The idea for QuiltFest Charleston began to materialize two to three years ago to fill a need for an annual quilt show in Charleston.  In conversations with quilters throughout the region (and beyond), the theme was “Charleston needs a quilt show befitting the quilting history rooted here”.

Everyone involved in the conversations realized that the success of a quilt show is all about the people. The organization responsible for procuring the venue and organizing the show knows the importance of people attending the show.

The vendors are an important part of a show. Many quilters follow their favorite vendors to shows around the region.  The vendors rely on the show organization to attract people to the show. The show organization owes the vendors good quality publicity.

The big nationally recognized commercial shows are fun and exciting but some say they lack the hometown flavor of shows conceived and executed by quilters in a specific region like Charleston.  Quilt guilds often use the proceeds from their show activities to fund guild activities all year long.  This certainly includes the enormous amount of charity work that guild members do as well as bringing quality speakers to teach.

The quilt guilds and quilting groups around the region consist of people that love quilting and would be thrilled to have a show that represents quilters and artists in an area as large as the Charleston region but still feel homegrown.  Not every guild or quilting group has membership that can justify an endeavor like this on their own.

Quiltfest Charleston, Inc was conceived to be the catalyst that brings quilters, artists, and sewists from all around the Charleston region together to make their show happen.  Quiltfest Charleston, Inc is the leadership with the sole purpose of facilitating QuiltFest Charleston.  It is all about making QuiltFest Charleston the event destination for quilters, fiber artists, and sewists to enjoy the excitement of a fantastic homegrown show and experience historic Charleston.  A show that all quilters, fiber artists, and sewists around Charleston can be proud of.

The name “QuiltFest Charleston” for the show itself came from conversations with prospective corporate sponsors, individual quilters, quilt shop owners, and show vendors. The name of a show should give us a sense of who we are, the communities in which we belong, and our place in the world of quilting and sewing.  The show name that portrays “This is a fantastic show that we don’t want to miss” gives people the message that we want them to be as excited as we are.

Want to be a part of the excitement? Use the “Contact” link in the top menu and send us an email. We would love to hear from you.