Quilt Happenings in New England

08/12/2026

Join Ashby Historical Society staff and contemporary fiber artists from our town at the Library to explore how textiles evolved from a homemade necessity in 1700s to a vibrant art form today. Ashby Textiles: Then & Now, Meet the Artists, Sat. 8/15 from 10 to noon at the Library. The Ashby Textile exhibit is ongoing.

Our earliest local textiles were crafted entirely at home out of pure survival and necessity. By 1830, the rise of the Lowell Mills completely shifted production by manufacturing textiles on a grand scale, enticing young women to leave home for the mills and gain economic independence. Today, textiles have emerged as a powerful medium for fine art, and talented Ashby women are prominent among the contemporary artists leading this movement.

07/11/2026

The members of the Belknap Mill Quilters Guild of Laconia, New Hampshire are busy preparing for our 49th Annual Harvest of Quilts Show to be held on September 19 and 20, 2026, along with our “Mysterious Quilt Journey!” This is the seventh year for the quilt journey - a free and fun event for participants! Be sure to visit the participating Laconia businesses to see how many quilts you can spot. The Mysterious Quilt Journey will open on September 11th and run through September 20th.



We will be holding our quilt show at Lakes Region Community College, 379 Belmont Road, Laconia, NH 03246. There is plenty of onsite parking, and a shuttle vehicle to drop you at the nearest entrance to the show. If you are hungry be sure to visit the college’s Countdown Café, offering delicious options for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you’re looking for a snack or a full meal, Dave’s food is always fresh, affordable, and tasty!



The Quilt Show will begin at 10 am on Saturday, September 19th until 5 pm and again on Sunday, September 20th from 10 am until 4 pm.
Admission: $10.00 for Adults, Children under 12 free w/paid adult admission.

Winning quilts are selected by popular vote. Voting ends at 5 pm on Saturday.

04/26/2026

I vended at this show for many years. It is one of a few shows that are sponsored by a guild, that is held every year, instead of every other year. The Bennington Museum is home to the famous "Dear Jane" quilt and if I recall correctly, the quilt is only on display a few days before and after the show. Well worth the trip. Bennington is a lovely "college town" in southern Vermont. Lots of great shops and restaurants. They used to host a vintage car show and craft show at the same time as the quilt show, but that may have changed. I will try to find out more details and update this post. There are many quilts and vendors at the show and lots of nearby places as well. If you are planning to stay over night, now is not too early to book reservations. There are not that many hotels, B & B's, etc. and things are often booked repeated each year for the show. It is always a lovely drive in Vermont anytime in the fall. Note, I will not be vending at the show this year, 2026.

Mark your calendars for this year's Quiltfest!

04/26/2026

I have seen this quilt in person....and you can too. Visit the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, MA

So much to love and explore through quilt study! Join our community!

Quilt Pictured: “Garden Maze; Ohio Star,” made by Sarah Jane Stoller, 1850-1875. Object #2005.25.E Collection of the New England Quilt Museum (Lowell, MA)
quiltindex.org//view/?type=fullrec&kid=11-37-4495

Join AQSG:
tinyurl.com/Join-AQSG

americanquiltstudygroup.org

04/26/2026

I have been a past member of this group and plan to renew my membership. If you are interested in textiles of any kind, especially quilts, you will find the group a great source of education and inspiration. And they even have scholarships and grants. Please pass this information along to others. Thank you, Robin