Quiltbound Chapter #206 Meeting

November Badge: Quilt Historian & Quilt Museums

The Quilt Historian Badge invites members to follow the thread backward and explore the stories, people, techniques, and traditions that shaped  quilting. This badge can be earned through museum research, books, interviews, family stories, historic blocks, old patterns, or any quilting rabbit hole that makes you say, “Wait, I need to know everything about this.”

There were so many incredible eras, styles and influences to choose from, but ultimately I went with one that included a free project!

We will be learning about quilting throughout our nation’s history, focusing on the perspective of Native Americans. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) hosted a mystery quilt along earlier this year (June through October) designed by contemporary Indigenous artists that honors Indigenous stories, perspectives, and histories that shape this country. The commemorative wall hanging features four blocks, each representing distinct periods of United States history through a Native lens:

• Pre-contact to the American Revolution in 1776
• Post-American Revolution (1776–1901)—the first 125 years
• 20th century to present day (1902–2026)—the second 125 years
• Our Shared Future (2026 and beyond)

The border theme, “Always Becoming,” surrounds the different eras of United States history to reflect the idea that the nation, along with its relationship to the Indigenous peoples of the land, continues to evolve.

During the meeting you will learn how it is still possible to participate in the quilt along. As a bonus, if you finish before December 31st, you can even request a free commemorative label to add to your finished project! I learned about it in September and have been hard at work on my blocks to try and finish in time for our meeting. (Wish me luck!) If you haven’t already earned your Applique Artisan badge, you will by completing this project.

The project received funding from the Smithsonian’s “Our Shared Future: 250,” a Smithsonian-wide initiative supported by private philanthropy and created to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and support the Smithsonian vision for the next 250 years.

Feel free to keep bringing in fabric and scraps to each meeting to share and/or swap. Anything that isn’t claimed will be donated to Project Linus.

Quiltbound is a creative quilting world for adventurous makers — a place to learn new skills, make meaningful projects, find your people, and take the scenic route through quilting. Along the way you’ll earn badges as you complete themed challenges, try new techniques, and explore different areas of quilting. Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or just starting out, there’s something for everyone!

Each month is a badge based quilting adventure designed to help you build skills, stay motivated and celebrate progress – without pressure or perfection.  Each  Chapter meeting is a local gathering of quilters who want more than just finishing projects—they want connection, creativity, and a reason to show up.

Why should you join? Quilting is more fun with friends, goals, and a little adventure! Start your journey today and stitch your way to badge-worthy achievements!

Meetings will take place on the second Saturday OR third Thursday at 10:30 each month. Please remember to sign up for each month’s meeting.

Please remember that meetings are exclusively for Quiltbound members and you need to be current on your national dues.

Due to changes in Washington State tax law (ESSB 5814) live presentations, including classes, are now subject to sales tax.

If you would like to bring a guest, you will need register for both of you. Guests are allowed to attend a single meeting before signing up with the national organization. Meeting fees are in addition to your national dues.

Learn more about Quiltbound and join here.

What You’ll Get as a Quiltbound Member

• Exclusive tutorials and patterns
• Monthly Show-and-Tell Sessions where you can share your projects and gain inspiration.
• Earn Your Badges as you master new quilting challenges.
• Exclusive opportunities and discounts at Pacific Fabrics just for Chapter #206 members.