Quilt Guild.
Heading down Main Street, a white piano in the middle of the sidewalk piqued my interest. “Play Me” spoke the sign on the piano and some children were taking turns doing just that. How typically Invermere! The freshly painted white piano was Theresa Wood’s idea, events coordinator for the town.
Near the Sobey’s sitting atop the vast Panorama Hill is the delightful Windermere Valley Museum.. It’s an amazing place; a little Heritage Park. I was lucky to have the museum all to myself.
Rachel’s geometric wonder, which reminds her of a giant piece of confetti, is a quilt she made from a pattern called Weight of Love by Libs Elliott. She is attracted to strong geometric shapes; not surprising given that Rachel is a junior high math teacher.
A few of my quilts hanging by the old, vintage Mining Cabin.
Moving on to the Mount Nelson Skate Park located up the hill from the center of town, Rachel’s quilt Gravity looked spectacular hanging outdoors in the brilliant blue sky and sunshine.
Gravity is a pattern by Julie Herman ofJaybird Quilts and again, its geometric shapes appealed to Rachel’s mathematical mind. What began as a personal challenge ended up being a tremendous accomplishment for the novice quilter. Rachel did a wonderful job of piecing Gravity together and Mary Dylke’s quilting expertise finished off the project. Just look at those tiny circles!
Gravity hung in the choice spot on the brow of the balcony of the Wainwright Hotel at the 2016 Festival of Quilts in Heritage Park in May. Rachel was understandably overwhelmed at the sight of her quilt being displayed in her first-ever quilt show. As she says, “I shed a few tears”.
Clementine, Rachel’s name for her Lion quilt (pattern by Violet Craft) is another intricate paper pieced design. This little gem won first prize in the Calgary Stampede, 2016 paper piecing category. I love the depth portrayed in the lion’s eyes.
By the roadside leading into Windermere, I stumbled upon a lovely side yard garden filled with sunflowers and poppies.
This quilt was also paper pieced by Rachel using a pattern by Alison Glass and Nydia Kehnle and some magnificient ombre rainbow fabrics. The quilted feathers are so beautiful; my personal favourite being the purple ones.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Next Wednesday: Quilts in Riley Park.
Kim
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