Various quilters who live in Monterey formed an informal group in early 2024 in which they share love of quilts – old, new, or in progress – and also new (or recently learned) techniques with each other. A group exhibit was curated by these artists, which resulted in Quilts of the Berkshires, which opened at Knox Gallery on Friday, October 24. We are pleased to have the group exhibit examples of their work, along with that of a few other invited local or Berkshire quilters.

A quilt is an example of a composite fabric; that is, it is one fabric made up of multiple layers. Typically, the middle layer is a heavy batting that adds bulk, which allows the completed quilt to provide insulation and warmth. The top layer is usually decorative, often by piecing, or sewing cuttings of fabric together to make a pattern. The back layer may be one plain fabric, or it may be pieced, too. The three layers are sewn together at the perimeter, and additionally, decorative stitching through all three layers creates a pattern of its own. The stitching may itself be as simple as regular dots or straight lines, or it may be quite elaborate.

Quilts date back to before America was settled, and are pervasive in nearly all cultures. Please visit Quilts of the Berkshires, which is on view through December 6, 2025, to admire the work of our local artisans.