Quilters throng to Sisters for classes

It's easy to think of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS) as an impressive display of quilt-making, all taking place on a single day - a tourism-driven event showcasing both artists and the town. Generally overlooked is what locals call quilt week - the multiple days preceding the famed outdoor show held on the second Saturday of every July.

From Monday through Friday nearly a thousand quilters take part in Quilter's Affair, sponsored by the Stitchin' Post. This is the serious side of quilting art, where attendees can easily spend $5,000 or more in classes, lodging, and dining. They travel hundreds, in some cases thousands, of miles to attend workshops.

Photo by Bill Bartlett

Education is a big part of the Quilt Show, especially in the week known as Quilters' Affair.

Some seven dozen classes are offered with a range of subjects that are "dazzling," as Cleta Rollins from North Carolina said. "There's a lifetime of learning all wrapped up in one neat weekly package," she said in amazement. A look at the class offerings proved her point. Painting With Glass, Barn Quilt Painting, Tiny Piecing, Stories in Stitches, Fused Glass, Fabric Book Making, were but a few of the diverse and eclectic offerings.

"I get so inspired and challenged every time I come," said Rita Wang of San Francisco.

Wang considers herself a beginner, even though she has been quilting for more than 20 years. In fact, she's at least an intermediate if not expert, her friends chime in.

"We all feel kind of intimidated when we walk in," her companion Jenny explained. "There is so much talent here. It kind of takes your breath away."

"It's also like a Chinese menu," quipped friend Rikki. "So many choices. So little time. I could spend a month here easily."

Quilter's Affair takes place at Sisters High School which is a beehive of creativity for five days. Beyond classroom instruction, attendees are fed, and treated to a wealth of exhibits.

Photo by Bill Bartlett

Sisters High School turned into a giant classroom and workshop.

On Thursday night SOQS held its fundraiser, a night of colorful celebration inspired by Freddy Moran. Moran, known best for her sense of humor and color, is famous for her phrase, "Red is a neutral!"

An internationally recognized, award-winning artist, author, and teacher, Moran did not begin quilting until she was 60 years old. Since that time, she has created countless quilts, all with her signature joie de vivre (and a few polka dots).

Friday Night's program featured Giuseppe Ribaudo's "Unbounded." And for these serious-minded quilters it did not end Saturday. Ribaudo conducted a Sunday lecture and walking tour. Ribaudo is better known internationally as Giucy Giuce, a social media quilting phenomenon.

While Quilter's Affair is the main event, quilting was on full display all week in Sisters. Friday was the scene of The Quilt Show at Black Butte Ranch. The exhibit, which ran outdoors on the lawn, was free.

That afternoon, Plein Air Painters immersed themselves in the surroundings. A silent auction and reception followed. Proceeds benefited scholarships.

Sisters Garden Club joined in the action with its Garden Party Thursday.

Temperatures were running close to 110 degrees all week. The seasonally warm weather seemed to be no deterrent on either the size of crowds nor their enthusiasm.

"Honey, you don't know hot," boasted Morgana King of Redding, California. "I just checked back home and it's 113 degrees, and last Saturday when I left to come here, it was 119 degrees. Now that's hot."

For the most part quilters found it all rather bearable. Many had their lunches under a shade tree at the high school.

When asked what brought quilters to Sisters for quilt week the answer nearly always contained the same word: quality. "There's really very little comparison on the west coast," said Val Boschi from Denver. "You'd have to go to the Upper Midwest or into the Deep South to find this level of instruction and variety."

Most of the quilters lugged their own sewing machines, often resulting in a baggage surcharge for those arriving by plane. Quilters were overheard in a variation on a theme: "My family thinks I'm nuts." Or. "My friends just don't get it."

"Yah," said Terry Eilers from Lincoln, Nebraska, who took three days to drive here. "It seems a little crazy, but crazy fun. And crazy rewarding. I learn so much and always make new friends," she smiled, as she hugged two mates who she met four years ago at a Quilter's Affair.