Quilt Con 2025, held in the heart of the city of Phoenix Arizona, was a spectacular event that brought together quilting enthusiasts from across the globe. This year's conference was not just a display of incredible craftsmanship, but also a testament to the strong sense of community and shared passion that defines the quilting world. From intricate designs to bold, modern patterns, Quilt Con 2025 showcased the best and brightest in contemporary quilting. This was my second time at Quilt Con and I can say very honestly that it got better! One thing that was also on point was everyone’s sticker game! The sticker trades that occurred were frequent and so much fun!

The Quilt Community: A Tapestry of Talent and Dedication

The quilt community is such a diverse and vibrant group, united by a love for fabric, color, and design. Attendees at Quilt Con 2025 ranged from seasoned quilters with decades of experience to enthusiastic beginners eager to learn. Workshops and lectures provided ample opportunities for learning and inspiration, with experts sharing their knowledge on various techniques, from traditional hand quilting to innovative machine methods.

The camaraderie among quilters was palpable throughout the event. Groups of friends, old and new, could be seen discussing their latest projects, exchanging tips, and marveling at the beautiful quilts on display. The sense of belonging and mutual support is what I love the most about the quilting community, and Quilt Con 2025 was a perfect reflection of this spirit. I got to meet so many people – some famous quilt people! Meeting Libs Elliot in person was in my top five favorite moments. As a member of her Sew Squad and having been given the opportunity to teach a workshop for the group, Libs holds a very special place in my heart.

Spending some quality time with so many incredible humans. Chris Marchini from Rose City Originals, Todd Leavitt The Bear Quilter, Matthew Harr from Harr Craft Goods, Ian Garland from Off Kilter Crafter Ian, Dee from Pixel Quilts, and Maddie Kertay The Badass Quilter. There were so many more! Everyone was so warm and kind. But spending time with these individuals you realize they may be quilt famous, but they are also human beings. That there is and can be a connection and shared creativity between us all. Reflecting on the time there and the community that I am building and now a part of, I don’t have the words to express my gratitude, my humility, and outright love for these individuals. Finding my tribe at the age of 42 is an incredible feeling!

Workshops 

I started my workshop run this year on Thursday with Michelle Trimble and her Planning Improve with Dramatic Negative Space. This workshop was amazing! I have so many ideas and things I want to try after taking this class. It was math heavy, but frankly Michelle did an amazing job of explaining how to do the math part to reach the goals you have using her techniques. Lesson – Don’t let math intimidate you. It’s just another thing to learn and help you grow in your quilting journey.

Along comes Friday and I got to spend a wonderful time with Allie McCathren and her Improv Self Portrait. I got into this class after being on the waitlist, so I was less prepared than I normally would have been. But Allie did a fantastic job! I worked with a portrait of bananas. It was a fun class. One that does take some brain power to think and plan out how you will use your fabrics to try and create the shapes you need to recreate the image. I will be finishing this project!

Saturday – Libs Elliot taught her Chaos With a Twist workshop. This was such a cool class! Libs showed us how to use Chat GPT to help make decisions randomly as well as a few other methods. We worked on creating a design for the quilt and then began piecing together the first quadrant. I managed to get all but two blocks done. But I vow this will get finished! Once you complete all four quadrants and put them together it looks like a kaleidoscope. Very cool!

The Quilts: A Feast for the Eyes

The quilts on display at Quilt Con 2025 were nothing short of breathtaking. Each quilt told a unique story, showcasing the creativity and skill of its maker. The exhibition hall was a riot of color and pattern, with quilts ranging from delicate, hand-stitched heirlooms to bold, graphic designs that pushed the boundaries of traditional quilting.

Modern Quilts

Modern quilting has gained immense popularity in recent years, and Quilt Con 2025 was yet another celebration of this dynamic and evolving style. Modern quilts are characterized by their use of bold colors, abstract patterns, and innovative techniques. Many of the quilts on display featured striking geometric designs, unexpected color combinations, and a playful approach to traditional motifs. Not to mention the word quilts this year! Wow just wow!

Art Quilts

Art quilts, which blur the line between quilting and fine art, were another highlight of the exhibition. These quilts often incorporate mixed media, such as painting, embroidery, and embellishments, to create pieces that are as much about artistic expression as they are about quilting. The art quilts at Quilt Con 2025 were a testament to the limitless possibilities of the medium, with each piece offering a unique perspective and story.

Youth Quilts

A special section of the exhibition was dedicated to quilts made by young quilters, showcasing the talent and creativity of the next generation. These quilts were a delightful mix of traditional and modern styles, with many young quilters experimenting with new techniques and pushing the boundaries of what a quilt can be. The youth quilts were a reminder of the bright future of quilting and the importance of nurturing young talent.

Best in Show

This year’s best-in-show was created by someone I happen to have had the privilege of taking a class with at the 2024 Quilt Con. Veruschka Zarate from Pride and Joy Quilts. If you know anything about this amazing human, not only is her work impeccable, but she is one of the sweetest and kindest people. Her quilt called Dignity inspired by the artist Dale Lamphere’s statue of the same name is not only a masterpiece but a tribute to the artist’s work, but the piecing of both the front and back of the quilt shows just how serious Veruschka is about her artistic expression. The level of detail that she includes is by far spectacular. Congratulations Veruschka!!!

The Vendors: A Quilter's Paradise

No quilt show would be complete without a bustling vendor hall, and Quilt Con 2025 did not disappoint. The vendor area was a quilter's paradise, with booths offering everything from high-quality fabrics and threads to the latest quilting tools and gadgets. Attendees had the opportunity to stock up on supplies, discover new products, and even watch live demonstrations of cutting-edge quilting techniques. I may have come home with a new Oliso Iron, a little fabric, and some other gadgets to try out from 

Fabric and Supplies

Fabric is the lifeblood of any quilter's stash, and the vendors at Quilt Con 2025 offered an incredible array of options. From luxurious batiks and hand-dyed fabrics to bold prints and solids, there was something to suit every taste and project. Many vendors also offered pre-cut fabric bundles, making it easy for quilters to start their next project right away. I may have picked up a few of these myself, as I had been eyeing the new Kaffe Fassett and William Morris fabric lines….. 

Tools and Gadgets

Innovative tools and gadgets can make quilting more efficient and enjoyable, and the vendor hall was filled with the latest and greatest in quilting technology. From precision cutting tools and rulers to state-of-the-art sewing machines, quilters had the chance to see these products in action and even try them out for themselves. The excitement of discovering a new tool that can simplify a challenging technique was palpable among the attendees.

Looking Ahead

As Quilt Con 2025 came to a close, attendees left with hearts full of inspiration and new ideas. I certainly did! The event was a celebration of the art of quilting, the strength of the community, and the endless possibilities that fabric and thread offer. As quilters return to their studios and sewing rooms, the memories of Quilt Con 2025 will undoubtedly fuel their creativity and passion for years to come.

Quilt Con 2025 was more than just an exhibition; it was a gathering of kindred spirits, a celebration of creativity, and a testament to the power of community. The quilts on display were a feast for the eyes, the workshops and lectures were a wellspring of knowledge, and the connections made were priceless. Here's to the enduring art of quilting and the vibrant community that continues to keep it alive. I am seriously looking forward to Quilt Con 2026 as it will be back in my home town! I hope to see you there!