These Quilts Got Stories: A Bed Turning Event

Come join us for a unique experience on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at Chromophore Artspace: 309 N Adams St in downtown Richmond, VA for a Bed Turning!

What is a bed turning? It's like a live, interactive quilt show where we'll explore a set of hand-made quilts in a group setting, and see what these quilts have to say - because believe us, they are talking!

At this in-person event, hosted at Chromophore Artspace, you will experience a modern-day "parlor" style quilt honoring, as each quilt is turned back, on the actual bed we'll have installed, to reveal it's beauty, construction and the story of the maker, if known.

• This event is meant to be interactive, not a lecture!
• We'll give out some special paper block cards at the door to ensure there are many voices activated.
• 10 attendees will have the opportunity to bring a favorite quilt from their collection, to share in a 3-minute "turn".

This tradition of turning - revealing quilts one-by-one folding them down on the bed - has roots across the ages and communities where quilting was not only a craft but a necessity. Turning quilts stacked on a bed not only changed with the seasons, but became a time for the maker to showcase their work, mainly the handwork of women.

Information on Bed Turnings is somewhat limited - learn a bit more about them here and here, and watch a quilt show turning event video here and another Bed Turning event video here!

All are welcome to this evening of community and culture sharing. Seats will likely fill fast, so don't miss out on this first of what we hope will be a recurring seasonal event in the region!

Check out our FAQs, the event Agenda (We have a plan, but we're not too tight with these stitches) ... and get your ticket!

• Event Organizer: Kristin Hott @kristinhott (Instagram)
• Event Sponsor: P Carter Carpin's Serious Whimsey (Fb) (Etsy)

Event Host: Chromophore Artspace - Amazing New Gallery & Gathering Space in the City!

Info: Welcoming all guests, lighting of a candle(unscented) to invoke the spirit of the makers of quilts, those no longer with us, those whose hands created the quilts we'll have in the space, and to honor the unknown makers of found quilts who have been separated from their work.

Info: This ain't no lecture, y'all. We want to be sure you have a foundation in the history of this event, but let's get to the quilts! Everyone will receive a handout of information and links (QR codes) to more information, groups and upcoming events!

Info: Kristin Hott, event organizer and quilt enthusiast, will share stories of the quilts she has chosen for this first event - a mix of family heirlooms, found pieces and favorite purchases. Quilt handlers will ensure that as each quilt is turned down on the bed installation, guests will view each one. *Special interactive cards will be given out as guests arrive - this is no lecture!

Info: A time to see turned quilts up close, touch some found quilt squares and peruse books on display, purchase some Serious Whimsey scrap packs, grab a refreshment and get ready for Act 2!

Info: This ain't no lecture! We're hoping it will feel more like a conversation - 10 guests will stand to share about the quilt they brought. It's all about how the quilts talk to us through the sharer or the maker, about us listening and learning, and the room filling with story and deep appreciation for this incredible art form, born of necessity and nature and cultural expression.

Info: Extinguishing of the ancestor/honoring candle (unscented) and a reminder of the many local and regional ways to stay connected to the world of quilting, sewing and community.

Host or Publisher Kristin Hott