“A Vermont Quilt Sampler” on display June 27 – September 7, 2026

This is a juried exhibition open to all residents of Vermont and out-of-state members of Vermont quilt guilds. The exhibition will be displayed in the Billings Farm Historic Barn gallery.

Quilting Guild Days

On select weekends, local quilting guilds will demonstrate quilting techniques, present quilts by guild members, and answer questions about quilting. The 2026 dates include:

Saturday, July 18: Green Mountain Quilters
Saturday, August 8: Champlain Valley Quilt Guild
Saturday, August 15: Heart of the Land Quilt Guild

About the 2026 Exhibition

The 2026 exhibition showcases 59 stunning quilts created by quilters from 46 towns across Vermont. From traditional patterns and classic techniques to bold, contemporary designs, this exhibition is a true sampler of Vermont quilting today.

The featured quilts include works by individual textile artists, members of quilting guilds, and even first-time quilters! Interpretive panels and gallery labels share the inspiration and meaning behind each piece, inviting a deeper connection with the art and its makers.

No Sharp Edges by Kate Salesin

Meditations by Anne Peterson

Late August September by Anna Williams

Every Which Way Nancy Foote

Bluebird Day Kirby Mountain by Anita Rosencrantz

Judging & Awards

Each quilt submitted to A Vermont Quilt Sampler is reviewed by our amazing guest judge Pam Weeks, a nationally recognized quilting expert, historian, and author. Quilts have been the focus for more than half of Pam Weeks’ life. She started making quilts at the time of the Bicentennial craft revival and by the mid-1980s, Weeks was designing her own work. As the Binney Family Curator of the new England Quilt Museum, Weeks works with quilters, collectors, institutions, and co-conspirators to plan exhibits and continues research on the quilts in the museum’s collections.

One quilt will be selected for an award in the following categories: Judge’s Choice Award, Best Hand Quilting, Best Machine Quilting, Best Original Design, Billings Farm & Museum Staff Choice, and People’s Choice.

Visitors can vote for their favorite quilt throughout the summer, with the People’s Choice Award announced on August 17.

Special Events

Guild Days

On select weekends, local quilting guilds will demonstrate quilting techniques, present quilts by guild members, and answer questions about quilting. The 2026 dates include:

Saturday, July 18: Green Mountain Quilters
Saturday, August 8: Champlain Valley Quilt Guild
Saturday, August 15: Heart of the Land Quilt Guild

40th Anniversary Birthday Party

Join us on Saturday, July 15 from 10:00AM – 5:00PM as we host 40th birthday celebration for this time-honored exhibition!

Best Machine Quilting

Jewel Quilt by Jane Rippe, Enfield, NH

This vibrant quilt radiates warmth and intricate detail. The sunny colors catch your eye, while the meticulous stitching draws you into each section. “There was a tremendous amount of measuring, marking, and stitching to create a completely reversible quilt,” said Rippe.

Judges’ Comments: “The machine quilting as the primary design element shines above the subtle color work with its elegant color gradation.”

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.”

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.