Iona Stitchers
The group initially gathered on Tuesdays during the day, and this tradition has endured. In its early years, the Iona Circle Quilters Group worked on various projects, including the creation of two quilted wall hangings entitled "The Tree of Life" and "History of St. Andrew's," which now adorn our sanctuary. The members also crafted items such as baby quilts and full-size quilts, which received accolades and ribbons at the Markham Fair. To contribute to the reduction of debt at St. Andrew's, the award-winning pieces were sold.
Iona Stitchers Community Support
Markham Stouffville Hospital
The Iona Stitchers are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. We take pride in our ongoing efforts to support the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (I.C.U.) at Markham Stouffville Hospital and the Chemo Clinic at the same hospital. Through our handmade creations, we aim to bring comfort and warmth to individuals facing challenging circumstances.
One of our initiatives involves producing small flannelette blankets and newborn hats for the Neonatal I.C.U. These delicate items are lovingly crafted and given to families as they embark on their journey home with their precious little ones. We understand that the early days of a newborn's life can be incredibly stressful, and our blankets and hats provide a small source of solace and warmth to both parents and babies.
The heartfelt appreciation we receive from these families motivates us to continue our mission. Knowing that we have contributed to improving the start of a newborn's life brings us immense joy and fulfillment.
Join the Iona Stitchers
The Iona Stitchers meet from September to June on Tuesdays from 9:30 am to 2 pm and enjoy a brown bag lunch.
Their season wraps up on June 6th, 2023, and will resume on Tuesday, September 12th.
In addition to supporting the Neonatal I.C.U., we are also committed to helping patients undergoing chemotherapy at the Chemo Clinic. We create lap quilts that are specifically designed to bring comfort and coziness to individuals enduring the challenges of chemotherapy. These quilts serve as a reminder that they are not alone in their journey and that there are people who care deeply about their well-being.
By donating these lap quilts to the Chemo Clinic, we hope to alleviate some of the stress and discomfort that patients may experience during their treatments. Our goal is to provide them with a sense of warmth and support during this difficult time, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being.
We believe in the power of compassion and the difference it can make in someone's life. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to create these handmade items with love and care. We are grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in our community.
Markham Crisis Pregnancy Centre
The Iona Stitchers also support the Markham Crisis Pregnancy Centre. For several years, we have been actively involved in collecting and delivering essential items to help these mothers and their little ones during challenging times.
Our efforts focus on two main areas: collecting cosmetic and gift items for the mothers and providing blankets and toys for the babies. We understand that these women are going through a critical phase in their lives and may be facing various difficulties. By providing them with cosmetic and gift items, we hope to provide a small ray of joy during their journey. Additionally, we create baby blankets and collect toys to support the little one’s well-being.
The Markham Crisis Pregnancy Centre plays a vital role in the community, offering services and support to those who need it the most. We are honoured to contribute to their mission by providing much-needed donations. The gratitude expressed by the clients who benefit from the centre's services is a testament to the impact we can make when we come together.
Salvation Army
We take great joy in the art of knitting and the opportunity it provides to give back to our community. Our talented knitters dedicate their time and skill to creating beautiful hats, mittens, and scarves, which are showcased and sold at our annual bazaar and Christmas market.
The proceeds from these sales are crucial in supporting our ongoing initiatives. However, our commitment to helping those in need extends beyond financial contributions. We believe in the spirit of giving and strive to make a direct impact in our community.
One of our proudest traditions is the "Mitten Tree." Our hats, mittens, and scarves, bought by our customers at our events, are frequently donated back to the Mitten Tree. The Mitten Tree serves as a symbol of compassion and generosity, as these items are collected and subsequently delivered to The Salvation Army Centre on Main Street.
The Salvation Army Centre plays a vital role in supporting families in need, especially during the holiday season, through its "Christmas Outreach Program." We are honored to be a part of this program, as our donated knitted items are distributed to those who require them most. These hats, mittens, and scarves provide much-needed warmth and comfort to individuals and families during the winter months.
By participating in our annual bazaar and Christmas market, you not only have the opportunity to acquire unique and handcrafted items but also to contribute to our community's well-being. Your support helps us sustain our efforts in assisting The Salvation Army Centre and making a positive impact on the lives of families in need.
Items crafted by the Iona Stitchers are available to purchase. See our market page to shop the latest creations!
The Iona Circle Quilters Group, founded by Nancy Scott, came into existence during the planning stages of the sesquicentennial celebration (150 years) at St. Andrew’s in 1990. At the time, only one or two women in the community had been quilting since the 1930s. Recognizing the need to share their knowledge and passion for quilting with others, they decided to establish a group that would serve as a platform for teaching and learning this craft. The primary objective was to foster a supportive environment where members could enhance their skills and exchange ideas.
Over time, the group has evolved and expanded its horizons, and it is now known as the Iona Stitchers. This name change reflects the group's embrace of a wider range of fiber crafts beyond quilting. Today, the Iona Stitchers consists of a vibrant and creative community of individuals who continue to produce exquisite handmade items. They continue to explore new techniques and push the boundaries of their creativity.
