21 Oct 2027 Quilt Show Update

The 2027 Quilt Show planning group keeps on keepin’ on and we are having a blast! Let Marianne Cooley know if you want to join the fun! The Quilt Show is our most effective community outreach project and a major source of funding for CVQA guest speakers and activities throughout the year. Here is an update on our progress:

• QUILT SHOW THEME: We agreed on the theme: “Journey into Quilting,” picking up on the church name (get it?). Okay, it came from our committee, and we passed on the gift certificate. Marketing graphics hopefully will weave in raffle quilt designs as Emily Collins did so beautifully in 2024!
• FACILITY PLAN: Kay Fisher and I (Marianne) met with Randy, the Technical Director (AKA Mr. Fix-It) at the Journey Church. With a battery-powered, AI-infused “tape measure” device that looks like a James Bond gadget, Kay measured out the sanctuary. Then, with experience from our last quilt show, she worked out the basic quilt exhibit floor plan. Randy mentioned that with tall ladders, we can actually hang quilts, banners and LED light strings from the open rafters. In Quilt Show Land, this is big news! (I personally have aged out of climbing those ladders…)
• VENDORS: Margaret Bearss has emailed contracts to 75 vendors. Just this part seems exhausting! Of course, many email addresses, business names, even their existence—had to be updated, tracked down, and called directly. Margaret also measured out 11 booths of varying shapes, sizes and prices. If you have a good vendor lead, please see the Quilt Show Table at our next meeting or contact Margaret directly.
• RAFFLE QUILTS: At our October planning session, Sherry Crockett brought a few gorgeous blocks completed so far by the Ronald McDonald crew. She has donated fabric, planned out and done initial cutting for the major elements (as she did for Hollie’s Spring Hill sewing group on the 3-yard quilts you’ll see at the November meeting). Both quilts must be done by March for photography and marketing. We’re still looking for quilting services (hint, hint).
• SILENT AUCTION: I’m repeating the mantra here: We hope all members will ask your favorite local businesses for gift certificates or gift basket items, as for hair, nails, feet, skin, specialty foods, wine, favorite restaurants, pet services, car care, sports and entertainment venues, etc. We’re updating cover letters, tax forms, Community Care and Quilts of Valor partners, to be available in January for the 2027 tax year.
• SIDE TABLE at the CVQA Meeting: Please bring your BOUTIQUE project ideas, SILENT AUCTION LEADS, and make plans to join the team! PLUS: I’ll set out some ideas for “GUITARS GONE WILD,” our 12-1/2 x 20” mini-quilt competition.

I know October 2027 is a year away, but it will be here before we know it!

Marianne Cooley