National Quilt Project launches with exhibition at Washington Monument

The National Quilt Project launched on July 25 with an exhibition on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Nearly 50 handcrafted quilt panels from the Pleasanton-based Amador Valley Quilters were among more than 120 quilts displayed on the lawn of the Washington Monument.

Founded by textile artist Mary Milne, the National Quilt Project is a nonpartisan grassroots initiative. The project aims to use fabric art to express shared ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is designed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by gathering fabric squares from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Each 18-inch-by-18-inch panel was created using various techniques, including embroidery, painting, appliqué, and traditional piecing. Before the national display, the panels were showcased at the Amador Valley Quilters’ annual show in Livermore.