Best of the Best Quilt Show

Is there anything more comforting than a finely made quilt? To experience the best that the quilting world has to offer, be sure to attend A Mountain Quiltfest being held at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge from March 15 through 19. The event is free and open to the public. The registration desk will open on the Monday, March 14 with activities beginning the next day.

On Tuesday, March 15 beginning at 4:30 p.m., attendees are invited to the First Night Meet the Instructors. Vendors, sponsors, and instructors will be on hand to answer any questions. The hall will be open until 7 p.m.

Want to know what your quilt is worth? Candace St. Lawrence, AQS-certified quilt appraiser will be available to look at your quilts. These consultations are by appointment only. You can either book in advance or check the registration table for availability.

Local quilters and guild members will narrate information about antique quilts made prior to 1966 in the Antique Quilt Bed Turning Room. Two sets of quilts will be alternated throughout the week. Find out who made the quilts and why. Also listen for special patterns and techniques used in the making of the quilts.

Be sure to bring your own quilts to Show and tell on Friday, March 18 at 6 p.m. Admission, as always, is free and open to anyone. During the Show and Tell, drawings will be held for a sewing machine, quilting table, and many more door prizes. Tickets can be obtained by making donations, for showing your items, or simply for attending.

Pigeon Forge Quiltfest Vendor

Pigeon Forge Quiltfest Vendors
@Knoxville Daily Sun

Anyone wanting to hone their quilting skills can attend one of the more than 70 classes offered over the course of the week. Beginners who are just finding the eye of the needle can piece together a course schedule that will allow them to better fabricate a quilt of their own. Quilters who have become a bit frayed can patch together some refresher classes.

More than 30 vendors will be on hand selling everything from needles to quilting tables. Sponsors will be demonstrating the latest in products, fabrics, quilting techniques, and trade secrets in the Demonstrations, Make & Take, and Computer Software areas. Find out what computers can do for your quilting, learn about solutions for stabilizing, or take part in one of several 90 minute classes to create take home pieces.

All quilters are encouraged to participate in the competitions. In over 20 categories, quilters may enter pieces that will be judged. The competition is both free to enter, with participants will be vying for over $22,000 in cash and prizes.  Quilts are also free to view!

So if life has you all knotted up and has rubbed you threadbare, enjoy a week blanketed in the warmth that can only come from sharing the love of quilting.