Norsk Quiltetreff - The Norwegian Quilt Meeting

We're off to the Norwegian Quilt Meeting in March 2025. It will be our very first time at this celebration of textile art, so we asked the President of the Norwegian Quilt Association, Sissel Byberg to tell us all about it. 

ECT: We take groups to quilt shows all over the world – what makes the Norwegian Quilt Meeting stand out?

SB: The atmosphere, the sound of laughter and the chatter of members eagerly exchanging details of what they have sewn since the last time. There is also the excitement over who will be awarded prizes in the competition, the inspiration and news found in the on-site stores and, of course, the joy of seeing beautiful quilts of all genres in the exhibitions. It’s always interesting to see how quilts sewn according to the same pattern can give completely different impressions depending on which colours are chosen. Norway is a small country, and Norsk Quiltetreff is a source to meet once a year. As one member said when she came home this year, “Norsk Quiltetreff is the happening of the year and a watering hole of inspiration and gathering with like-minded people.”

ECT: Many of the quilts will have been made by Norwegian quilters – what should we look out for?

SB: Like the rest of the world, we are keen that our quilts reflect our creativity. We have a wide selection among our members, ranging from traditional to modern and art quilts, but many of them dye their own fabrics and use different materials in their quilts. Hand sewing with hand application and English Paper Piercing (EPP) are also in fashion.

ECT: You are one of these Norwegian quilters - tell us something what you make and why.

SB: I sew quite a lot in most genres, but sewing by hand with EPP, stichery and hand appliqué is probably what is closest to my heart. Sitting hand sewing is relaxing, either listening to an audio book, or in an armchair in front of the TV. I may well sew right through a movie only to find it has suddenly ended! I also do a lot of machine sewing. I prefer modern machine quilting and I like to make quite large rugs that live around the house, either hanging on a wall, across the sofa or as a bedspread. And I have a passion for hand quilting too.

ECT: Can you reveal anything about what we can expect to see at the 2025 meeting?

SB:  We have a textile artist who will hold a separate exhibition, and we will also be showing a very special quilt. The details of this quilt are being kept secret until we open Norsk Quiltetreff 2025, but it will be a source of surprise, admiration and inspiration. It will also likely be a topic of conversation long after the meeting is over.

If you would like to see this mystery quilt - and hundreds of others besides - then why not come with us on our tour to the Norway Quiltmeeting 2025 in Trondheim with a stay in Oslo?