23rd Annual Billings Farm and Museum
Quilt Show - 2009
by Patricia Cummings
photos by James Cummings
We were delighted to be invited to the grand opening of the annual quilt show at the Billings Farm and Museum in Woodstock, Vermont. This article is to share the news of those who won awards for their quilts. Bob Benz, the museum's curator, addressed the group gathered to view the exhibit, telling us that the first year only 22 quilts were displayed. That number has grown consistently and this year, there are 52 quilts hung for all to enjoy until September 27, 2009.
A quilt named "Radiant Star," made by Sherry Bingham of Perkinsville, Vermont was honored with the Curator's special award.
"Radiant Star" by Sherry Bingham, pieced and appliquéd
Sherry Bingham of Perkinsville, VT looks on while Bob Benz offers words of appreciation for "Radiant Star"
"Fantasy Flowers" by Sherry Bingham in a totally different color palette than "Radiant Stars"
Sherry Bingham accepting a ribbon for "Fantasy Flowers" from quilt judge, Christine Fries
This lovely quilt with pieced leaves impressed the judges. The quilt was made by Ruth Buchanan of North Pomfret, VT who calls it "Horticulture 101."
Quilt judge, Nola Forbes, explains why the judges like "Horticulture 101."
"Mr. Billings Parquet" by Marguerite Auger, pieced with a late nineteenth century color palette.
Marguerite Auger was the only other ribbon winner. She is shown here while Nola Forbes comments on her fine work.
"Mr. Billings Parquet" was made on behalf of the National Park Service Rangers and is dedicated to Janet Houghton who served as archivist to the Rockefeller family in Woodstock since 1975. The word "parquet" represents the floors in the Rockefeller Mansion that is just across the street from the Billings Farm and Museum.
There are many other wonderful quilts in this show. Since I can't resist a quilt with a charming story, here is another one ... in Redwork.
While Sherrill Gould of Windsor, VT was embroidering these designs from Carlon Casting Co., she explained to her grandson that they were related to a Christmas song. Five years old at the time, he replied, "Why, Grandma, you're sewing a song!" She calls the quilt, "Sewing a Song."
I couldn't resist this Redwork quilt. I like Redwork. In fact, several years ago, I was the keynote speaker at this event, with a presentation about Victorian Outline Stitch Embroidery, including Redwork, Bluework, and Greenwork.
This was a most delightful evening. The heavy rains, earlier in the day, had abated by the time we arrived. Cookies and punch and the friendliness of museum workers, as well as other guests, made this event memorable. Our best wishes for continued success and joy in presenting this annual event. Our hats are off to the quilters of Windsor County, Vermont whose quilts are seen there each year.
Note: A third judge, Alexandra Nickerson, was not able to be present for this event.
Additional Links on This Website:
Billings: A Journey of Leaves Quilt
Copyright 2009. Patricia and James Cummings, Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, New Hampshire. pat@quiltersmuse.com