Northern VA nest of quilt revival in the 1970' and since then too

I know that many people do not know that we are sitting here at the source of a major revival in quilting in the USA. I got on the wagon in the 1970s and have not left it since then so there is a lot that I take for granted that everyone knows. Just in case you don't know some of the history, there is an annual event that for many of us used to be the yearly kick off for once more designing a new quilt, connecting with any of the guilds that include more than a thousand members...you get the picture. Then things would settle down in May, but now the big show is now in June (more than 500 new quilts a year on display in a non juried show) and seem to have interupted the few hot months to rest or just dream, beach and look at photos for colors for the next quilt. Now quilting can keep up all year long.

This summer because of the heat has I think had more people inside quilting than ever before....times change. The milestones stay the same and here it is:




Sully Historic Site’s 37th Annual Quilt Show & Sale will be held on Sunday, September 12, 2010 from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. featuring antique and new American-made quilts, fabrics, antique linens, baskets, stained glass and jewelry at the largest outdoor quilt show in the east.

Tour the 1794 home of Richard Bland Lee, northern Virginia’s first congressman and see early examples of quilts in the period rooms. These quilts, belonging to private collectors reflect this year’s theme, Great American Quilt Designers, 1830-1930.

Throughout the day, Northern Virginia Quilters Unlimited will provide demonstrations and talks on quilting techniques. Living history interpreters will demonstrate spinning, weaving and hand sewing as it was done in the 18th and 19th centuries and invite you to try some of these techniques. Appraisers will be available to evaluate your family heirloom quilts for $10 per quilt with a limit of two quilts.

Enjoy a hearty lunch from our food vendors as you picnic in the shady grove of trees. See how delicious kettle corn is made and treat yourself to ice cream.

Sully’s door prize quilt has once again been designed, pieced and quilted by members of the Hayfield Country Quilters. Each adult or senior admission ticket includes a chance to win this beautiful prize!

Admission to the Quilt Show is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for children. For more information, contact Sully at 703-437-1794.

Directions: Sully Historic Site is located on Route 28 in Chantilly, VA. From the Beltway (495) take either I66 west to Route 28 North or the Dulles Toll Road to exit 9A (Route 28 South).