In the Beginning...

In 1998, a couple of Walla Walla Businesswomen were assertively looking for a way to help increase visitors to our area. These two individuals first conceived a quilt show that would potentially draw people from across the region. Louise Winchel is a quilter and brought that expertise to the endeavor. Carolyn Tuttle is a lady who appreciates the art/craft, and knows how to organize to make things happen.

Eventually, they were joined by Jan Eaton, an accomplished quilter, teacher, and supporter of the effort. Jan was asked to establish a committee to make the idea a reality. Jan was joined by Cathy Wiese and a few volunteers to bring the Keepsake Collection of winning wall quilts to the Kirkman House Museum in 1999.

Through the years, we have evolved into a much larger quilt show and grown in size thanks to the support of the community, and to quilters from everywhere. Today our committee is still small, only ten members, but we love what we do, and live for the two days of stitched splendor in September when we actually get to meet you all face-to-face.

Some members of the Committee have participated intermittently due to a volume of circumstances, some members have been added, and we have mourned the loss of two of our members. The current Committee is pictured below.

Committee with Sew Kind of Wonderful National Quilters for 2026
Standing back row: Susie Golden, Sarah Bergman, Lisa Woodbury, Judy Benzel, Nancy Kessler, Terri Hellberg, Karen Anderson Standing Middle Row: Judith Hedberg-Duff, Lori Jacobi, Freida Wade, Kay Lehmann Seated Helen and Jenny from Sew Kind of Wonderful

2027 Committee

Chair: Terri Hellberg
Co-Chair: Nancy Kessler
Treasurer: Judy Benzel
Secretary: TBD
Vendors: Lisa Woodbury
Sponsors: TBD
Advertising: Freida Wade
Volunteers and Block Challenge: Sarah Bergman
National Featured Quilter: Susie Golden
Technology: Kay Lehmann
For more on Committee Members see theĀ Who We Are page
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