Since 1977, the Utah Quilt Guild has been doing their part to keep the art form of quilting alive and thriving in the state. For those who have been there since the beginning, and for those who are just starting out, there’s perhaps no better spot than right here in Davis County, and the 2024 Quilt Fest, “Getting to Gnome You.”

Louise Mudd, Vice President for the Utah Quilt Guild explained that this annual event, being held this year at the Davis Conference Center in Layton, will bring together quilters and appreciators of quilting from all over for 50 different classes, speakers, vendors, and more, all in a celebration of quilting. “It’ll be a lot of fun,” said Mudd, “and a lot of laughs.”

The Quilt Fest promises plenty to do over the course of the event, but overarching it all perhaps is the sense of community created by the festival. That community is best represented in the Retreat Room. This space will be dedicated for the duration of the event to the act of quilting itself. People of all skill levels are invited to come in, sit, and chat while they create amazing and functional works of art in quilts. “It’s like a great big slumber party,” said Mudd. 

She wasn’t joking, either. With some people arriving at 7 in the morning, and sewing until 12 at night, it’s a craft and art form to be taken seriously, but also one with which to have fun. Though many of the activities are geared toward quilters, newcomers and lovers of the arts alike are more than welcome to come, and will be blown away by the displays. 

Over 130 quilts will be on display during the event, including some amazing heritage quilts, as well as brand-new creations. This unification of quilting art and instruction could really only be possible because of the hard work and dedication of people like Mudd in the Utah Quilt Guild, which itself is an umbrella organization representing 70 active chapters across the state, each with anywhere from five to 300 members. 

The statewide organization is dedicated to preserving the art of quilt-making by assisting with local chapters, organizing events like the Quilt Fest here in Davis County, and advertising various quilt shows around the state. It’s a busy job and one that each representative, all volunteers, doesn’t take lightly. Their organization is doing its part to make sure this important piece of heritage and art does not fade into obscurity.

Why, though, is it such an important art form worth preserving? To Mudd, much of it comes back to innovation. “I like the learning,” she said, “new techniques, combining techniques.” But that wasn’t all. Mudd also emphasized the importance of charity with quilting, “I also enjoy making baby quilts, and charity quilts, and sharing that end product with those in need.” Like so many others, Mudd shared just how rewarding it was seeing people love the quilts until they are threadbare and falling apart. “(It is) sharing a part of me,” she said. 

Since the Quilt Guild is a nonprofit, the $5 tickets for non-guild members go a long way, along with donations, to help keep quilting alive in Utah. For those who’ve never been, however, Mudd offered the following advice, “Come and see the Quilt show, wander around, see the beautiful quilts and enjoy all the amazing colors,” but more than anything, “come play…there’s usually something for everyone!”

The 2024 Utah Quilt Fest is taking place at the Davis Conference Center, and runs from Aug. 20-24, featuring vendors, classes, speakers, a quilt show, and much more. More information on the Quilt Show, the Utah Quilt Guild, tickets and more can all be found at utahquiltguild.org.