The Quilt Show

My husband was flipping TV channels one lazy Saturday afternoon and he came across a Quilt Show. I know several ladies who make quilts, but never thought about a quilt show. It doesn’t surprise me really, there seems to be a show for everything. What struck me as he lingered on the channel for a little while was the number and size of quilts hanging around the room. I immediately thought about the logistics of this…how much space is needed, how heavy are they, does the room need to be temperature or humidity controlled..? So in true fashion, I looked into what it takes to put together a Quilt Show.

Some of the logistics start off a lot like a dog show (see my blog Ain’t Nothin’ but a Hound Dog). Select a date, find a location, advertise, and sell booth space. Some of the quilts can be quite heavy. Logistically, I was thinking they were hung on the pipes from pipe and drape. Nope, they’re not nearly substantial enough. The most recommended method to hang a quilt is to insert twelve foot wood 4×4’s into “X” bases. Across the uprights, a PVC pipe and men’s pant hangers can hold the quilt up without damaging it. I didn’t find anything about temperature or humidity but that makes sense that these wouldn’t be an issue. My grandmother gave us several quilts growing up and we lived in them. We laid on them, used them as picnic blankets, washed them, slept under them; they took a beating and still looked great years later. The only thing prohibited inside the quilt show was food.

So besides showing off the lovely quilts, what is the purpose of a quilt show? Quilts are hung to be judged by the people coming to the show. It’s a quilt competition. A myriad of categories can be created for attendees to use to judge the quilts like “most colorful,” “best use of patterns,” and “viewers choice.” Don’t forget that even kids can vote in a competition such as this so include categories for them like “happiest quilt” or “craziest pattern quilt.”

Another reason someone might attend a quilt show is for education or information. Often, in one corner of the room where the quilts are displayed will be an area for a speaker or demonstrations. Someone might show the group a new technique, demonstrate the latest equipment, or teach beginners the basics. Occasionally the host may invite their favorite quilt designer to sell their quilts for a discounted rate at a trunk show as a highlight to draw a crowd.

Still another reason for a quilt show is to create income or advertise for a local quilt shop. Fees are charged for every quilt entered in the competition. Sometimes if a single quilter wants to enter more than one quilt there will be a bundle discount, but that’s not always the case. Then, there is a fee for everyone attending the quilt show. To draw more mothers with children, some offer children under a certain age the ability to enter and participate in the judging for free. In addition, there is often a silent auction of specialty baskets filled with donations from local quilt shops and vendors. And some shows create a quilt specifically for the purpose of being raffled off. This quilt is used in marketing and advertising materials, tickets are sold in the local area ahead of time and at the door, and a lucky winner is picked at the end of the show.

As with any competition, there must be ribbons or trophies passed out at the end of the show to the winners in each category. Shows which span multiple days end judging early on the final day so the prizes can be distributed and displayed near the quilts for viewers to see as they walk through the aisles.

Overall, planning a quilt show isn’t too far off the beaten path. With the continued timber shortage, may I suggest you consider an alternative hanging option if you don’t already have a stash of 4×4’s hanging around, or the wood alone may cost you a pretty penny.

Who has organized a quilt show? What have you used to hang the quilts? Share your experience here or send me an email, I’d love to know!

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