Every fall, quilt historians and people who just love old and new quilts attend the annual meeting of the American Quilt Study Group (AQSG). So much happens during the multi-day event that it is taking three columns to share a bit of the amazing 2024 Seminar in Tarrytown, NY. The first columns focused on the wonderful tours to historical sites covering the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut). I also high-lighted the stellar New York quilts exhibit and the bed turnings, both of which showcased the unique quilt styles of the Empire State.

The second column focused on the scholarly paper presentations which can be accessed in Uncoverings through AQSG along with the other interesting speakers and entertainment, including the live auction with Dancing Juliettes and the Headless Horseman. We were in Sleepy Hollow, after all. Please see the prior columns to learn more (November 2024 and December 2024).

Just a glimpse of how magical those several days were in the Hudson River Valley, but there was so much more … myriad study cen-ters, a silent auction, show and tell, book signings, and the vendors mall.

Observe, share, and learn: study centers

First, a brief explanation of what a study center entails. It is a two-hour interactive discussion of a specialized topic. It involves a Power-point presentation as well as actual quilts or fabrics shared by the presenter and also brought in by attendees. These sessions are smaller and allow for more dialogue between participants and study center leaders; 2024 Study Centers numbered more than a dozen and covered a very wide range of topics and several centuries from a 1785 fabric honoring General George Washington to the “Art of Make Do Quilting” (using vintage fabrics and blocks to make modern quilts) and every-thing in between, including that ubiquitous little icon – Sunbonnet Sue and the inspiring Bertha Meckstroth and trail-blazing Jean Ray Laury.

Antique quilt and fabric acquisition opportunities abound

Most of the seminar attendees are at least casual collectors of antique textiles, while many are avid col-lectors and they all can find one must-have item to bring home from the many avail-able options. The vendors’ mall is comprised of some of the most esteemed national quilt dealers, smaller sellers, and those new to antique sales. It is like going to the best quilt museum and being able to get up close and touch the art and even buy a piece that captures your heart. It is an amazing experience every year! Likewise, the silent auction room is jam-packed with beautiful quilts, quilt tops, blocks, fabrics, etc., donated by members and available to bid on and buy.

There are always many treasures to be found there.

Additionally, the endowment table features a delightful mix of antique and reproduction fabrics and other tidbits to purchase and support the long-term funding of AQSG. The annual show-and-tell event give members the opportunity to show off unique items often purchased at prior or the current seminar and/or looking for new homes. And finally, book sale and signing offers members the chance to purchase books authored by fellow members to increase their knowledge of prior acquisitions or to encourage new collections.

I hope this inspires you to join the American Quilt Study Group and come to Portland, ME, for Seminar 2025. Also, visit their website to attend the virtual Winter Seminar Jan. 30 – Feb. 2, 2025.

utahquiltappraiser.blogspot.com

Sandra Starley is nationally certified quilt appraiser, quilt historian, and avid antique quilt collector. She travels throughout the U.S. presenting talks on antique quilt history, fabric dating classes and trunk shows as well as quilting classes. Learn more at utahquiltappraiser.blogspot.com. Send your comments and quilt questions to SandraStarley@outlook.com