Article and pictures by Val Bourque
As spring and summer approaches, we find there are many Quilt Shows and special events for the novice and avid quilter. There is so much to see at a quilt show, something for everyone – quilters and non-quilters alike.
This year’s annual Cabin Fever Quilt how in the rural community of Portola, featured Hoffman Challenge quilts from all around the country. Locals submitted their quilts to be judged by those in attendance as well as a featured quilt judge. Each quilt inspires us to go beyond our normal quilt boundaries and explore our creativity. The quilts on display will inspire you to create your own masterpiece.
The Sew Original Quilt & Creative Expo will be held June 23-25 in Reno, NV at the Grand Sierra Resort in the ballroom. This is one of the largest quilt and sewing shows in the region. Quilt entries from all over the world are displayed and each year there are several vintage and antique quilts to be seen. There are drawings for prizes with the Grand Prize worth over $500. You can spend half the day just wondering around the vendors and the other half sitting in on the free demonstrations. This 3-day show has classes on every kind of sewing project, although quilting is the main theme.
The next show in Northern California is the upcoming Quilts of Lake Almanor Quilt Show in Chester, sponsored by Chester Piecemaker’s Quilt Guild. This August 6th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 pm and August 7th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 pm, the quilt show can be seen at Chester High School, 612 First St., Chester. There will be vendors offering fabric, patterns, tools and kits. Most quilt shows have a ‘General Store’ where you will find bargains in books, fabrics, kits, tools and finished hand made items. Refreshments and sandwiches round out the visit to the show Each quilt show has something unique to offer and well worth the price of admission.
For your free quilt pattern contact
Val at: quilterspiece@gmail.com
Val Bourque, former District Sales Manager for Bernina of America and past President of Chester Piecemaker’s Quilt Guild.
