Mask Up Bainbridge Island Quilt Festival – Saturday, September 12, 2020 from 10AM to 4PM – Winslow Green, Bainbridge Island

Margaret Millmore | Posted on September 6, 2020 |

Bainbridge Island Modern Quilt Guild (BIMQG) is proud to present their 8^th annual Quilt Festival

“OUR CELEBRATION OF QUILTS WILL GO ON”

In 2013, Barbara Kirk, a local fabric store owner, along with the Bainbridge Island Modern Quilt Guild, began the first Bainbridge Quilt Festival. In past years, the quilts have been displayed along Winslow Way, hung from store fronts and awnings, and volunteers were available to assist the public in viewing the detailed aspects of each quilt. But of course, things are different this year, however, our quilting community hasn’t been deterred and are excited to share what they’ve been up to.

Like many during the lockdown and subsequent re-opening, the BIMQG continued their regular meetings via ZOOM. Although, they weren’t assured that the annual quilt festival (but definitely hopeful) would happen this year, Kathy Dwyer, Chair of the Bainbridge Quilt Festival, decided to propose a fun new theme for members to work on. She shared a “mask” block of her own design with members and asked that they create their own—when it was confirmed that this year’s event would go on, the theme for the 2020 quilt festival was born. Visit their “Sharing While Sheltered” page to learn more about this pattern.

Unfortunately, a few things have changed; there won’t be as many quilts on display due to the smaller venue and the need for social distancing. The annual raffle, viewer’s choice, and sew-in will not be held this year to minimize physical contact. However, all volunteer staff will be wearing masks, and per state health order 20-03, they request that visitors wear facial coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. On the brighter side, some of the participants will be offering their quilts for sale—purchases are handled directly through the quilter.

The Bainbridge Island Modern Quilt Guild is a non-profit organization designed for charitable and educational purposes. Modern quilting incorporates function rather than decorative in its quilts. Using asymmetry in designs, relying less on repetition, reinterpreting traditional quilt patterns, and embracing simplicity and minimalism. They utilize alternative block structure and increase the use of negative space—concentrating on bold colors, graphic prints, and gray and white as neutrals. Their quilts are inspired by modern art and architecture and they frequently use improvisational piecing methods.

The BIMQG encourages the art of modern quilting by working with other guilds and groups, and teaching new quilters and other fiber artists that are interested in non-traditional fiber projects. Classes, workshops and the sharing of information are available, visit their website for more information. Monthly Sew-Ins are held the second Sunday of each month (except May which is the third Sunday), from 11am to 4pm. Meeting sites vary monthly, and updates are available on their Facebook page, or you can joint their email list for updated information.

Bainbridge Island Modern Quilt Guild and the Bainbridge Island Quilt Festival would like to thank their sponsors and supporters: Esther’s Fabrics, Quilted Strait, Old Mill Cottage Quilts, White Lotus Quilting, Chamber of Commerce, Winslow Green, Eagle Harbor Congregational Church, Bainbridge Branch Kitsap Regional Library