RIPLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A vibrant showcase of artistry and tradition will take center stage this fall as the West Virginia Quilt Festival returns to Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley from September 11–13, 2025.
With this year’s theme, “West Virginia Legends,” the festival promises to deliver an impressive collection of quilts ranging from classic patterns to modern designs, including a new category spotlighting art, fiber, and textile quilts.
The event will feature handcrafted works from some of West Virginia’s most skilled quilters, alongside contributions from beginners and hobbyists. Displays will include traditional, modern, pictorial, and newly introduced artistic quilt styles, all reflecting the creativity and talent of quilt makers across the state.
“We’ve seen the festival evolve over the years in both timing and location,” said festival coordinator Barbara Green. “We’re excited to welcome everyone to Ripley to experience a beautiful celebration of quilts, great food from local trucks, and unique shopping opportunities with our vendors and quilt market.”
Alongside the colorful exhibits, guests can shop for quilt- and sewing-related goods, as well as browse the West Virginia Quilt Market, which offers finished items like kitchen linens, handmade holiday décor, and more. Proceeds will benefit West Virginia Quilters, Inc., the nonprofit behind the festival.
One special feature of this year’s festival is the presence of the West Virginia Quilt Documentation Project, which will be located in the Cedar Lakes Vocational Building. Volunteers will record and photograph quilts made before 1975, preserving their stories and craftsmanship in the national Quilt Index and the West Virginia Culture Center archives.
Festival hours are:
- Thursday, Sept. 11: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 12: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 13: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Entry to the quilt show and vendor area is $10 per person.
Renowned quilt judge Karen Kendo of South Carolina will lead this year’s judging. A retired science teacher turned quilt educator, longarm quilter, and certified judge, Kendo serves on the board of the National Association of Certified Quilt Judges.
Awards will be presented across several categories, including Traditional, Modern, Pictorial, and Art/Fiber/Textile Quilts, with subcategories recognizing different construction techniques. A Best of Show ribbon and a “Viewers’ Choice” award will also be given, as well as a special ribbon for the quilt best reflecting this year’s “West Virginia Legends” theme.
Festival-goers can also enjoy:
- A Little Quilt Auction each day
- Hands-on quilting classes covering various techniques and patterns (separate fees apply)
Corporate sponsors include Bolts and Quarters Quilt Shop in Parkersburg and Renee’s Fabric and Gift Shop in Clay.
To schedule a quilt for documentation, contact Roberta Gellner at 304-893-8324 or umwelthund@frontier.com.
For full festival details, visit the West Virginia Quilters, Inc. website at www.wvquilters.org.
