The North Country Quilters Guild is open to quilters of every skill level. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Location- Church of God 295 Crawford Farm Rd., Derby, VT (directions: scroll down) You can also join our meetings via Zoom - contact Valerie - 802-334-7557 or email [email protected]
Humble Beginnings The North Country Quilters began in 1978 with Sally Perry and Frances Bouffard. Sally taught quilting classes in Frances' store, The Needlecraft Shop, in Newport, Vermont. The group began meeting monthly at the home of Frances Bouffard. Members worked on projects, learned new skills, made quilts for new babies, disadvantaged children, nursing home residents, and helped each other baste or tie near-completed quilts. Our logo, a pine tree block, was designed by Gerard Bouffard, husband of Frances Bouffard. As the group grew, the meeting places changed to the Newport Senior Center, the Church of God, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) in Newport. The group now meets at the Church of God. From a start of 6-8 members, the group now has over 30 members from both Vermont and Quebec, Canada. Summer people are always welcome, too!
Quiltfest & More In order to share the members lovely creations with the community, it was decided to organize a quilt show at the Municipal Building in Newport. The first was held in 1982 and continued annually for another 10 years when, starting in 1992, the show was held only in the even years (barring another pandemic). Besides a dazzling display of quilts, the quilt show always features several vendors with quilt-related items, a raffle of small hand crafted item, and the group's raffle quilt. This year's quilt, 2024, is "Carolyn's Fancy", 70" x 80" full size, made by the North Country Quilters and quilted by Kay Courson.
Proceeds from the quilt show benefit guild projects including providing quilts to needy children and seniors in our area. Among some of the more interesting projects is the Quilt Trail of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. This is a collection of 4' x 4' quilt blocks hung on various barns, homes, and businesses. Students and art teachers from Lake Region and North Country Union High Schools put their talents and efforts into painting the first dozen blocks. A brochure with map is available at area shops and information centers.