This September was the seventh annual Garden of Quilts event sponsored by Riley Blake Designs and held at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah. I've been lucky enough to attend many of these inspiring events over the years. I want to share a glimpse of the beauty and inspiration found at Garden of Quilts. The quilts, the gardens and most importantly, the community, left me feeling both restored and inspired. I hope I can capture a little bit of that magic to share with all of you.
An Incredible Garden with Hundreds of Quilts
The highlight of this unique event is the display of hundreds of quilts throughout 50 acres of flowerbeds, trees, water features, and pathways - including a walled-in "Secret Garden". The one-of-a-kind setting creates an unforgettable backdrop for this celebration of all things quilting.
The quilts are displayed in large tents, frames, pergolas and lines and lines of ropes scattered through trees and fields. It's just breathtaking.
Here's a look at some of the incredible talent and inspiration on display this year.
One thing I love is the variety of styles, genres, and skills in the different quilts on display. It's not a juried event - meaning there's no critiquing or judging. As a result there's a unique representation of quilters. Truly something for everyone!
Along with the exhibits, the event features classes, trunk shows, and a marketplace. This creates a chance to learn, shop, and connect with quilters from all over in a truly unique setting.
Inspiring Quilt-y Humanitarians
The marketplace also included some wonderful quilting-related Humanitarian organizations including Stitching Hearts World Wide and Wrap the World with Quilts. These organizations gather quilts to be distributed to those in crisis in the local community as well as around the globe.
Another remarkable organization featured at the event is One Common Thread Quilts, founded by Courtney Kimball. This group provides work for women makers in Honduras, giving them opportunities to break free from cycles of poverty and limited education. A selection of their beautiful, hand-pieced quilts was even showcased throughout the Gardens.
You don't need to be at an event in person to buy one of these quilts, coats or aprons. You can purchase quilts and accessories directly from One Common Thread here and support the women behind this inspiring organization.
Inspiring (and star-struck) Trunk Shows
After giving a lecture and trunk show, I had the chance to meet one of my childhood icons-Melissa Gilbert (a.k.a. Laura Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie). As a kid, my sisters, friends, and I loved playing "Little House." We'd load up blankets, our Cabbage Patch dolls, and a bunch of snacks into a red wagon, then pull it through the neighborhood to "camp" on different neighbors' lawns.
Melissa was there representing her company Modern Prairie. She is also a fellow-fabric-designer for Riley Blake Designs and gave a trunk show immediately after mine. (You can see more of her fabric collections here.)
If someone had told my 8-year-old self that one day I would work for the same company as Laura Ingalls, and even present products on the same stage as her, I wouldn't have believed it. I also wouldn't have believed we'd both be talking about quilts. 😂 Life is amazing sometimes.
And speaking of trunk shows, getting to watch Sandy Klop (aka American Jane) share her absolutely jaw-dropping quilts, was such a huge treat. Her quilts are absolutely phenomenal.
I have been a Sandy Klop fan for YEARS. Like before I even started writing this blog 17 years ago. When I worked at my local quilt shop I would always call dibs on making a sample for the shop whenever a new American Jane collection came in.
Over the years I've made so many American Jane quilts that I've lost count of how many. This Dresden Plate one is probably still my favorite. This Wagon Wheels quilt pattern (below) is still on my bucket list to make one day.
In 2011 I had the chance to meet Sandy for the first time in real life. She came to teach at a retreat hosted by that quilt shop and shared her inspiring trunk show there. For me, it was like meeting the Taylor Swift of quilting, I was such a fan girl.
After that I would always stop at her booth at Quilt Market over the years and we'd joke that I was her stalker.😉 She is truly one of the funnest, funniest, most delightful people you could meet.
When I started designing fabric back in 2017 she was so encouraging and excited for me. It was truly a pinch-me moment.
I haven't seen Sandy in person since Quilt Market in 2019 so It was SO special to reconnect. We're both a little older than we were when we first met in 2011. It was such a treat, and one of the highlights of my weekend, to connect again with this delightful woman that I adore.
And I'm adding another American Jane quilt pattern (or 3) back on my bucket list to make!
Hope and Healing with Quilts in a Garden
The other best part of the experience was the people. I met and visited with so many just wonderful groups and individuals with the best hearts and wisdom.
I had some profound conversations about how working with our hands - especially sewing through times of stress, loss, or grief - brings healing, hope and comfort.
Also the calming, therapeutic properties of getting outside into nature, just sitting and "being" still. And a magnificent garden was a wonderful place to experience that.
Many of these conversations were with people who were complete strangers at the beginning of the conversation. And yet hearts were knit together through connecting over similar thoughts, feelings and experiences. It was such a beautiful contrast and restorative balm in our current environment of distraction, discord, and division. And a reminder that humanity is still made up of good, good people. They're just not getting the big headlines.
One last quilt to share. I think it was my favorite of the show. This beautiful improv quilt by Marcia Peterson is called Knocking on Heaven's Door. Here is her own description of the quilt:
Thank you SO MUCH to those to came up to say hello, shared their own heart-felt experiences from their lives. SO grateful also to reconnect with incredible makers who have inspired me for years.
I came away feeling inspired and uplifted. ❤️❤️🩹❤️
Karen Little says
That improv quilt "Knocking on Heaven's Door" is amazing. I saw the quilt before I saw the Artist's description -- totally inspiring! I can't imagine the many, many hours she needed to complete the masterpiece. I hope it has a prominent place to be admired by many who would have no doubt what the Artist was conveying. Such an awesome creation.
Amy says
I agree. Isn't it incredible? Inspiring on it's own, but even more so when you read the the artist's explanation.
Bette says
Amy, thank you for all the beautiful pictures, the stories about friends old and new, and about how quilting helps us ease heavy burdens when the difficult times we live in feel too much to bear. This was an inspiring post.
Linda Cockerham says
Obviously a very personal quilt, Knocking on Heavens Door. Do you think the quilt designer would ever make a pattern or modified pattern?
Amy says
Great question. I don't think it's possible to create a pattern for this one. The complexity and detail would be too difficult to write instructions for.
Brenda Rhea says
Where was the beautiful Garden of Quilts? I'd love to go next year....
Amy says
It's at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah in September. (Usually the second or third week of the month.)
Kim Baker says
Wonderful Pictures....Glad ya Got a Picture with Melissa Gilbert..
Beautiful Quilts. Thank You For Sharing..
Amy says
Hah! Me too!
Joan Hinchcliff says
What a wonderful post, I truly enjoyed seeing the beautiful quilts but especially loved reading your words describing it all!
Angie in SoCal says
Fabulous! Thank you for sharing!!
JoyceO says
Oh my! What a beautiful quilt show. I'm sure that the beauty of it all is, indeed, an uplifting experience. I keep reading how crafting, sewing, and art related activities are so up lifting. We need to entice all people in our bid wide world. I know that I get lost in my "own world" when I'm in my sewing space. It's pure magic ☺️ Thanks for a beautiful and uplifting report on your adventure, Amy ❤️ Your message is beautifully conveyed.
Rhonda says
It was another beautiful show! I saw you at the Meet the Maker but did not get to visit!. The Ashton Gardens are spectacular and Riley Blake putting together this show is just awesome! Labor of love and every person i encountered was so full of JOY. Looking forward to next year’s event already! I do not know how I missed seeing Knocking on Heavens Door but i sure did! The story is very powerful! Thank you for sharing. When i get overwhelmed quilting is my haven, my joy.
Charlotte says
Well! I POURED over this post. Thanks for sharing these inspiring quilts and stories. I love the quilting world.
Robby says
Oh Amy thank you thank you thank you, for sharing your thoughts and feelings on Garden of Quilts. My favorite was the Jane Austen. I love that you could catch up with amazing people like Melissa and you both look gorgeous. I miss you. 💕💜💗
Sharon says
Thanks for showing all the beautiful quilts! I also loved seeing Melissa Gilbert’s new fabric line.
Lisa Baker says
Thank you so much for the beautiful pictures and post! I wish I could have been there but you really captured the vibe on what it was like. The sunny day mixed with the flowers and quilts in the gardens was my kind of paradise. I enjoyed this very much.
Lori Ann says
Dear Amy,
What a beautiful post. I giggled when you detailed your feelings about meeting Melissa Gilbert and reconnecting with Sandy Klop
because that is how I felt meeting you at Garden of Quilts (I was “stalking you” LOL). I sought you out during your Swedish Hearts class (you graciously included our selfie in this post). You are so talented, so genuine and kind! It was a DREAM come true and a joy for me. You are one of my mentors! And in life when the experience is even more than you hoped, it fills one’s heart. Thank you Amy! Truly, thank you
Amy says
Lori! I'm so glad you came to say Hi! It totally made my day. And so glad you enjoyed Garden of Quilts!
Marianne says
I loved this post and have almost come to the show, I only wish it were at a different time rather than smack in the worst time for hurricane season here in Florida. I'm always afraid of getting stuck either there or here! Loved the pictures of the beautiful grounds and quilts. Thanks for sharing!
Kelly Hunsberger says
Wow! Just Wow! What a beautiful description, I felt as though I was walking down the path beside you! You have convinced me that The Garden of Quilts MUST be added to my bucket list! Thank you for taking the time to write this and experience it through your eyes! I hope you will be at Market, I would love to thank you in person. I will be there for the first time this year. I don’t own a shop, I’m just a quilter & a longarmer , but I’m beyond excited to go experience Market! Thanks again!
Always in stitches,
Kelly
Gwyn says
Thank you for an inspirational post! As much as I adored "Little House", the majority of our neighborhood was boys, including my three brothers. We played "CHiPs". I could not (and despite numerous attempts, still cannot) ride a bicycle. Our house was in the middle of the block with a large porch, so I was the sergeant running the police station.
The Modern Prairie fabric is gorgeous. I have sewed with a little American Jane fabric in the past as well. So much fabric and so little time. Be well.
Amy says
Hahah! This is amazing. 😂 Good job running the police station!!
Marsha Trosper says
I was blessed to meet you at the Garden of Quilts. My Aunt , cousin and I were wearing the Nebraska shirts. I enjoy reading your blog and love your fabric and patterns!
Amy says
Marsha! It was so great to meet you. Thanks so much for stopping to say hi! Tell your Aunt and cousin hi too!