We were invited to attend the Gala Opening of the 24th Annual Quilt Exhibition at Billings Farm & Museum on July 31, 2010. This display will be in place in Woodstock, VT (Rte. 12 & River Rd.) until September 26 and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Featured here is a sampling of the wonderful work of quilters from Windsor County, Vermont, representing many styles and design inspirations. This year, two of the antique quilts in the Billings Farm & Museum collection were offered as inspiration to quilters to make miniature spin-off designs. It was fun to see the different interpretations of the same theme. One old quilt was in the “Bear’s Paw” pattern; the other was in the Red and Green appliqué tradition using a white background. The quilt, dated 1830, was hand-quilted so closely that, at first glance, it appeared to be machine quilted, but I knew that could not be true, given the date!
Antique “Bear’s Paw in Mud” from the collection of Billings Farm & Museum
“Thrift Store Bears” miniature quilt by Joanne Sharp, North Pomfret, VT
I love this quilt! It looks so spontaneous the way the edges of the quilt are treated, with just part of the “next” blocks showing. The colors are vibrant and fresh with congruent saturation of color in all fabrics. There is nice contrast between the blocks and the background. The sashings are just the right color to set off the rest of the quilt, and the miniature size of this quilt is charming!
“Crop Circle: Etchihampton England, 11 August 2002″ by Joanne Sharp, North Pomfret, VT (same quilter as above).
This unusual quilt design caught my eye and invited me to read more to understand the inspiration of the quilter. She explains that it is based on the design seen in a wheat field in England. She created it via the method of “cut away” appliqué. This quilter has proven herself to be proficient at both piecing and appliqué!
This quilt, “Awaiting Spring,” by Elizabeth Allen of Windsor, VT, caught Jim’s eye. He likes its bright colors and large flower designs. The quilter was inspired by a class with Becky Goldsmith as well as a book written by her (unnamed).
This beautiful quilt, “Treasures of Vermont” was put together by the Delectable Mountain Quilter’s Guild, Bethel, VT. It is colorful and attractive from a distance. Yet, close up, the beading and inking details are wonderful! I love the variety of techniques in this piece, especially the paper-pieced Robin. Delightful!
My favorite of the entire show is this miniature quilt by Mara Novak of Chester, VT. The quilt is machine pieced, machine appliquéd, machine embroidered, and machine quilted. I love her use of color and design. She states that the quilt was intended for use as a talisman against a visit from a real bear. She adds, “It didn’t work.”
Well, that concludes our review of “samples” from this year’s show. There are many other worthy quilts that are not shown here, so we encourage you to make a day of it, bring the family, and enjoy ALL that the museum has to offer. The Billings Farm & Museum is a delight in any season, offering tours of a Victorian farmhouse, horse-drawn rides, and the opportunity to view farm animals, close-up. They have a wonderful gift shop, and across the street are hiking trails that are part of the National Parks system. Of course, Woodstock itself is a mecca for tourists. Antique stores and antiquarian bookstores and other shops are located downtown. Not too far away is the Teddy Bear factory. This a four seasons resort town, and lucky are those who can call the town “home,” a beautiful place to visit!
Many thanks to the Billings Farm & Museum for all that they do to encourage and support quilters and the age old tradition of quilting. For more information, please visit their website or call 1-802-457-2355.
Patricia and James Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications – Don’t miss our newly-posted article about yo-yo quilts!
