When Jane Dyck, an avid quilter for more than three decades, realized many people were interested in learning how to quilt but didn't know where to get started, she went to the Stettler Public Library and asked if she could hold introductory classes in the learning annex.
Since there appeared to be no introductory quilting lessons offered in Stettler, Dyck said she thought the classes would help inspire people into joining a craft she has come to love quite dearly.
The first set of classes, last spring, were successful, so Dyck decided to hold a second one, which started two weeks ago. The six-week program takes participants through making a small quilt, from cutting the fabric, piecing it together, and eventually putting on the backing.
The library, with its five sewing machines and Dyck, with a sewing machine of her own, make the classes limited to six aspiring quilters. This session, Dyck has four.
Though it's too late to join for this session — quilters will start the third week of their classes next Tuesday — Dyck said people who are curious and want to see what the lessons are like are welcome to drop in and watch. The next session will run in the spring.
Stettler's Ann Zieglgansberger, one of Dyck's students, said she was enjoying the lessons. She knows her way around a sewing machine and while she had never quilted before, has sewn many projects over the years.
"I've always been amazed at the quilts I've seen people do," Zieglgansberger explained. "I felt that because I like to sew, I'd like to try (quilting)."
Since she is now retired, Zieglgansberger said she has the time to learn to quilt.
Her quilt was in shades of snowy whites and winter-sky blues and dotted with images of Olaf, the talking snowman from the Disney film Frozen.
"I'm making it for my granddaughter," Zieglgansberger said. "She is going to love it."