The 2016 Minnesota Quilters Show and Conference

The Minnesota Quilters will be holding their 38th Annual Quilt Show and Conference at the River's Edge Convention Center in downtown St. Cloud from June 9-11. Minnesota Quilters, Inc. is a non-profit organization comprised of volunteers who celebrate the craft of quilting. The organization is rooted in learning the history and new advancements in quilting in all its forms, as well as documenting the art and craft of quilting in Minnesota.

The organization was founded in 1978 as a result of renewed interest in quilting, brought on by the U.S. Bicentennial. The first 18 women were assessed $10 dues to battle the seemingly high postage costs of the time. They also worked tirelessly on the task of recruiting for and setting up the organization.

In their first year, the group was invited to quilt at the Minnesota State Fair - a group of 40 women. Despite rain and building and location switches, the booth was manned by volunteers for ten days - at the end of which the displayed quilt was completed. The first official show was held in 1979 in St. Paul. Meetings were held in different areas in order to allow more attendance. One of the largest in the first year was seen at the Dakota County Fair, in which 95 people attended. Now, the annual Minnesota Quilters’ Show and Conference is the largest volunteer quilt show in the U.S., draws visitors from around the world and is one of the premier quilting events in the country.

Once a one-page publication produced from a typewriter, you can now view the MQ Newsletter on their website. The schedule of events for the 2016 MQ Quilt show and conference - which includes exhibits, classes, lectures, awards, actions and more - can be viewed here.

If you’d like to get involved in quilting, check out the 2016 Minnesota “Hail to Thee” challenge fabrics, consisting of two groups - a blue/green/gold group and an orange/red group. Using these fabrics, contestants must make a quilt, clothing item, or three-dimensional piece that depicts something they like about Minnesota. You can pick up your packet at any MQ monthly meeting, at the MQ office in Minneapolis, or by calling (612) 436-0449. Packets cost $18.

Although registration for the show has ended, classes that have remaining space and regular lectures may be purchased at the registration desk. You can contact Minnesota Quilters, Inc. on their website, or send an email to quilter@mnquilt.org for more information.

Minnesota Quilt Show and Conference 2014

Calling all quilting enthusiasts! The 36th annual Minnesota Quilt Show and Conference is kicking off on June 12th, and we here at River’s Edge Convention Center are pleased to be the host!

The popular event brings quilters of all ages from around Minnesota together for three days of classes, lectures, exhibits and a final-day auction - all related to the time-honored tradition of quilting.

The conference technically begins on June 11th; at that time, you can register, meet some
of the guest teachers and lecturers, and take a peek at the Merchant Mall, where you can
purchase handmade items throughout the exhibition.

While advance registration has already closed, you’re definitely still invited to drop by downtown St. Cloud to take in what the show has to offer. Check with the admissions staff at the entrance to see a list of speakers and classes - even if you haven’t registered yet, you might still be able to find an opening in an event you’d like to attend.

As far as logistics are concerned, quilts and vendors will be hosted within the River's Edge
Convention Center in the Terry Hawes and Glenn Carlson Halls. Lectures will be held at the
adjacent Kelly Inn, and classes will be held at the in the River’s Edge Convention Center and
the Kelly Inn.

The River’s Edge is within a stone’s throw of a goodly amount of fine dining, but you’re also
welcome to lunch poolside at the Kelly Inn. They’ll be offering multi-course lunches and
beverages each day from 11am-1pm. The concession stand in River’s Edge Convention Center will also be serving snacks and drinks throughout the day.

If getting around is a challenge for you or a loved one, and you’d still like to visit the quilt show, it’s not an issue; MN Mobility will be on hand with a variety of scooters and other mobility gear. They’ll be stationed in the main lobby of the convention center, but if you’d like to make advanced reservations, visit their website.

The cost to attend varies depends on age and Minnesota Quilters, Inc. membership; to see the breakdown, visit their website.

Minnesota Quilters, Inc. is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the celebration of quilting. Our activities and events are structured to honor the past, celebrate the present, and nurture the future of this time-honored traditional craft in all its forms.