By Karen Cay

A quilt from the ages

Jan 30, 2011 | 11:06 AM

If time could be a tactile experience – the best example would be the quilt hanging in Matheson Men’s Wear, downtown Prince Albert.

The quilt is made from more than 200 ties worn by the Matheson men between 1929, when the store opened, and now.

Designed and created by Fred Matheson’s mother-in-law, Joan Sirois, the quilt took three years to make.

It has 36 squares, each featuring a fan-shape made of six ties each. The shapes in the quilt are precisely scaled down versions of the original tie.

“You know, it really is amazing. It is the history of our store right here. I remember my grandfather and my dad wearing these. I have ties here myself that I have memories attached to,” said Matheson, as he lovingly points to one sample after another.

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“These are part of our history. We have worn them in the store through the years but they have also been part of events which happened through our involvement in the community. “

Matheson said that the ties are very emotional to his mother, especially because of the special ties worn by his dad, Jack.

“They represent more than decoration.”

The ties show the traditions and the trends the store has gone through from the late twenties, to the 70s and 80s, said Matheson.

“It represents something very tangible for me and for the store. I’m proud of what this quilt means,” he said.

The quilt is now a permanent feature in the store.

kcay@panews.com