When Shakespeare wrote, “All the world’s a stage,” he may have appreciated a city covered in quilts. On Saturday, July 12, 2025, Sisters, Oregon, hosts the 50th Annual Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, transforming the town into a vibrant, open-air art gallery. This free, family-friendly event features over 1,300 handcrafted quilts created by textile artists from around the globe. Each July, more than 10,000 quilting enthusiasts and visitors flock to Central Oregon to witness this spectacular showcase of fabric art, tradition, and innovation. Seeing is believing how an entire town can be covered in quilts.
Jean Wells: Founder and Quilting Pioneer Honored in the Quilter’s Hall of Fame
The origins of this world-renowned quilt show go back to 1975 when Jean Wells, a passionate quilter and owner of local quilt shop in Sisters called the Stitchin’ Post, displayed a dozen quilts outside her storefront. The simple heartfelt act of sharing colorful textile art kicked off what has become the world’s largest outdoor quilt show. Wells’ dedication to quilting and the Sisters community has earned her numerous accolades, including a 2010 induction into the Quilter’s Hall of Fame in Marion, Indiana, in 2010.
Golden Anniversary Events: Quilt Show Week Highlights
To honor the show’s 50-year legacy, several special events are planned leading up to the main event on Saturday:
Quilters Affair: July 7–11, 2025
Leading up to the big day, attend the Quilters Affair, where 118 hands-on quilting workshops are offered by renowned instructors from around the world. Don’t miss the instructor meet-and-greet on Thursday, July 10 at Sisters High School, featuring a special talk by Jean Wells on the early days of the quilt show.
A Town Covered in Quilts: Friday, July 11, 2025
Join Jean and her daughter Valori Wells at Sisters High School for an intimate evening of storytelling, a Q&A session, and a charity quilt auction. Discover the personal stories behind their iconic quilt designs.
Save It for Sunday: July 13, 2025
Spend Sunday morning at FivePine Lodge with nationally recognized quilter Karen Stone, who will host lectures and walking tours highlighting her innovative approach to modern quilting and design.
Local Quilting Guilds Unite for 50th Anniversary Exhibits
The 50th Annual Quilt Show wouldn’t be possible without support from Central Oregon’s vibrant quilting community. Local guilds—including the East of the Cascades Quilt Guild, Central Oregon Modern Quilt Guild, and more—will present exclusive anniversary-themed exhibits, such as “Log Cabin Redux,” “Golden Threads,” and “Quilting Sisters: A Tribute to Oregon.”
Featured Quilters: Celebrating Local Talent
Mari Wymore: A Central Oregon resident for 55 years, Wymore’s quilting journey began in 1965. She is recognized for her wool appliqué techniques, her commitment to sustainable quilting, and her innovative use of recycled fabrics. Her work honors both heritage craftsmanship and contemporary design
Karen Stone: A nationally recognized quilter and teacher, Stone is known for her bold color palettes, complex paper-pieced patterns, and award-winning quilts. She is a sought-after teacher and speaker, and her innovative style bridges the gap between traditional quilting and modern art.
Ways to Get Involved in the Show
View quilts hung across town, or get involved in multiple ways:
WISH Fabric Postcard Challenge
Design a 4” x 6” fabric postcard commemorating the 50th anniversary. The top entries will be auctioned off to benefit the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Scholarship Fund.
Quilt Block Design Contest
Submit a custom quilt block using Sisters Mountain Meadow fabrics. Winning blocks will be showcased in future quilt exhibits and publications.
Plan Your Trip to the Sisters Show
Don’t miss a chance to experience quilting artistry in Sisters, Oregon. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter, a textile lover or a curious visitor, the annual show offers art, inspiration, community and a celebration of creativity in Sisters, Oregon this summer.
