By MOLLY DAIVDSON / Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY—The Birmingham Quilters Guild’s biannual QuiltFest returns this year on June 19 and 20. This year’s event includes something for quilters of all skill levels, from informational tutorials to quilts from across the world.

QuiltFest 2015 kicks off at Oak Mountain Middle School at 10 a.m. on June 19. The event will feature more than 300 quilts made by members of the Birmingham Quilters Guild and a special exhibit of quilts crafted by quilters in Hitachi, Japan, Birmingham’s sister city.

“We have sent quilts to them, and they sent 18 quilts back to us for the show,” Birmingham Quilters Guild publicity chair Becky Blair said. “They have a quilt show periodically and we send quilts to them.”

In addition to an exhibition, member quilts will be judged during the event. National quilting judge Lynne Erbach will evaluate each quilt on a variety of categories, including workmanship, color choice, binding and technique.

Quilters of all ages and skill levels can attend 30 minute tutorials held throughout the event. Taught by members of the Birmingham Quilters Guild, the tutorials will cover a variety of subjects and techniques.

“That’s free, just part of QuiltFest,” Blair said of the workshops.

A vendor mall will give quilters an opportunity to stock up on equipment, material and quilting needs.

Keeping with the Birmingham Quilters Guild’s mission of service, a silent auction will be held throughout QuiltFest 2015. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on a number of hanging wall quilts made by guild members. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Lakeshore Foundation’s Lima Foxtrot program, a fitness, sports and recreation program for wounded veterans.

“They do wonderful things for injured veterans and their families,” Blair said.

QuiltFest 2015 will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 19 and 20. Tickets are $7 each and grant admission to both days of the event, admission is free to children 5 and under.

For more information visit Bhamquilters.com/#!qf/cdxt.