You don’t have to be a quilter to have enjoyed the 8th Annual Quiltfest held last weekend at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge.

Hundreds and quilts and quilting items were on display and available for sale. Displays included everything from a child’s quilt made by Mr. Buckley – Durst’s class from Inskip Elementary School in Knoxville to a 150 year old quilt. Referring the Inskip class quilt, a show volunteer stated, “The kids were just great. They did a wonderful job on their quilt and really enjoyed visiting the show. They looked at every stitch on every quilt.”

Quilting guru Mary Ellen Hopkins was on hand to talk with spectators and sell her many books (eleven to date) on quilting. Hopkins is known as a quilter, author, teacher, lecturer, publisher and fabric designer. She has appeared on HGTV both in the states and Canada. She has lectured about quilting in Europe, Canada, Japan, S. Korea, Africa, the Middle East and throughout the United States. Hopkins commented, “I’m having a great time at the show. Sevier County is a wonderful area.” Hopkins was heading to Portland Maine and then Australia after the show.
Show officials said the registration was way up this year.

Jane Washington from The Cherry Pit in Sevierville said, “It has been a wonderful show. This is my fourth year participating and it just keeps getting better and growing every year. We have great vendors and great people coming to the show”. Washington taught a children’s class at City Hall in conjunction with this years show, which was free to anyone who signed up. “The kids were just precious. They ranged in age from eight to twelve. I am planning on having a summer quilting camp for kids this year. The kids are just great to work with.”

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