Staff Photo by Randall HIggins
Susan Hyder opened her new Hyderhangout Inc. within sight of the Museum Center at Five Points and the quilt show that begins in late January. Hyder helps her quilt and fabric arts customers and the museum get ready for the winter show.CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Beginning Monday, it’s time to start thinking about quilts, not for warmth but for show.
The Museum Center at Five Points’ annual Stitches in Time quilt exhibition is one of the center’s most popular events each year, Executive Director Lisa Simpson Lutts said.
“The exhibition brings visitors from Knoxville to Atlanta to the museum center,” she said.
Quilt submission time is Monday through Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
“This year, the museum will be accepting two quilts per person,” Lutts said. “Please consider bringing both contemporary quilts and antique quilts.”
The 2011 exhibit will run Jan. 27 through March 12.
Quilts will be judged by a guest judge before the show opens. The categories include Best of Show Large Contemporary; Best of Show Small Contemporary; Best of Show Antique; Best Duet (two-person) quilt; and Best Use of Color and Design.
Throughout the exhibit, viewers will be able to vote for the Viewers Choice Award that will be given at the close of the show.
Participants are asked to have a 4-inch sleeve either sewn or pinned to the back top of their quilt so it can be hung for display. Antique quilts do not need a sleeve.
Exhibitors with questions should call 339-5745 and ask for curator of collections Elizabeth Carriger.
For quilt enthusiasts inspired by the show, a new quilt shop is waiting on First Street within sight of the museum.
This year there is no challenge quilt competition — a quilt or wall hanging made based on a prescribed theme — said Susan Hyder, owner of the shop Hyderhangout. But the contest will be back in 2012, she said, based on the growing popularity of the Appalachian Quilt Trail in this area.
For quilters looking to later in 2011, the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum’s quilt exhibition in Athens is scheduled for Sept. 10-19. Information and registration forms for the 29th National Heritage Quilt Show will be at the museum’s website beginning Monday.
Contact staff writer Randall Higgins at rhiggins@timesfreepress.com or 423-314-1029.