Every two years, the years ending with even numbers (2026, 2028, 2030), the guild has a grand weekend of quilting, eating, and lots of fun!
Celebration! 2026 planning is underway. The theme is “Americana” celebrating the 250th birthday of America and the 50th anniversary of the modern-day quilt revival.
Save the date: April 16 – 19, 2026
Celebration! is the premiere event of the Virginia Consortium of Quilters held every two years at the Skelton 4-H Education Center at Smith Mountain Lake. This 4-day retreat and workshop brings together 150 quilters, eight teachers, sixteen classes, 2 lectures, a quilt challenge and show, plus contests, prizes, a silent auction and much more. Registration includes overnight accommodations, classes,
Important Dates: July 4, 2025 – Celebration! Brochure is published
August 1, 2025 – Early Member registration opens
September 1, 2025 – Non-Member registration opens
February 1, 2026 – All fees must be paid
What’s new in Celebration! 2026?
At least one two-day class * Interesting mini-lectures before the main evening lecture on Friday and Saturday nights * Virginia Quilt Museum “Stitching History 2026” mini-quilt show*
A new microphone and amplification system in the lecture hall ** New teachers **
Pre-Celebration! lunch cruise of beautiful Smith Mountain Lake on the Virginia Dare. This event is first come, first registered and must be paid in full at the time of registration. **
CELEBRATION! 2026 Quilt Challenge: STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER
All celebration participants are encouraged to participate and enter. Quilts must have both stars and stripes in the quilt pattern or fabric (or both!). Any colors are allowed. The quilt does not have to be red, white, and blue. Quilt must be made in 2025 or 2026. Quilt must include three layers – front, batting, and backing but can use any technique. Quilt must include a 4” hanging sleeve sewn in the top. Quilters are strongly encouraged to make quilts 70” or less. Larger quilts must be registered by 3/1/26.
All Celebration 2026 participants will vote for Best in Show and Best Interpretation of Theme. First, second, and third place ribbons will be presented in both categories.
CELEBRATION! BLOCK LOTTO
The kit that will provide 1 FQ & minimal instructions to make 2 Dresden Plates with a list of website links that have free tutorials on making Dresden Plates. There will be a variety of fabrics with stars or stripes (keeping with the theme) in various colors in order to have a great mixture of Dresden Plates. Kits will be sold for $5.00 at the in-person meetings through the last meeting before Celebration!. Completed blocks will be collected at Celebration! Each block gives the maker an entry into the drawing for a block bundle to create a quilt.
Previous Celebration! Events
View some of the larger entries in our Celebration! 2024 Ruby Quilt Challenge
