In my last post, I said that I would be travelling to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories to teach a 2-day workshop on my Circles techniques to the Inuvik Quilting Guild.
My husband, Robin, decided to accompany me, as he didn’t want to miss out on this adventure! We left Vancouver on Thursday, January 12th. We flew with Air North (wonderful airline!), stopping in Whitehorse, Dawson City and Old Crow before arriving in Inuvik, which is just north of the arctic circle. As we traveled north, the hours of sunlight decreased. We arrived in Inuvik at 1:30 PM on Friday, just as the sun was rising!
The lights of Whitehorse at 8:30 AM as the airplane took off for Inuvik.
Walking back out to the plane after a short stop in Old Crow on our way to Inuvik
We arrived at Inuvik airport at 1:30 PM on Friday – just in time to see the sunrise!
On Friday evening, I did a trunk show for the guild. I had packed about 40 quilts (some quite small) into a garment bag, so I would have an interesting selection for the trunk show. I was thankful that Robin was with me to wrangle the bag through the airports.
On Saturday and Sunday, I taught my Circles Circles Circles workshop. I teach participants how to design and create their own freezer paper patterns, and demonstrate a variety of techniques I use to create my circle quilts, including how to sew curves and circles with flat seams. Below you can see some of the blocks designed and created by the enthusiastic participants in the workshop.
While we were quilting, Robin was invited on several adventurous activities by friends and family of the quilters – he had the opportunity to release a weather balloon, and to drive the ice road to Tuktoyaktuk.
Robin about to release a weather balloon in Inuvik
On the ice road to Tuk. Robin’s foot on the ice road from Inuvik to the Beaufort Sea.
During our stay, we were wined and dined – Inuvik style – including a delicious dinner at Alestine’s Restaurant, where the kitchen is in the bus, and dinner is served in a small cabin. The food was fantastic!
Yes, those are icicles on the bus, and yes, that’s Robin dressed in a t-shirt!
The kitchen at Alestine’s in Inuvik – is in the bus!
The dining room at Alestine’s in Inuvik – in a small cabin, next to the kitchen-bus.
On Monday morning, we wandered around the town before our plane left. We saw some of the amazing triptych landscape quilts made by members of the guild last year, that are on display in various public buildings. Here are a few more photos taken Monday morning.
Still dark at 10 AM in Inuvik on January 16. The temperature was -31 Celsius. I love that the lights are still on this tree!
“Downtown” Inuvik at 11:30 AM. Still -31 Celsius.
There’s the sunrise! At noon, as our plane arrives at Inuvik airport.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Inuvik. Our only regret is we didn’t get to see northern lights – maybe next time!
Thanks for stopping by. Today, I’m linking up with these blogs – click on the links below, where you’ll find many other creative and inspirational projects.
They were very lucky to have you.
What an excellent adventure for guild members and you and your husband. Thanks for sharing the fun.
The 12 circle images from your workshop participants look terrific !! Love reading your blog … the cold of Inuvik sounds so enticing compared to a hot sticky summer here in Australia!!!
I luv stories of Quilting everywhere. Thanks for the great snapshot of quilt life in the far north:)
What a great adventure and love the quilts that the Guild members created.