Sisters Quilt Show adds major sponsor, events

The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show is honored to announce Robert Kaufman Fabrics as a new, major sponsor for their event.

Kyle Sanchez, Director of Marketing for Robert Kaufman, said, “We’ve followed the impressive growth of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show over the years and have long wanted to be a part of the excitement. We can’t wait to see the talent and enthusiasm on display, to show our support of the quilting arts and connect with the inspiring community.”

“From the Quilt Show’s perspective, having the support of Robert Kaufman Fabrics, an internationally known fabric company, is very important to us and only adds to the profile and credibility of our events,” says Ann Richardson, Executive Director for the organization.

The Presenting Sponsor for SOQS is the Roundhouse Foundation and other major event sponsors include The Stitchin’ Post, Morrow’s Sewing and Vacuum Center and Baby Lock, The Old Mill District, Black Butte Ranch and High Desert Frameworks.

The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show (SOQS), the largest of its kind in the world, takes place on Saturday, July 13 from 9 am to 4 pm throughout the town of Sisters. Over 1,300 quilts will adorn every building, fence and railing available with styles ranging from hand-quilted heirlooms to contemporary art quilts. Entries are now being accepted through June 1. Information and registration is available at www.sistersoutdoorquiltshow.org/quiltentryinfo.htm.

The show is honored to feature the artwork of Sisters artist Dan Rickards on the 2013 show poster, “Streams of Color.”

An annual collector’s item, this year’s poster captures the essence of Sisters in Dan’s realistic and detailed style. Posters, t-shirts and other items featuring Dan’s artwork is available at the Stitchin’ Post in Sisters.

The quilting extravaganza week kicks off with the 10th anniversary of the Around the Block Fiber Arts Stroll and Quilt Walk on Sunday, July 7. The art stroll, presented by Clearwater Gallery of Sisters, offers over 25 locations where visitors can watch the fiber artists demonstrate their craft and purchase their work. This year’s fiber art includes pine needle basketry, sculptured fiber bowls, fly tying, hand-painted fabric, spinning, weaving and adorable felted creatures. The annual Quilt Walk showcases over 100 quilts inside SOQS sponsoring businesses during the month of July. The Old Mill District in Bend also participates in the Quilt Walk from July 5 – 21, with over 20 locations. A map of the art stroll locations and a separate brochure listing Quilt Walk businesses will be available at the Stitchin’ Post, Sisters Chamber of Commerce and participating businesses the first week of July.

The annual featured quilter exhibits include the very best of the art of quilting and highlight the quality of work done throughout Central Oregon. Kristin Shields of Bend, Oregon is this year’s “Featured Quilter”. Her liberated piecing and original applique work is creative, funky and very fun. Ruth Ingham of Black Butte Ranch, Oregon is our “Inspirational Instructor” and the work of Tammy MacArthur from Redmond, Oregon is featured in the “Machine Quilter Showcase.”

SOQS is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, educating and inspiring the public about the art of quilting and enhancing the economic and cultural vitality of the schools and community of Sisters and Central Oregon. The annual fundraising event for 2013 is a screening of the film, “Stitched”, featuring three quilting super stars as they prepare their entries for the Houston International Quilt Festival. The producers will be in Sisters to host the film on Tuesday, July 9 at Sisters High School and the evening will feature a dessert tasting, great door prizes and some fun surprises. Tickets are available at www.sistersoutdoorquiltshow.org/events.htm#stitched. Proceeds support SOQS and help defray the cost of putting on our other, free, events.

Two leaders of the “Modern Movement” in quilting are the featured speakers during Save it for Sunday at FivePine Lodge in Sisters. Alissa Haight Carlton and Elizabeth Hartman will lecture on Modern Quilt Design and a large selection of quilts in that style will be exhibited throughout the grounds of the FivePine Campus on Sunday, July 14. A limited selection of Special Exhibit quilts will be displayed in the downtown area between 10 am and 3 pm. Our Save it for Sunday events are co-sponsored by U.S. Bank and FivePine Lodge and Conference Center.
SOQS relies heavily on volunteer support. Over 500 volunteers are needed each year and now is a great time to get involved. A complete listing of volunteer jobs and online sign up is available at www.sistersoutdoorquiltshow.org/volunteers.htm.

Quilting knowledge or experience is not a requirement. Our Volunteer Program and annual Appreciation Affair are generously sponsored by Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort and Bi-Mart.