There is a lot to like about this relatively small quilt show. Many woman-hours went into creating all of the quilts on display and what a variety of quilts there are! One can re-visit traditional patterns such as Sunbonnet Sue, Storm at Sea, and Spider Web, but all with a modern twist! The signage with each quilt is outstanding, telling the history of the pattern or the reason why the quilt came to be, reminding me of the late Helen Kelly's comment that "Every quilt has a story!"
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| "Storm at Sea," a traditional quilt pattern with a twist. Made by Charlotte Croft |
Many of the quilts were made to give to a friend, donate as a charity fundraiser, or to give to a family member. In the case of "Storm at Sea," Charlotte Croft added two heart-shaped leis to a traditional pattern. She plans to give the quilt as a wedding present to a grandson who was born in Hawaii two weeks before Hurricane Iniki hit. The quilt honors his place of birth.
We loved a wolf-themed large bed quilt made for friends. We really liked a quilt that is a tribute to the medical profession which has fabric that features "tools of the trade." From a 9,009 piece Bargello quilt in bright colors, to a small wall quilt with depictions of birds, to a salute to the Civil War via a quilt that combines two patterns of antique Sanitary Commission quilts, the show has something for everyone. This year the challenge quilt section was devoted to quilts with at least two stars.
For the price of admission to the museum, one can see much more than quilts. Learn more about Billings Farm & Museum by visiting their Facebook page and/or going to their website. We have enjoyed being invited to preview their quilt show for many years now, ever since I wrote an article for The Quilter magazine about the place (which may still be featured on their website), and also gave a special presentation there about Redwork embroidery one year. Woodstock, Vermont is a great destination and Billings Farm & Museum is its crown jewel!
Patricia L. Cummings
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