Friday, July 18, 2014

The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show

The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, which was started by Jean Wells (owner of the Stitchin' Post)in 1975, takes place every year in a small town nestled in the mountains of central Oregon. The town is named after the three mountains (the three sisters) that are visible from almost anywhere in town. Saying that it is picturesque would be an understatement- the big sky, gorgeous sunsets, snow capped mountains, towering evergreens and fields of wildflowers make this area so magnificent! And, the Sisters Quilt Show is unlike anything I've ever experienced... It is not to be missed.
*The main street through Sisters
*pictured above- the SOQS poster by Dan Rickards, Christine, Rob, myself, and the Stitchin' Post decorated with quilts- that the local fire service hangs early in the morning!
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Our Sisters Story 
Christine and I flew into Portland and then drove about three hours into Sisters. The drive was beautiful and, luckily, the car rental place gave me a map (I LOVE maps!) so I could check out the route and tell Christine exactly what national park we were driving through and what river we may have passed over- yep, awesome navigator ;)
*We may have been called "old school" by the barista in the Starbucks drive through- but, now I can picture exactly how to get to Sisters... and I can tell you all of the elevations and alternative routes :) Take THAT modern technology! 

First thing on Saturday morning, we attended the ceremony for Quilted in Honor where our friends, Rob Appell, Scott Hansen and Angela Walters all had donated quilts on display. It was a moving ceremony and if you haven't heard about Quilted in Honor and Operation Homefront, please head over to their website- they do amazing work! 

The Wish Upon a Card Project was also initiated at the Sisters Show and sponsored by Michael Miller! It is a local non-profit organization that assists with non-medical expenses for people undergoing cancer treatment in Central Oregon. For more information, please click on this link or visit their Facebook page. This year, the MMF challenge fabric was Beadwork.
*pictured above- Rob Appell and his designs

*pictured above Scott Hansen, Angela Walters and Kari McClellan
We spent much of the day on Saturday walking the show, aka THE WHOLE TOWN, with Violet Craft, Jen Carlton Bailly, Monica Solorio Snow, Elizabeth Hartman and Petra Anderson. 

*Pictured above- Violet Craft with her design, Forest Abstractions
*The Portland Modern Quilt Guild representing!!
There are quilts hanging on every business in the town- it was fun finding Michael Miller Fabric ones!
*Laura Gunn's Big Poppy (on the left) and Domino Dot by Violet Craft (on the right)
*Brambleberry Ridge making an appearance on the coffee shop!
My photos really can't do this show justice. Truly an inspiring experience! 
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I'll leave you with some wild flowers and some pretty Oregon clouds- 
Have a wonderful weekend and happy sewing!

xo,
Kait





1 comment:

Carla said...

Looks awesome. I hope to get there one day.
Thanks for sharing your trip.