David Taylor, Quilter “Love What You Do and Be Willing to Learn” - theHumm December 2019
David Taylor, Quilter “Love What You Do and Be Willing to Learn” - theHumm December 2019
By — Sally Smith
David Taylor is a quilter, just a quilter. That’s what he calls himself… but when you look at his work and talk to those who learn from him, it’s clear he’s not “just a quilter.”
He’s fun, sharp, sarcastic (wickedly so), addresses everyone by “Sister”, is passionate about his job, and makes money by quilting.
Not many people do. Early on, quilting was not something he liked or even wanted to do. But when he found out how much quilts could sell for, he settled in, developed a unique David Taylor style, and quilting became his job.
The money, it seems, is well deserved — before he even finishes a quilt, it’s sold. He can’t keep his quilts, they go quickly. “They usually sell before I’m done with them… because I’m kind of popular,” he says, grinning unapologetically. “People love my work. I’ve done quite well… I must say,” he grins again, blue eyes snapping. This from a man who said he’d never hand-appliqué, but finds that’s all he does.
Ten women have come to his recent workshop in North Gower. They set up their machines, two to a station, and for five days listen, learn and appliqué. The workshop isn’t cheap — Taylor’s reputation is wide reaching — but not one hesitated when it came to paying, according to Lynn Mills, who invited Taylor to present the workshop. Once accepted, each quilter submitted a picture to Taylor. He blew them up, large grayscale, and then began his magic; on each picture — some dogs, some birds, a cat, an owl — he drew shapes. The shapes matched the structure of the animal.
“I don’t draw by colour, I draw by the structure in the body of the bird or horse. I pat the horse, know how that horse feels. As you pet and follow the muscles and bones in the horse, that’s the way I draw the lines — by the way that feels to me. Then the viewer will know how it feels.”
Does he catch the bird or squirrel to pet it? He scoffs a bit. “Just the picture, sister! I can just pet that picture to know how that feels! I want to be that bird, know what he ate, where he’s going, what he’s doing. If I don’t know that, how’s the viewer going to know it? I know it because I know that little bird. That’s my story.”
Silence. He looks at you, making his point… and then emphasizes his point. “It’s more than art. It’s art to feel.”
Taylor is 56; he started sewing at eight and started making his own clothes at 10. He loves fabric, and urges his students to buy, buy, buy.
The first quilt he worked on sold at a charity auction for $25,000; his inclination from that point was to approach quilting from the business end… and he has. He calls his style “jigsaw puzzle appliqué” and his classes are pictorial appliqué classes.
The piecework the students in his workshop do is painstakingly small. One participant’s quilt has 310 pieces; others have 180 and 260 pieces. But Taylor has no doubt that the quilters will finish. “This is expensive. If they put the money in, they’ll finish it.”
Two other things Taylor is certain of: love what you do and be willing to learn, and you don’t have to know how to draw (but you have to want to).
Taylor will not be back in Canada for a while, but avid quilters might be able to find workshops in nearby States. Events and dates are on his website at davidtaylorquilts.com .
Happy Local Holidays! - theHumm December 2019
By Kris and Rob Riendeau
Here at theHumm we’re big on local economies. The retail and service businesses in the small towns that we cover play a huge role in the cultural life of those towns. Each store, restaurant, or small enterprise attracts and serves a particular clientele — some inside the community, some from outside. Some businesses host their own special events; others join together with local festivals to make the whole experience more vibrant. Many provide support in cash or in kind to local initiatives. A healthy local economy is an essential component to a healthy community.
It is with this in mi......
Miriam Mas — Embodying theSpirit of Christmas - theHumm December 2019
By Sally Hansen
Art… and Soul
It has taken both luck and pluck (as in “spirited and determined courage”) for artist Miriam Mas to reach this point in her life. This gifted self-taught artist is reaping the well-got gains of a decidedly anti-Grinch-like life, and it really brightens this reporter’s spirits at a time when a dose of cheer is particularly welcome. (We at theHumm are quite concerned regarding the trending rumour that a certain mean, green grump has been spotted lurking around Missis......
Funny Lady Cabaret and Comedy Workshop Coming at You! - theHumm December 2019
It’s time for a Cabaret my friends! Comedian and award-winning clown Rachelle Elie is back in Almonte to host another fabulous event — and this time it’s a Cabaret! The Almost New Years Rag Bag Cabaret will be held on Saturday, December 28 at 8pm at the lovely Almonte Old Town Hall. This one will be hosted by Rachelle’s alter ego “Susan”, and will feature comedian Cathy Boyd, burlesque trio The Rougettes, international touring musician David Celia and local storyteller Daniel K. L.......
Perth Community Christmas Day Dinner - theHumm December 2019
By — Bill Lowe
Christmas isn’t what it used to be.
Humbug to that! It is at the annual Perth Community Christmas Day Dinner at Code’s Mill in downtown Perth.
During the dinner’s almost 30-year history, celebrating Christmas has morphed from pot-luck with a few friends to a tradition that welcomes the whole community. Last year we served more than 320 dinners in the Banquet Hall and delivered 120 more to those who couldn’t join us.
This is a real community event — funded and organ......
Dates to Save in Perth (and Beyond!) - theHumm December 2019
Grab your holiday calendar and a red or green pen, and make room for some or all of these upcoming events in Perth.
On Sunday, December 15, Artizen Kombucha will be holding a Festive Kombucha Workshop at their brewery at 12 Gore Street East. They will wear holiday sweaters, have sweet treats and a tea ceremony, and then delve into kombucha making with the participants. You can register and find out more at artizenkombucha.ca
Holiday Happiness in Mississippi Mills! - theHumm December 2019
By Miss Mills
Almonte and Pakenham really sparkle in December — and not just from twinkly festive lights. It’s as if they pour all of their small-town heart and soul into filling the month with ways for friends and families to enjoy being together. Here are just some of the events that lead up to the holidays…
On Friday, December 6, you can share warm fuzzy feelings with a few thousand neighbours and friends at Light Up the Night — taking place from 7–10pm in downtown Almonte. Head down to Mill Street and......
Ennis Sisters Setto Return to Perth - theHumm December 2019
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With the holiday season on its way, one of the area’s favourite Christmas traditions is set to return to Perth.
On Friday, December 13, Newfoundland’s Juno award-winning Ennis Sisters will take the stage as part of their annual Christmas tour. The sisters, Maureen, Karen and Teresa, deliver one of the finest family Christmas shows in the country and this show is sure to once again be a sell-out.
The trio combine original songs, holiday classics, humorous recitations and Iri......
A Puppy for Christmas - theHumm December 2019
By Glenda Jones
“Ah”, you think, “she’s going to write about getting a puppy from Santa, how cute it was with its little red bow, how it played in the gift wrap, and snuggled with the toys.” No, she’s not!
We are living in chaos most of the time, with doggy toys scattered everywhere, and no end in sight for any sort of home décor that resembles House and Garden. Not only that, little Miss Diva is an escape artist whose idea of spending time in her crate consists of working the zipper loose and getting ou......
One Artful Weekend… - theHumm December 2019
If you take a look at the calendar spread in this issue, you may find it a wee bit difficult to make out all of the listings on December 6, 7 and 8. There is so much going on that we thought we would include a round-up of some of the many art shows and tours taking place that weekend. Here they be!
The West Carleton Arts Society’s $100 and Under Show and Sale brings together more than 25 local artists and artisans at St. Paul’s United Church in Carp, from Friday, December......
Museums, Markets & Music in Smiths Falls - theHumm December 2019
By John Pigeau
December is the time of year for goodwill, good cheer and good books, delicious hot chocolate and brisk walks in the wintery air — and maybe some Christmas spirit too. It’s also the only month when it’s ostensibly acceptable to put reindeer antlers on your dog, or to adorn your cat in a Santa hat and scarf. There is, indeed, much merriment to be had. Toasts to be rendered. Eggnog to be glugged. Snow angels to be made. And lots and lots of entertaining and festive things to see and do aroun......
Winter is Coming to the Station Theatre - theHumm December 2019
The Station Theatre is proud to welcome Lynn Miles for the final concert of their 2019 music series. This Canadian musician is bringing her Winter concert, along with the Crusty Mittens String Quartet. Check her out at lynnmilesmusic.com .
Lynn Miles was born in Cowansville, Quebec to a father who was a harmonica player and jazz fan and a mother who listened to opera and country music. Miles learned to play the violin, guitar, piano ......
Preserving Wilderness for Today and the Future - theHumm December 2019
By — Carolyn Piche
At the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust, we believe that wilderness in our region is precious and that its protection is essential to the health and wellbeing of our communities.
Thanks to t......
Solve the Mystery! Save Christmas! - theHumm December 2019
By — Heather Atkinson
So I’ve seen the November 24 rehearsal of Who Stole Christmas from Mississippi Mills and I can tell you this: Theodor Robert Geisel will chuckle in his grave to think we will see his creatio......
Dear Editor, - theHumm December 2019
Readers Write
What a joy to read the tribute to Reva Dolgoy by the Seiler sisters in the last issue of the Humm. In an age and under a provincial government which believes that education mea......
Ageless Migration Fund - theHumm December 2019
Building on the success of the Community Alliance for Refugee Resettlement (CARR) project, the Perth and District Community Foundation (PDCF), has established the Ageless Migration Fund, in coope......
Pudding the Spirit into the Holidays - theHumm December 2019
By Sebastian Weetabix
Weetabix, always vigilant in matters of food, recently learned of a threat to Mississippi Mills’ holiday food supplies. Additional research and some original development work in the deservedly ob......
Spirit Seeds A Celebration of Indigenous Beadwork - theHumm December 2019
By — Maureen Korp is a writer, historian and lecturer
Long before the Scots, French and English fur traders arrived in the St. Lawrence, Great Lakes and Hudson Bay areas, the Eastern Woodlands women of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples were ......
’Tis the Season! - theHumm December 2019
By Amanda Robinson
Over the past several months there have been many changes at the Lanark Highlands Public Library. We have several new staff members, including a new CEO, and with that a number of new development......
David Taylor, Quilter “Love What You Do and Be Willing to Learn” - theHumm December 2019
By — Sally Smith
David Taylor is a quilter, just a quilter. That’s what he calls himself… but when you look at his work and talk to those who learn from him, it’s clear he’s not “just a quilter.”
He’s fun, sh......
The Girl and the Prickly Green Bush - theHumm December 2019
By Susie Osler
Once upon a time a young girl went out on a fine morning from the village of her parents, and grandparents, and the grandparents of her grandparents, and wandered into the rocky hills beyond the ......
Giving the Gift of Real Estate Buy Wild Land for your Friends and Relatives! - theHumm December 2019
By — Cathy Keddy
Starting to think about Christmas shopping? This year keep it simple — give the gift of life. Be the first person to give your friend or family member a home for a wild turtle, frog or songbird!
......
Kanata Choral Society Sing, My Soul of Christmas - theHumm December 2019
The title of the upcoming Christmas concert by the Kanata Choral Society was influenced by the major work that was chosen for this performance; namely The Magnificat by Francesco Durante (1684-17......
CFUW Heritage Perth Christmas House Tour - theHumm December 2019
Located at 177 Allan’s Mill Road, the beautiful house above is a thoroughly modern home in a heritage setting. Next to the intriguing “ghost town” of Allan’s Mill, the home is surrounded by a bea......
A Dog’s Life… - theHumm December 2019
By Angie Arendt
No matter the season, most every evening after dinner you’ll ?nd Peter and me hunched over PJ and Ellie like orangutans, patiently picking sharp brown burrs and little bits of sticks out of their......
Celtic Spark in Arnprior - theHumm December 2019
By — Karen DeLucca
What can we give you in this busy season? How about a pause to really relax. An evening with no pressure, no stress, no expectations. Just come and enjoy a beautiful Yuletide concert with us, to ce......
Anniversary Celebration at Sivarulrasa Gallery - theHumm December 2019
Sivarulrasa Gallery is celebrating an important milestone in Almonte with an incredible 5th Anniversary Show that runs until December 29. The show was installed over a period of six days and f......
Fun Folkus Facts - theHumm December 2019
By — Sandy Irvin
Almonte’s Folkus Concert Series presents four shows a season, and we’re proud to be heading into our 19th year of great music. If you buy a season’s pass, you get all four shows for the price of ......
Nine Lessons & Carols - theHumm December 2019
By — Hilary Barrett
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is a joyful celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. All are welcome to join us at St. James the Apostle Anglican Church in Perth on Sunday, December ......
Join Us! AGH Patient & Family Advisory Committee Seeks Members - theHumm December 2019
Bonnie Lowry Bagshaw was born and raised in the local area and likes to give back to the community. As the first Chair of Almonte General Hospital’s Patient and Family Advisory Committee (PFAC), ......
New Name for Hospice Hub Hospice Palliative Care Becomes Home Hospice North Lanark - theHumm December 2019
We are fortunate to live in a part of the world where there is still a strong tradition of neighbours looking out for each other. One example of that tradition began in early 2012, when members o......
Splash’N Boots:Heart for the Holidays - theHumm December 2019
It’s the most yellow and blue time of the year — and it’s time for the third annual Splash’N Boots BIG yellow and blue holiday show: JINGLE BOOTS — The Big Heart Holiday Show!
This year, this......
CP Band’s 9th Annual Food Bank Fundraiser - theHumm December 2019
For the ninth consecutive year, the Carleton Place and District Community Band will give a Christmas gift to the community. The Band will present “Sing-in” the Season on Sunday, December 8 a......
New Jewel’s Store in Carleton Place Funding Big Brothers Big Sisters - theHumm December 2019
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark Country recently opened their third Jewel’s Gently Used Clothing Store — this one in Carleton Place.
Jewel’s offers modestly priced, gently used clothi......
Apr 20 Perth Trashure Hunt Clean-up
Apr 20 Solitary Man
Apr 27 Festival of the Maples
Apr 27 The Moth Project
May 4 - 5 Spring Fine Art Show
May 5 Music at Mera: The Andrew Collins Trio
May 11 - 12 Art in the Attic
May 11 Engelbert Humperdinck & Tom Jones Tribute
May 16 MMLT Talk & AGM
- IS THIS A PROTEST?
- A Classic Whodunnit Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee at Studio Theatre
- Readers, Writers, and Poets
- Celebrate Indigenous Culture in CP
- Celebrate the ClassicsWith the Arnprior Choir
- 4F Auction Concoction Food, Fun, Fashion & Favourites
- Cheerfully Made Spring Market
- Electrify to Decarbonize Lanark
- Volunteer Forum
- Frankenstein Comes to The Station Theatre
