Centre Acadien, Université Sainte-Anne

Quilting and other traditional forms of craftsmanship - Our Clare Acadian ancestors were endowed with artistic talents. In terms of traditional craft forms, women used to spin and weave sheep’s wool to make clothes for their families; they would knit all year round. They were also renowned for their quilts, as well as their hooked, woven and braided rugs. In this photo, we see Bernadette (Doucette) Melanson (1913-2002), a native of Major’s Point, NS, with a quilt.

While handcrafted objects often had a utilitarian purpose, they could also serve as home decoration. In addition to making goods for the family, these artists could contribute to family income by making woollen stockings, nets for lobster traps and other craft products intended for sale.

Although some ancient artforms have been replaced by new ones, many were passed down from generation to generation, such as knitting and quilting, which are still practiced by Acadians today.

In 2011, an Acadian woman from Clare launched an invitation to the community to form a group of quilt artisans. Twenty-seven women met together and formed "La Guilde acadienne", which today has about a hundred members. They meet regularly to work on their masterpieces, and once a year, at the Festival Acadien de Clare, they work with the parish of Saulnierville to organize a magnificent exhibition of up to 200 quilts made by local artists.

In addition to working on personal projects, Guilde members make quilts to donate to charity and mentor young members, since one of its priorities is to ensure the transmission of this fine art and tradition.

Topic: Arts and Culture

Date: [ca. 1950]

Reference: Albert Melanson Collection Centre Acadien Photo 2

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