2009 Sisters Quilt Show

2009 Sisters Quilt Show Now Underway

Having lived here in Central Oregon for most of my life, I had always wanted to attend the Sisters, OR annual quilt show. It is said to be the largest Quilt show in the entire United States. For whatever reason it has taken my wife and I decades to finally attend it.

I've always known it was a big event, however once we were heading out of Bend towards Sisters, there was a traffic road sign that said 'Caution Slow Traffic, Sisters Quilt Show.'

Sure enough as we drove towards Sisters, about 1/2 a mile outside of town, there were cars that were parked alongside the Highway. We decided to chance it and drive into the town itself hoping to find a parking space that some sun weary tourist might be vacating to go back to their hotel and catch a cat nap.

We were fortunate enough to actually get one right off of main street in the middle of the Quilt show. The entire town of Sisters becomes a bazaar of handmade quilts of every shape, size and color.

I was instantly taken by what is called the 'Double Wedding Ring' quilts which as I understand were used as a traditional wedding gift to a newlywed couple. The intricacy was fascinating. Here is a photo of one such quilt along with a closeup to see the detail.

When you take the time to examine these intricately designed works of art, you can't help but marvel at the artistry that takes shape from seemingly worthless scraps of material that are sewn together in such a way that the whole becomes greater than it's individual parts and forms a striking, singular, artist rendering.

I was struck by the variety of ideas and designs that were presented. Every city block in Sisters was covered in these unique art pieces. Prices started at about $200 and went up to around $1,300. Most of the quilts were already sold to appreciative buyers.

It makes me wonder just how many tedious hours are put in to making one of these works of love. There were quilts that had been made as far away as Uganda, Africa where women gather together forging small community businesses that create these one of a kind treasures to sell to admiring buyers. the money they make not only help their families and themselves, but also help in providing needed services within their own communities, small loans to other women who wish to have their own business and provide rent monies for elderly widows who have no way to work. Who knew so much could come from a craft that is probably as old as civilized society!

The quilt show gave me yet another reason to reflect upon the blessing of living in Central Oregon. We have so much variety in the way of arts, crafts, music, theater and more to enjoy while living here. All it takes is taking a break from the routine of life and taking a moment to smell the proverbial roses...and we certainly have a lot of roses to smell in Central Oregon. Here are a few more pics of beautiful quilts I saw during the show.