Save the date for garden of quilts 2023:
Classes: September 13-16, 2023
Quilt Display: September 15-16, 2023
see you there!
In 2019 we planted a seed and guests from across the nation and beyond joined Thanksgiving Point and partner Riley Blake Designs for the Garden of Quilts–a celebration of quilting and fabric arts unlike any other. Set within the 50-acre Ashton Gardens in Lehi, Utah, the festival includes classes from an international roster of favorite teachers, vendors, trunk shows, demonstrations, and a stunning outdoor exhibit of hundreds of beautiful quilts displayed among the flowers and trees on the 16th and 17th.
Classes:
September 13-16, 2023
Quilts Exhibited:
September 15-16, 2023
Presented By:
2022 Admission and Event Tickets
WEEKEND PASS
ONE DAY PASS
QUILTERS WEEKEND ESCAPE
ULTIMATE QUILTERS GETAWAY
Everything, Everywhere, All the Time VIP Pass
‘Everything Else’ Pass
General Admission
Ashton Gardens and the Garden of Quilts Exhibit is surely on your list, now here is your chance to visit everything else Thanksgiving Point has to offer! The “Everything Else” pass allows you FOUR days, to visit our other FOUR venues, for $50. That’s a 50 percent savings over the price of individual venue admissions. With this pass you can visit the Museum of Natural Curiosity—one of the most interactive and fun museums in the State; Farm Country—a real working farm nestled quietly in its urban surrounds; the Museum of Ancient Life—home to one of the world’s largest collections of mounted dinosaur skeletons; and our Butterfly Biosphere—Utah’s only insectarium and butterfly conservatory where over a thousand live butterflies float through the air in a tropical, glass house. If you are interested in everything else Thanksgiving Point has to offer, this is your chance to see it all.
Sewing Machine Rental
Traveling to the Garden of Quilts and don’t want to lug your machine? Machine rentals are one of our most asked about amenities. New for this year we have created a machine reservation. For less than the cost of a checked bag on most airlines you can reserve a machine for the duration of the festival. We will make sure that there is a machine set-up in each of your classes—ready and waiting just for you!
Afternoon Tea
Gather your friends and come experience an afternoon of decadence during our Afternoon Tea Party. This Garden of Quilts crowd favorite offers the same delectable delights in a new, and even more delightful setting this year—the beautiful Loggia Garden on the Water Tower Campus. Join us for this exclusive Garden of Quilts event. Enjoy English style scones with jam and clotted cream, canapes, finger sandwiches, tea pastries, trifles and a selection of assorted teas and other beverages. This is a special event you will not want to miss. Space is limited and sells out early every year.
ICE BREAKER DINNER
Looking for a fun opportunity to meet your fellow Garden of Quilts attendees and mingle with designers? Kick off your Garden of Quilts adventure with this new fun opening-night event. Join favorite designers Amanda Niederhauser, Bev McCullough, and Christopher Thompson for a delicious, buffet dinner and some high energy, quilty fun! This game show style evening will not only inspire you, but get you on your feet, and meeting your new best friends. If you are lucky, you might even go home with a prize!
THE DOAN GIRLS: TRIPLE PLAY TRUNK SHOW
Join Jenny, Natalie, and Misty for this year’s Triple Play Trunk Show. Each month, on the third Friday, the Doan Girls join creative forces to design three unique quilts using spins on a classic quilt block. Three times the ideas and three times the fun. This year the ladies will showcase all their Triple Play creations from August 2021 – June 2022. They will show each of their quilts, the classic block it was inspired by and the step outs to show how each was constructed.
You won’t want to miss this engaging event when the girls share their inspiration and technique for planning and making each design.
MEET THE MAKER
You’re invited to attend our Meet the Maker (Meet and Greet) event Friday evening. Based on your feedback, this year’s Meet the Maker is getting its own evening and a beautiful new location. This event is an attendee favorite. Come mingle and shop the display tables of your favorite designers, and discover new favorites! Get entered to win one of several amazing giveaway baskets by completing a “passport.” It’s going to be fabulous, so you don’t want to miss this event!
Quilt Block Challenge
RULES:
Quilt blocks must:
- Relate to the theme: “What do you Meme?” Can be an original meme or your interpretation of a meme in the public sphere. Can feature an image only, words only, or both.
- Measure 20”x20” square
- Consist of a top, middle, and back fabric with hand or machine stitching through all layers.
- Have a maximum thickness of no more than 1”.
- Utilize a recognizable amount of the fabrics provided to you. Additional Fabrics are allowed.
- Feature a hanging sleeve and label on the back of quilt that includes quilter’s name and quilt title.
- Avoid profanity, religious symbols, or political statements(TIP: Cheeky or silly is fine, unkind or disrespectful–not so much).
Prizes:
Judging Criteria:
- Design
- Composition
- Use of color
- Overall workmanship
- Interpretation of theme
- Originality
INFORMATION AND DOWNLOADS
CLASS, LECTURE AND DEMO SCHEDULE
CLASSES
9 AM – 4 PM, 2 Day Class
Beach Umbrella (Wednesday/Thursday) – Intermediate Foundation Paper Piecing – Judy Niemeyer
9 AM – 4 PM
Happy Dash – Beginner Piecing- Janet Nesbitt
9 AM – 12 NOON
Plant Life – Intermediate Piecing – Amanda Niederhauser
Emma’s Garden – Intermediate Piecing – Sherri McConnell
Stitching in the Garden – Beginner Hand Embroidery – Sandra Workman
Blossoming Stars – Intermediate Piecing – Melissa Corry
Mosaic Table Runner or Scrappy Tree – Beginner Piecing – Carmen Geddes
Midnight Garden Stars – Intermediate Piecing – Gerri Robinson
Autumn Garden – Intermediate Piecing – Heather Peterson
You Are My Sunshine Mini Quilt – Beginner Applique, Hand Embroidery – Amy Chappell
Painted Daises – Intermediate Piecing, Applique – Jill Finley
Prairie Quilt Seed Patterns – Beginner Quilting – Lori Holt
2 PM – 5 PM
Tsunami – Beginner Piecing – Deonn Stott
Vintage Quilt – Beginner Piecing – Jenny Pedigo
Cross Stitch Typography – Beginner Cross Stitch – Sandra Workman
Wishes – Beginner Piecing – Melissa Corry
Over the Edge Binding – Beginner Binding – Carmen Geddes
Summer Blossoms Mini Quilt – Intermediate Piecing, Hand Embroidery – Allison Jensen
Under the Tree – Intermediate Piecing – Heather Peterson
Be Kind Mini Quilt – Beginner Piecing, Applique – Amy Chappell
Foundation Piecing the Jillily Way – Intermediate Foundation Piecing – Jill Finley
7 PM – 11 PM
CLASSES
9 AM – 4 PM
Piece Like Crazy – Intermediate Piecing – Janet Nesbitt
9 AM – 12 NOON
Kitty Love – Beginner Piecing – Amanda Niederhauser
Sawtooth Stars & Stripes – Beginner Piecing – The Doan Girls
Winter Icon Ornament – Beginner Applique, Hand Embroidery – Amy Chappell
Flower Child – Intermediate Piecing – Melissa Corry
Quilt-As-You-Go Cosmetic Bags – Beginner Piecing, Sew By Number – Jill Repp
Whirly Blooms in Midnight Garden – Intermediate Piecing – Gerri Robinson
Super Snowflake – Intermediate Piecing – Heather Peterson
Weaver Street Quilt – Beginner Piecing – Jen Belnap
Go Fly a Kite – Intermediate Piecing – Jill Finley
Granny Square Crochet – Beginner Crochet – Lori Holt
2 PM – 5 PM
Holiday Table Runner Party – Intermediate Piecing – Amanda Niederhauser, Bev McCullough, & Christopher Thompson
Granny’s Medallion Baby Quilt – Intermediate Piecing – Paula McKinlay
Al Fresco – Beginner Piecing – Sherri McConnell
Swirling Leaves – Beginner Piecing – Melissa Corry
Fly the Flag – Beginner Piecing – Amy Smart
All the Good Quilt – Beginner Controlled Improv -Mitzie Schafer
Midnight Garden – Intermediate Piecing – Heather Peterson
Home Quilt – Beginner Piecing – Jen Belnap
In Bloom – Intermediate – Fran Gulick
7 PM – 11 PM
LECTURES, TRUNK SHOWS, AND DEMOS
(Included with Garden of Quilts Admission)
10 AM: Karen Ashton “Welcome”
11 AM: Amber Johnson “Quilt the Rainbow”
12 PM: Deonn Stott “Binding & Alternate Endings”
1 PM: Cindy Cloward “Sneak Peak”
2 PM: Violet Craft “The Violet Craft Abstractions Series: Animal Muses, Art, and Quilts”
3 PM: Jennifer Long “Playful Quilts & Dolls Trunk Show”
4 PM: Allison Jensen “Choosing Fabrics for Quilts (or any project!)”
CLASSES
9 AM – 4 PM
Blue Moon Placemats – Beginner Piecing – Judy Niemeyer
Santa Brings Presents – Advanced Piecing – LaVonne Jackson
9 AM – 12 PM
Mod Stars – Intermediate Applique – Amanda Niederhauser
Quilt-a-Gnome – Intermediate Piecing, HSR using Homemade Template – Jennifer Long, Facilitated by Christopher Thompson
Blooming Stars – Beginner Piecing – The Doan Girls
Stamp Collecting – Beginner Piecing – Melissa Corry
Atomic Starburst Quilt – Beginner Piecing – Violet Craft
Controlled Improv Part 1 Color Theory – Beginner Controlled Improv – Mitzie Schafer
Cottage Series – Intermediate Paper Piecing – Charisma Horton
Christmas Chamomile Quilt – Beginner Piecing – Allison Jensen
2 PM – 5 PM
Garden Terrace Quilt– Beginner Piecing – Bev McCullough
Flower Pop – Intermediate Piecing – Jenny Pedigo
Petal Pop – Beginner Piecing – Melissa Corry
Log Cabin-ish Quilt – Beginner Piecing – Jen Belnap
Pineapple Block Foundation – Beginner Foundation Paper Piecing – Amber Johnson
Love Actually – Beginner Piecing – Charisma Horton
Squared Up – Beginner – Fran Gulick
7 PM – 11 PM
LECTURES, TRUNK SHOWS, AND DEMOS
(Included with Garden of Quilts Admission)
10 AM: Paula McKinlay “A Charmed Childhood Quilt”
11 AM: Judy Niemeyer “Quiltworx and the History of Paper Piecing”
12 PM: The Doan Girls “Q&A”
1 PM: Janet Nesbitt “A Story in Every Quilt”
2 PM: Simple Simon “Trunk Show”
3 PM: Gail Berry “The History of Quilts”
CLASSES
9 AM – 4 PM
Millefiori Quilt – Advanced Piecing – LaVonne Jackson
9 AM – 12 NOON
When Life Gives You Lemons – Intermediate Piecing – Fran Gulick
Magic Insta-Blocks – Beginner Piecing – Deonn Stott
70 and Sunny – Intermediate Piecing – Jenny Pedigo
Aurora – Beginner Piecing – Melissa Corry
The Fan Palm Quilt – Beginner Piecing – Violet Craft
Stash Hash – Beginner Piecing – Amber Johnson
Controlled Improv Part 2 Design Elements – Beginner Controlled Improv – Mitzie Schafer
2 PM – 5 PM
Alma Quilt – Beginner Piecing – Jen Belnap
Barn Star – Beginner Piecing – Deonn Stott
Goldie’s Quilt – Intermediate Piecing – Paula McKinlay
Scraptastic Stars – Beginner Piecing – Melissa Corry
Holiday Deliveries – Beginner Piecing – Carmen Geddes
Kristoff & Klaus – Intermediate Applique, Hand Embroidery – Charisma Horton
Violet Craft Abstractions The Bunny/Choose Your Own Adventure – Beginner Piecing – Violet Craft
2022 Garden of Quilts was Supported By:
For information on how your company can partner with the 2023 Garden of Quilts, click HERE.
When and where is the show held?
The Garden of Quilts show will be held at the Ashton Gardens. The Gardens are one of five venues located on the Thanksgiving Point campus in Lehi, Utah. Lehi is located right off the I-15 corridor in between the Salt Lake and Provo metropolitan centers.
What are the show hours?
Garden of Quilts is open Friday, September 16th from 9 AM – 8 PM and Saturday, September 17th from 9 AM – 6 PM.
Classes will run Wednesday September 14th to Saturday September 17th.
What does it cost to come to the show?
There are various ticket types and prices depending on days and duration of your intended visit. Check back for 2022 ticket information soon.
What does admission include?
Your Garden of Quilts admission includes entry to the Ashton Gardens for the day(s) specified. Friday and Saturday admission includes access to the vendor marketplace as well as all the additional public presentations, activities, and trunk shows. General admission does not include individual classes.
What is “Meet the Maker”?
This event provides guests an opportunity to meet and interact to presenters and designers as they share their stories, quilts, products, and other projects during this fun evening.
How do I find a quilt at the show?
You are in luck! There will be so many quilts it will be impossible to not find one—or a hundred. Broadly, quilts will be displayed according to specific themes, features, or techniques all throughout the 50-acre Ashton Gardens. All guests will be provided a program and map to help them navigate and ensure their experience is meaningful. Additionally, our volunteers and staff throughout the Gardens will have additional information and can provide you assistance in locating a specific quilt or artist you might be looking for.
What if I am having difficulty buying tickets/registering for classes online?
We apologize for the difficulty. We want to make sure your questions are answered, and needs are met. Please call our main Thanksgiving Point information line at 801-768-2300 and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you with your registration over the phone.
Are outside vendors allowed to participate?
Yes, we will have numerous food and retail vendors participate in the event. A list will be available this summer as they have are confirmed.
Vendor applications are currently full, but a waitlist is available for interested vendors HERE.
Will there be merchandise available to purchase?
Yes! The ability to shop from beautiful and unique products is half the fun. Whether you are looking for fabric for your next project or just a fun treat, the Garden of Quilts show will feature a marketplace of thoughtfully curated shops and vendors that is sure to provide something to delight you.
Will golf carts be available to rent?
Due to the volume of guests and the layout of the event golf carts will not be available to rent to individual guests. There will however be an extensive complementary shuttle system running continual loops throughout the entire Gardens allowing guests the opportunity to hop on and off at numerous locations. We have designed this service to meet our guest’s needs for mobility as well as allow everyone to enjoy a relaxing experience in the Gardens.
Are wheelchairs allowed/available to rent?
Yes, we have a limited number of manual wheelchairs available for rent. They are $20 reserved in advance and $15 day-of per day, if available. There are additional discounts for members for Thanksgiving Point Members.
Is there accessible parking?
Yes, we have many designated parking stalls for those with accessibility concerns and the proper handicap parking credentials.
Will there be a shuttle service?
There will be numerous shuttle options available. Within the Gardens there will be a golf cart shuttle option to assist guests in navigating the gardens. Depending on parking lot volume we will make a parking lot shuttle available once we meet a certain threshold. Our local hotel partners will also be offering their shuttles to guests of their hotels that will have drop-offs at the Ashton Gardens as well as other nearby places of interest (dependent on individual hotel policy).
I am coming from out of town. What else is there to do in the area?
Thanksgiving Point is a unique complex that—in addition to our Gardens–includes two world-class museums: the Museum of Natural Curiosity and the Museum of Ancient Life, a working farm, and our newest experience the Butterfly Biosphere where guests can experience all the creepy-crawlies and a stunning conservatory that is home to over a thousand glittering butterflies.
In addition to on campus options we are within a short drive of countless natural and cultural destinations such as the Timpanogos Caves, Sundance Resort, Olympic Park, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple Square, Family Search, Hogle Zoo, Living Planet Aquarium, art museums, multiple theaters, and so much more.
Is this a suitable event for children?
Facilitation and activities for this event are much more geared towards adults and older teens. We love families and want guests of all ages to feel welcome. Due to the nature of the exhibit we ask that parents and caregivers keep their children with them and help them respect the quilts by not touching.
What kind of quilts will be in the show?
We expect all kinds of quilt designs and all levels from beginner to expert. All submissions are welcome!
If you are a quilter and would like to include your work in the show we would love to have you join in on the fun. Click HERE for more information regarding submitting a quilt—or five.
What options are there for lodging near the venue?
Ashton Gardens is ideally situated near several hotel properties. Our preferred partner is the Home2 Suites by Hilton in Lehi, Utah. They have generously agreed to offer our guests of the Garden of Quilts special rates. To book, simply copy and paste the URL below into your browser to access any special rates available, or call or call 801-753-5430.
https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=SLCTPHT&corporateCode=0003267179
Where is the nearest airport?
The Salt Lake International Airport is located 30 miles to the North of the Ashton Gardens. In ideal traffic, it is a 40-60 minute commute. The Provo Regional Airport is situated 22 miles to the South of us and is approximately a 30 drive in ideal traffic.
How do I submit my quilt for exhibition?
Quilt submissions for 2022 are closed.
Where and when do I deliver my quilt?
It is important that quilts not be dropped off or delivered until requested. Those requests will be accompanied with detailed information regarding the delivery and return of your quilt.
Can anyone apply to enter a quilt in the show?
Yes! We are looking for all kinds of quilt designs and all levels from beginner to expert! As long as it is submitted by the creator(s) of the quilt, we’re interested!
What does it cost to enter a quilt to the show?
It doesn’t cost anything to apply to submit a quilt. For those whose quilts are accepted we charge a $25 entry fee. This fee covers up to five quilts and is required to help offset the cost of return shipping.
When will notification letters go out?
Final decisions will be made by our jury in late July and notification letters will be mailed to those who applied on or before August 9, 2022.
What is the deadline for accepting quilts?
Quilt applications can be submitted through July 31, 2022 at 11:59pm Mountain Time.
Can I personally deliver/pick-up my quilt rather than shipping it?
Absolutely! For those of you that live locally we will have arrangements for both drop-off and pick-up. There will be more details provided with acceptance letters when they are sent out.
Do I need to bring my sewing machine?
Machine rentals are one of our most asked about amenities. New for this year we have created a machine reservation. Reserve a machine for the duration of the festival and we will make sure that there is a machine set-up in your classes with your name on it—ready and waiting just for you! Sewing Machine Rentals will be available HERE beginning May 2, 2022.
What does a class registration include?
The class fee covers the teachers fee and tuition for the class only.
What is a kit fee?
A kit fee includes all of the consumable materials needed to complete the project being covered in the class. For instance, the fabric and notions to create the quilt.
What are supplies?
Supplies are typically additional tools you will need to complete your project during class. These typically include things like scissors, pins, marking pencils, etc. Fabric may also be listed in a supplies list if the class does not include a kit. Larger equipment not on the list, such as irons, will be provided for each class.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
We invite anyone aged 18 or older that has a few hours to give to apply to be a volunteer. Volunteer sign-ups for 2022 are now closed.
What does volunteering look like at the Garden of Quilts?
The Garden of Quilts is sizable production. We will utilize the generous service of well over 100 volunteers. While each task may be a little different, the average shift lasts four hours. This year, we are in need of volunteers to assist in keeping the displayed quilts safe and to provide a friendly face for our visitors throughout the garden. At Thanksgiving Point we love our volunteers and count on them as partners to help make our experiences great.
What is the time commitment involved with being a volunteer?
If you want to volunteer, we want to have you participate! There are so many different ways to help out we will find a position that meets your needs and limitations. From two hours to two-hundred, we will gladly consider you for part of the team.
Garden of Quilts Mailing List