PHOTOS: Concord Piecemakers Biennial Quilt Show

The following information was provided by guild member, Sally Ewing Abbott.

Don’t miss the Concord Piecemakers biennial quilt show!

“Quilts are real art done by real people. We get to celebrate first quilts and look in awe at works of art. We get to laugh at humorous quilts and sign at memorial quilts,” said Marla Richmond from Westford.

Alice Wiggin, Concordian and founder of the guild said, “There is a great variety of quilting styles and ability from beginner to expert. It’s one of the best attended shows in the state.”

When & Where:

• The Concord Piecemakers quilt guild’s biennial show, Basket of Quilts, will be held Friday Oct. 21, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. More than 180 quilts and wearable art pieces will be displayed. Tickets for a raffle quilt, “Caribbean Dreams,” done in rich blues, will be on sale. The show includes vendors, a boutique of handcrafted items, silent auction, homemade cookies for sale, scissors sharpening and new this year, a coffee shop and hands-on demonstrations. Held at , 43 Central Street, Acton (Exit #41 off Rt. 2).

Admission is $7. The guild is currently accepting new members. You may visit us at www.concordpiecemakers.net.

Taking in a quilt show is like strolling through an art gallery, draped with brightly pieces ranging from folk art to contemporary art quilts. Expertly hung to maximize the effects of color and pattern, the show features quilts of many colorways and styles.

“It really is a feast for the eyes in terms of color, shapes, and inspiration," said member Barbara Weiss. "There are stories behind each quilt, a little bit of women’s history."

The guild is known for its wide range of quilt styles, including traditional abstract blocks like "Wild Goose Chase," or "Lemon Star," hand-stitched appliqué, Baltimore Album quilts, landscapes, contemporary pieces, and wearable art.  Many pieces are original designs by the quiltmakers, themselves. Traditional and innovative techniques like thread painting, hand-dyed fabric, embroidery, trapunto, and beading may be used to bring the quilter’s design concept to life.   

Concord Piecemakers was started in 1980, when Concord resident Alice Wiggin, and 12 other women received the third guild charter in New England from New England Quilter’s Guilds. The first quilt show was held that year at the . The guild is currently 150 members strong, representing 34 communities, and is open to new members. Meetings are held monthly at the in West Concord for quilt talks by locally or nationally known quilters. Acton member Laurie LaConte feels that, “The guild is sort of a modern day quilting bee. It provides social connection as well as education and sharing of creative ideas.”

Some members gather in small groups to make comfort quilts. Joy Sussman of Acton said, “These quilts meant to be used and loved and to show we care because we want to give comfort to those in need.”

Comfort quilts are donated to organizations like Bethke Cancer Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, ConKerr Cancer, Rosie’s Place, placed in police cruisers... and the list goes on.

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