Every summer, on the second Saturday of July, the tiny town of Sisters, Oregon turns into a quilt show–yes, the whole town! It’s quite an event and after more than 25 years of putting it on, they’ve got it down pat. The weather was perfect this year, in the mid-80s rather then the low 100s as it can be. Along with the crowds and the quilts, it was a near-perfect show. Here are just a few that got my attention:
“Aging in Gold” by June Jaeger (43” x 56”)
Quilt Story: Influenced by my life amongst the junipers and understanding their hardy nature, I created what I saw and felt. Tolerating wind and the drought, we are survivors. I painted the gold background with thickened dyes and appliqued the tree and rocks using hand dyed and batik fabrics.
“Make Art, Not Al — An Unexpected War” by Scott Hansen, quilted by Teresa Silva (40” x 45”)
Quilt Story: This quilt is an improv piece that started with the some rescued letter blocks – M-A-K-E-T-N-N and two letters I made for other projects O & I. I started thinking about the sneaky war Al has started on Art and Artists, so I thought a good way to fight back in this creative war was to make a quilt that speaks to that war.
Creating is the BEST part of life. I don’t see Al mowing the lawn or doing the dishes, do I?
No.The ‘battle’ is on. I will create and encourage others to do as well.
“Prismatic Labyrinth” by Leslie Jenison (80” x 86”)
Quilt Story: Made from scraps of other projects this quilt was an experiment in color transitioning. I wanted the changing colors lead my eye through the design.
“Not Black and White” by Melina Kama
Quilt Story: To the sound of heartbeats.
“Bristlecone Pine” by Sherrill Conley, quilted by Heidi Rodli, Piece and Joy Quilting (54” x 72”)
Quilt Story: I don’t usually work with solids but I saw this pattern and couldn’t resist! Pattern is by Coronado Quilt Co.
“McArthur Rim” by Jean Wells (47”x 43”)
Quilt Story: Inspired by a photo I took 20 years ago of McArthur Rim near Broken Top, this quilt explores how ancient stone holds stories—not just of place but of time. Mountain stone becomes a metaphor for connection, one stone supporting another. The quilt reflects the aging of stone through both shape and color, with a rich palette drawn from the wide variety of lichen that clings to its surface. Each of the stitched elements speak to the quiet strength of the landscape.
I ran into Kerry of Kid Giddy who just happened to be in Central Oregon at the right time. I’d you haven’t seen her creations, check them out at kidgiddy.com. I also got a chance to see Latifah Saafir again, and Patti from KC Maker. So much fun!
Hawke and I spent a day at Smith Rock State Park, too. It’s beautiful with volcanic rock, hoodoos, rock climbers and the Crooked River running through.
All in all, it was a lovely weekend away and well worth the drive. If you haven’t been to the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, I recommend you put it on the bucket list. And make sure you submit your quilt next year!
Hello Theresa and Hawke, it was so lovely to see you guys at my first Sisters quilt show. I thoroughly enjoyed the event. I am planning on attending next year and plan more activities around the event. Thank you for sharing.