For those interested in studying a wide variety of quilting techniques and styles, the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival, February 25-28 in Hampton, Virginia features a range of workshops and lectures presented by a world-renowned faculty, including Vikki Pignatelli who is eager to spread her knowledge and passion of quilt making to students planning on participating in her full day workshops.

Have you ever wished for an easy method of machine piecing intricate curves, or wanted to incorporate curved designs into a quilt but had no inkling where to begin? Look no further than one of Vikki’s workshops! Vikki told Quiltfest, “When I first began quilting, I visualized beautiful curved designs, but the traditional method of piecing curves left me frustrated. I knew there must be an easier way. After much trial and effort I did find a way . . . and now I’m crazy about curves!”

Vikki will teach three, full-day workshops at M-AQF:

WS #027: Crazy About Curves

WS #028: Fun with Fabrics: Adding Dimension to Landscape

WS #029: Improvisation Everyone Can Do

In addition, on Saturday at 4:30 pm Vikki will present a lecture based on her newest book, Nurture Your Creative Spirit: Wisdom and Insight Learned From the Art of Quilting.

Vikki’s love for quilting is contagious. You won’t want to miss her this year at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival!

Paula Golden and Anna Hergert have stepped up when we needed them and will present lectures at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival, February 25-28, 2016 in Hampton, Virginia.

Paula Golden will present the annual “Early Bird Lecture” at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, February 24, immediately preceding the M-AQF Show & Merchants Mall Preview (open to pre-registered participants only.) In Body Smart Quilting, Paula will discuss how proper body mechanics and ergonomic workspaces (computer, sewing, ironing and quilting) are the keys to quilting longevity. You will also learn ten easy tips to make your workspace healthy and efficient.

The 2014 Canadian Quilting Teacher of the Year, Anna Hergert’s lecture is Everything Old is New Again: It’s Hip to Stitch! Keeping traditional techniques alive and ultimately sharing these has been a strong focus of this presenter. Years of in-depth personal research to augment workshop content and current bodies of work are the impetus for Anna Hergert’s renewed passion in hand stitching and hand embellishment. Be inspired to explore traditional embroidery to gather ideas on how to transfer simple techniques for complex outcomes with this visual feast. Join Anna on Friday, February 26 at 6:00 pm.

Due to serious illness, Mark Lipinski has cancelled all his teaching engagements for the first two months of 2016. While no one can truly replace Mark, Paula and Anna have agreed to lecture in his place.

Mancuso Show Management is happy to announce that the 2016 Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival‘s annual competitions will award over $18,400 in prizes to quilt and wearable art entrants. This year the Festival will include a new category: “Mid-Century Mod”. The Festival, held February 25 – 28, 2016 in Hampton, Virginia, welcomes the new genre to be displayed amongst the always unique and magnificent collection of quilt, wearable and textile arts. Modern quilting has made its mark in today’s quilting world and entrants in the category are asked to draw inspiration from the Mid-Century Mod period of mid-20th century design and reflect their own exposures or from the work of artists such as Joan Miro, Piet Mondrian, Victor Vasarely, and Frank Stella.

M-AQF’s 2016 Quilt Competition theme, “Sew Far, Sew Good”, is a reflection on how M-AQF has progressed leaps and bounds over its 27 years of existence. Entrants are asked to explain how far their quilt making journey has taken them and where they are today as artists. It’s sure to be a beautiful, heartwarming and inspiring exhibit! Pictured: Robber’s Roost by Joanne Baeth.

The accepted quilt entries compete in Traditional, Innovative, Modern and Wall Quilt Categories as well as for the “Best of Show” title, with prizes totaling more than $15,500. The winning works of the quilt competition will travel to The Quilt & Sewing Fest of New Jersey in Somerset, March 3-6, so that another region’s quilt artists can get an up close look at these stunning pieces of art.

Prepared to be dazzled with the exceptional entries from the Wearable Art Competition that will also be on display at M-AQF. The handiwork and detail put into these amazing vests, jackets, coats and full ensembles will astound! The best from among these works will be awarded over $2,800 in prizes. You won’t want to miss these beautiful garments created with creativity, talent and devotion to textile art!

Event attendees can even be part of the judging by voting for their favorite quilt and wearable art entry to win the prestigious Viewers Choice Awards!

Over 500 magnificent quilts and garments on exhibit, workshops and lectures taught by an international faculty and a fabulous Merchants Mall – it’s all waiting for you at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival.

Founding Sponsor BERNINA/Nancy’s Calico Patch; Major Annual Sponsor Brother/Tidewater Sew-Vac; Major Sponsors Baby Lock/All Brands, Janome/Sew E-Z, and Husqvarna Viking/Bella Fabrics; and Silver Sponsors ABM International / Innova and Handi Quilter generously sponsor the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival.

For complete M-AQF details, including workshop and lecture information, please visit quiltfest.com. Or, to receive a printed brochure in the mail, please write to M-AQF, PO Box 667, New Hope, PA 18938.