About the 2025 Exhibition
Quilting Guild Days
On select weekends, local quilting guilds will demonstrate quilting techniques, present quilts by guild members, and answer questions about quilting. The 2025 dates include:
- Saturday, July 12: Twin States Modern Quilt Guild
- Saturday, July 19: Northern Lights Quilt Guild
- Saturday, August 9: Heart of the Land Quilters
- Saturday, August 16: Delectable Mountain Quilters
38th Annual Quilt Exhibition Winners
Each quilt submitted to A Vermont Quilt Sampler was reviewed by guest judge Pam Weeks, a nationally recognized quilting expert, historian, and author.
Best Machine Quilting
Jewel Quilt by Jane Rippe, Enfield, NH
Best Hand Quilting
Sprinkle Quilt by Kate Salesin, West Lebanon, NH
After years of knitting and sewing, Selesin brought her sense of color and craft to a small quilt with a playful and profound impact. She described the final touch as she “hand quilted with the sock yarn and let the bold sprinkles of colors play over the top.”
Judges’ Comments: “The even and well executed big stitch quilting is an important design element that elevates the entire piece.”
Best Original Design
Oh, Canada by Linda Diak, Chester, VT
Inspired by Neil Young’s lyrics in Helpless, “big birds flying across the skies, throwing shadows on our eyes,” Diak’s quilt blends serenity and tension. The elegant flight of geese and soft colors contrast with chaotic, swirling maple leaves. “By the time I put this piece on the longarm, Canada- our neighbor, our friend – was under senseless attack by our government,” she said.
Judge’s Comments: “This is a masterful design, excellent applique, great handling of the background for the geese. It was the original design for the quilting that sealed it for me.”
Judge’s Choice: Traditional Quilt
Putting Back the Pieces by KZ Stevens of Bennington, VT
The story behind this quilt is one of heartbreak, rebuilding, and hope. Stitching each piece of naturally dyed fabric became part of the healing process. “Putting together the smallest pieces, as I was putting together the pieces of the next chapter of my life was incredibly healing,” Stevens said.
Judge’s Comments: “Each time I studied this quilt, I felt calm. The lovely, simple Nine-Patches that cover the surface with hand-dyed muted earth and sky toned linen fabrics just took my heart.”
Judge’s Choice: Modern Quilt
Trinkets by Norma Ippolito of Chester, VT
“A trinket is a small item of little worth. Its value comes from what it means and the memories it holds,” said Ippolito. Drawing from 50 years of collecting miniature treasure, her quilt radiates color, whimsy, and nostalgia.
Judge’s Comments: “This lovely quilt ticks all the boxes for me–great modern design, excellent colorwork, precision piecing, and best of all–whimsey!”
Judge’s Choice: Art Quilt
Dahlia 1 by Janet Block of Rutland, VT
“I am a quilter and a gardener,” said Block. “Practicing both hobbies requires hope and vision.” Inspired by the first dahlia she ever grew, her quilt celebrates the beauty and complexity of nature in bloom.
Judge’s Comments: “Great design and colorwork, as well as expert applique and quilting.”
Visitors can vote for their favorite quilt throughout the summer, with the People’s Choice Award announced on August 18.
What to see during the Quilt Exhibition
Bring a picnic and spend the day! Admission to Billings Farm & Museum’s Quilt Exhibition includes the Animal Barns, the Vermont Farm Life Exhibits, the Ottauquechee River Walk and the Billings Farmstead Gardens. Watch the farm animals – cows, draft horses, goats and sheep – in their scenic pastures. The 1890 Farm Manager’s House features the creamery, the kitchen and in-home innovations that were considered state-of-the art for the time period.
There’s something exciting happening every day at Billings Farm – view our daily schedules to find out what’s happening on the day of your visit.