Blast of Freedom - news release

Members of the Woolley Fiber Quilters are preparing for the upcoming “Blast of Freedom” quilt show, June 6-7-8 in downtown Sedro-Woolley.  At this fifth annual show, local quilters expect to exhibit 300 quilts, including quilts made to be donated to local veterans’ quilt organizations. 

The popular “bed turning” presentation will return, which highlights vintage quilts in both bed size and doll size. 

The show also features quilt supply vendors, a member boutique, demonstrations, a raffle quilt, and a large variety of quilts for viewing and inspiration.

“This is a quilting town,” said Judy Johnson, WFQ president.  “There are lots of quilting groups in Sedro-Woolley and lots of individual quilters.  We love to come together once a year and show what we have been creating!”

One of only four non-juried quilt shows in Skagit, Whatcom, Island, and Snohomish counties during 2014, the Woolley Fiber Quilters show strives to be a true “community” quilt show with fun for everyone. 

From its inception in 2010, the quilt show was specifically paired with Sedro-Woolley’s premier summer kickoff event, “Blast from the Past”.  “It’s a great match in terms of traditional activities and in making sure that there is something for everyone during the event weekend,” said Johnson.  “We always have visitors from all over Washington state, Lower BC, and beyond.” 

The group selects a theme for each year, and so far has used the “Blast of” tag for each show.  “Blast of Freedom” will celebrate citizenship and everything red, white, and blue.  Quilts associated with the theme will be assigned to the “theme” category; other categories are determined by quilt size and age of the quilter.  As in previous years, attendees are invited to vote for their favorites in each category and the most popular quilts will be awarded ribbons on Saturday afternoon. 

Some local quilters have made quilts specifically to donate to local chapters of the Quilts of Valor or American Hero Quilts organizations.  These quilts will be displayed in the “theme” category and then will go on to be awarded to a veteran. More information about both organizations will be available at the show. 

Quilting is one of the most popular pastimes in the USA; New Track Media, a publisher of several quilting magazines, commissions an annual study called Quilting In America.  Most recently, the survey identified 21.3 million US quilters who spend about $3.5 billion annually on their hobby. 

“Blast of Freedom” coincides with festival hours:  Friday and Saturday, 10 – 6 and Sunday, 10 – 4.  Locations this year are at 903A Metcalf Street (formerly Curves) and 810 Metcalf Street (formerly Holland Drug).  “We are extremely grateful to Pat Farrell and Jerry Willins, who have made a downtown show possible again this year by allowing us to use their buildings,” emphasized Johnson.  “We are also indebted to Bobi Kelley, as she allows Cascade Fabrics to be the hub for show activities.”  Other major sponsors are Country Meadow Village, Machine Quilting Experience, Threadmongers, and the family of Dean and Barbara Gregory.