“What’s Abee Up To Now”

By Brandie Majeau

As Abee continues to make use of its local hall, the community is being encouraged to explore new skills
and discover hidden talents. Each new course provides community members with an opportunity to
delve into an art they may have experience in or something entirely new. Regardless of the case, it is a
chance to refine skills and engage in the most enjoyable part – sharing the company of others.

With the Christmas season rapidly approaching, the team behind “What’s Abee Up To Now” organized a
paper piecing potholder course. In simple terms, paper piecing involves using paper shapes/patterns as
a guide and stabilizer for hand-sewn or quilting projects. Amidst piles of festive fabrics and sewing
machines adorning the tables, the group immersed themselves in this technique to each create a set of
cheerful Santa-inspired potholders. The tutorial was truly remarkable, providing not only an educational
guide to paper piecing but also assisting all sewers in making use of those leftover fabric scraps.

The crafting day came full circle as a couple of women experienced the profound impact of why
community events and projects are so essential. While sewing potholders, one crafter remarked to
another, “You look so familiar.” Pieces were connected, not just of fabric, and the conversation evolved,
leading to the rediscovery of a long-forgotten friend. The sense of familiarity settled in, and they realized
that forty years ago, they had worked together at Maligne Lake. It is often said that the world is small,
but small communities seem to possess a special kind of small-world magic.