History of the Thunder Bay Quilter's Guild

In 2021, the Thunder Bay Quilters Guild (TBQG) turned 40 years old.

It began in 1981 with 30 members when they decided to form a guild from their group that had been meeting informally for a while. From those early beginnings has arisen an active guild that boasts about 200 today.

Our members range in ages – from their early 20’s to in their mid-90’s. All share a love of fabrics, sewing and quilting; and enjoy sharing that with others.

The Loon Logo was designed by Virginia Antoniak and constructed by Janet Rice-Bredin for Quilt Canada 1992. It represents the Loon with its outstretched wing welcoming all of the “Land of the Sleeping Giant”.

The Great Nanabijou in his magnificent splendour, surrounded by stately great pines, likes sleeping in the harbour overlooked by the city of Thunder Bay. The Loon, Ontario’s provincial bird, with its haunting call, will make you vow to return to the quiet shores and the pristine lakes of Northwestern Ontario again and again.

Virginia Antoniak has used her high school art training and her keen interest in sketching from her natural surroundings to produce this exciting logo for Quilt Canada 1992. She says the theme of the logo design was influenced by her paternal grandmother’s native ancestry.

The Quilt Canada 1992 Loon Logo Quilt was appraised for insurance purposes by Rita Rolt in 1996 for a value of $1,225.00.

Our members also range in their abilities: from beginners to experts. We also have members who are known nationally and internationally. Many of our members also teach or will mentor others.