19th Annual A Mountain Quiltfest
One of the biggest events of 2013 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is the 19th annual A Mountain Quiltfest. This event, which received over 20,000 people in attendance last year, goes from Tuesday, . Folks from all over Tennessee and from other parts of the United States come to this unique, quilting festival. The focus of the festival is preserving the wonderful skill of quilting.
There are quilting classes for people of all ages and skill levels. Each class is held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. Skill levels are divided between beginner and intermediate. 12 experienced instructors from various parts of the United States and a few from Tennessee teach the classes. Classes include Invisible Machine Applique, Achieving Quality Workmanship, Love Is All Around, Complex Fabrics – The Puzzle Quilt and Making the Most of Your Stash. Students can pay the instructor directly at the beginning of the first class. Quilters are encouraged to enroll early since classes are limited.
Quilters can participate in 10 competitions for free. Competition categories are Large Professional, Small Professional, Quilted by another Large Quilts, Quilted by another Small Quilts, Hand Quilted Bed Quilts, Machine Quilted Bed Quilts, Non-Traditional Quilts, Large Quilts, Medium Quilts, Small Quilts, Other Quilts and Youth Quilts. In addition to these contests, there is A Mountain Heritage Challenge 2013, which requires quilters adhering to the 2013 theme: The Blue & the Grey: Quilting American’s Great Divide and to follow specific guidelines and instructions. In 2013, there are over $20,000.00 worth of prizes.
Numerous vendors selling their wares come from various parts of the United States including Wisconsin, Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Missouri. Vendors are found at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center and the Music Road Convention Center. Merchandise for sale includes quilting patterns, material, sewing machines and more. Folks can get their quilt appraised from an AQS-Certified Quilt Appraiser for a fee.
Additional lectures are available for quilters to attend during certain meals. Brunch lectures will be held at the Old Mill Pottery House Café and Grille. Dinner lectures will be held at Mama’s Farmhouse. Each restaurant is located in Pigeon Forge.
A Mountain Quiltfest brings quilters of all ages and abilities together for an amazing week of quilting, fascinating instructors, fun, fellowship and much more. The 19th annual A Mountain Quiltfest strives to be the best quilting festival in the country.
