Well, Sisters’ main annual event — the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show — has come and gone, and what a show it was! Now in its 39th year, the onetime one-day festival has gradually evolved into an international quilting extravaganza — with with more than a week cram-packed with activities geared toward serious quilting enthusiasts. Its reach now even extends far beyond Sisters — with related quilting events in Black Butte Ranch, Bend and Redmond.
A colorful collection of greek keys, found in the courtyard beyond B.J.’s.
This year’s theme was “It Takes a Village,” and, when it comes to the world’s largest outdoor quilt show, it certainly did: According to the Bend Bulletin, the festival drew 10,000 to 12,500 quilt fans, relied on the help of more than 550 volunteers and had about a $1.7 million economic impact on Sisters.
Last Saturday, more than 1,400 quilts were on display in just about every nook and cranny of downtown Sisters. They blanketed shop exteriors from top to bottom, were clipped onto makeshift clotheslines in front and back yards, adorned the lawn of the Sisters School Administration building, hung alongside every type of fine art within Sisters’ many galleries, filled makeshift tents scattered around town, graced the walls of clothing boutiques and dining establishments alike. It was a quilters’ nirvana.
Graphic lime green and an eye-popping pattern — a can’t-miss combo.
Even non-quilters like myself could appreciate the handiwork here (hey, in my youth, I was a fierce embroiderer). Although the festival officially ran from 9 am to 4 pm, the show was in full swing even earlier. I spoke to one gallery owner who arrived at her shop to set up at 7 a.m. — only to find folks lined up and waiting to get in. And contrary to common wisdom, this show isn’t strictly a tourist affair. The gallery owner said the majority of her early attendees were locals (even she was surprised).
By the way, this isn’t a show that can be experienced in an hour (plan at least three or four, if you go next year). The seemingly infinite possibilities — from intricate classic patterns to eye-popping optical illusions, from elaborately conceived landscape vistas to impressively life-like pet portraits, from large-scale to pocket-size — defy description. They keep you pressing ever onward, in search of one more “Wow!” just around the corner. Chances are, at this quilt show, you’ll find it.
Here’s a quick tour of the show, in pictures.
The courtyard at Town Square.
A burst of color — above and below.
A study in greens…
The scene outside Huckleberry’s: a study in red.
Double-decker quilts in Town Square.
Would love to know the topic of this conversation…
Perfect time of year — Sisters’ plethora of wildflowers added to the visual feast.
Evidence of the work yet to be complete on the Highway 20 revamp was found throughout town.
A herd of metal mustangs framed a row of quilts in front of Open Range.
Where it all began: The Stitchin’ Post.
Doubletake.
A quilter quartet serenaded festival-goers outside Sisters Drug.
One of the most popular quilts; a tribute to The Wizard of Oz.
Ribbet.
Even Barclay Park was adorned with quilts (and visitors, many of whom ignored the “Please respect our landscaping” signs).
My favorite quilt at the show — a stunning design (based on the Koran), amazing detail work.
The quilt-studded wall at Clearwater Gallery’s outdoor cafe, The Open Door (which was packed with show patrons).
A family affair.
Sign of the times.
The range of quilted works is impressive.
A peek behind the scenes…
At Melvin’s: cows, cows and more cows.
An addition to this year’s show (which some local business owners were less than thrilled about): The Artists’ Marketplace offered non-quilt-related arts & crafts, food vendors and a shady spot to take a break.
Several clever vendors took advantage of the steamy 90-plus summer day .
The teacher’s tent, located behind Sisters Artworks.
At Heritage USA, a yard filled with possibilities.
About the Author
Lisa Broadwater, GRI, CDPE, is a Central Oregon-based real estate professional who specializes in listing and selling homes, especially in Sisters, Tumalo, Bend and Redmond.
Would love to see this in person. Do you have an email list I could be added to?
Melanie
Melanie — The contact information for the Quilt Show is info@SistersOutdoorQuiltShow.org. If you’d like to receive my newsletter, contact me at info@sistersoregonhomes.com, and I’ll be glad to add you to my list.
So wonderful to see all of these quilts from across the country! Thank you.
You’re welcome, Patty. Having such an impressive quilt show is a real coup for us in Sisters! I’m glad you enjoy it too.
I attended the Sisters Quilt Show this year and loved it. Met lots of wonderful people and enjoyed the weather, the town, the restaurants and the hospitality. Everyone was very friendly.