2011 Sully Quilt Show

The Sully Quilt Show was originally scheduled for September 11^th. Despite the fact that it was a beautiful day, it was cancelled because we had several inches of rain the previous week. Since the show is outside and we park on the grass it was rescheduled to the 25^th.  Well, it rained last week and today was a little misty but the show was on! I haven’t been in several years. Not sure why as I thoroughly enjoyed myself today. The vendors are a mix of repro and modern fabrics, vintage fabrics, sewing accessories and quilts. As you walk in from the entrance this is what you see-

Just as I remembered – Bellwether Dry Goods was right at the front. They sell beautifully hand quilted quilts at very reasonable prices. They are coming to the McLean chapter of QU in October. I’ve seen their trunk show before and I’m looking forward to seeing it again.

These are bowtie blocks - not sure I've seen this setting before.

Piecing The Past--

Piecing The Past is one of my favorite vendors. Donna is very knowledgeable and helpful. She specializes in 19^th century reproduction fabrics, patterns and books. She will be at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival in Hampton, Virginia in February.

A vendor specializing in antiques--

My eyes were drawn to the basket quilt with the brown setting squares (count up 3 photos - bottom, right). I thought it was reasonably priced and I've been resisting the urge to start a basket quilt. I really have no business purchasing antique quilts at this time. We are in that awkward phase with grown children who are full or part time at home. Them and their STUFF! And then there is this curious fellow-

So far he has just nibbled a little on 2 quilts I don’t really care that much about. One I made out of the kerchiefs Penny and Duke come home in when they are groomed. It lines Duke’s crate. The other is the family room throw about quilt. Believe me – I gave him what for when I found these chews. Fortunately, he hasn't touched the other quilts in his reach.

The Sully Quilt Show takes place annually at Sully Plantation- part of the Fairfax County Park Authority. The show consists of vendors, a house tour and members of Quilters Unlimited demonstrating hand piecing and quilting. 

Here is a description of Sully Plantation from their website – “An oasis of the past, Sully reflects the history of Fairfax County. Completed in 1799 by Richard Bland Lee, the main house at Sully combines aspects of Georgian and Federal architecture. Richard Bland Lee was Northern Virginia's first Representative to Congress, as well as General Robert E. Lee's uncle.”

On previous visits I hadn't taken the time to tour the house. This time I did. Since the show was originally scheduled for 9/11 they had an antique patriotic quilt in each room. Included were centennial and bicentennial applique quilts and my favorite, a c. 1900 lemoyne star quilt pieced with red, white and blue strings. No photos allowed.

The house and demo tent--

The door prize--

Shucks! I didn’t get a call from them so I guess I didn’t win. It was a vintage top donated by the Haymarket chapter of Quilters Unlimited and quilted by Springfield QU member Diane Henry.

What’s happening with my projects? I’m sewing binding for 3 quilts. Yay! They will be my next post.

Have a great week!