35th Annual Quilt Show Comes to the Arsenal Center

It starts with a needle, thread, fabric, and batting. Add ample amounts of imagination and then start stitching. That formula may seem simplistic, but it builds the foundation for a popular art form on display at the Arsenal Center this weekend.  The Quilters’ Connection, a group founded in 1977 to “encourage, preserve, and develop the art of quilting,” will show more than 200 quilts.

Margaret Rolph, Quilters’ Connection Show Chairperson and a 9-year member, looks forward to displaying what she calls "Round Robin quilts." These quilts are being shown to the public for the first time.

"Each of the round robin quilts involves five quilters," she says.  "The first person starts with an idea, some fabric, and pieces together a central motif.  Then the piece is passed along to the other four quilters, who each add a new border or section.  Finally, the quilt ‘top’ is complete and the sandwiching takes place – top, batting and backing – and the quilting is done by hand or machine.  The results can be very surprising and exciting!"

In addition, she says a large number of quilts in the show are inspired by the places its members visit. "Ireland, Australia, Mexico, Hawaii, MonheganIsland, Provence, to name just a few," she says.

Quilters’ Connection celebrates its 35^th anniversary this year. It is made up of 400 quilters from the greater Boston area as well as members from as far away as Japan.  This year’s show features a variety of quilts, many of which are for sale, and includes pieces ranging from classic to cutting edge.

"Classic quilts are made as bed coverings, generally from cotton fabric, and are either pieced [patchwork] or whole cloth with designs appliqued and then quilted, usually in traditional patterns," Rolph says.  "Cutting edge describes the art quilts, made as wall-hangings, that many of our members make.  Most of these are original designs, often pictorial with fine detail rendered with thread or small pieces of fabric.  They are made from a huge variety of fabrics and materials, often with fabric that is hand-dyed, painted, or printed and can be embellished with beads, hand embroidery, and found objects."

Ultimately, all good quilts, she says, begin with a good idea and a strong design.

"A good quilt, like any good piece of art, attracts the viewer to linger and inspires a response or feeling.  Fine workmanship, beautifully rendered stitches and striking color use characterize good quilts."

No doubt, there should be plenty of beautiful quilts for the public to enjoy.  There will also be guided tours and demonstrations of quilting techniques, along with a raffle where someone will win a quilt designed and made by guild members.  Raffle tickets will be on sale for $1.

The show is open to the public on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.  Admission is $6.  To learn more about Quilters’ Connection, membership, or their community service projects, click here, or for more information on this weekend's show, visit the Arsenal Center’s website.