Exciting Announcement!

My work prior to retirement was in the heritage sector. What I enjoyed most about my job was working with the community especially when it came to facilitating collaborative projects.

Many years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Marguerite Larmand, an educator and artist, when she came into the museum I was managing, bringing with her a creative proposal that she wanted to implement at the museum. I said yes, and that single yes led to many, many wonderful collaborations with Marguerite over the ensuing years.

One of the projects we worked on together was a community coat project. Each coat was unique and represented the community where it was facilitated. A soil coat in Waterford, a bee coat in Teeterville, a tobacco coat in Delhi, and a fish coat in Port Dover. Each one unique, each one beautiful and each one created by members of the community. New skills were learned & friendships formed. Not to mention the pride the participants felt in the finished project.

Most recently, Marguerite worked with the Paris Women’s Institute to create a roots coat seen in the pictures above.

I’ve missed these projects, so I am pleased to announce that Marguerite & I are teaming up to facilitate a Wilsonville Wildflower Coat.

We are looking for those who are interested in creating a section of the coat. Once each panel is completed, Marguerite will sew them together to create what is sure to be a stunning coat. A coat that represents the wildflowers found in & around Wilsonville - a place near & dear to our hearts. Think Queen Anne’s Lace, Chicory, etc.

Participants will each decorate a coat panel with embroidery/crewel work. No experience is necessary & we’ll provide you with everything you need (supplies & instructions) to complete your section.

We will set aside two evenings a month - you only need to attend one - to meet with Marguerite & other participants where we will share our progress & discuss next steps. We will meet at my place here in Wilsonville. For the most part you can work at your own pace at home.

It’s a wonderful way to meet new friends, connect with old ones and be part of creating a beautiful coat. Something that represents our charming hamlet.

We will begin the week of April 13th. If you would like to participate or would like more info please email me at wilsonvillevintageantiques@gmail.com.

I hope you’ll consider participating in this community initiative.