"Beauties Aloft," designed by Kathy McLaren and quilted by Sandra Roybal, is NMQA's 2026 Balloon Raffle Quilt.

Quilt Designer's Statement:

A nod to the many female pilots and owners in the hot air balloon industry, as well as to the 100th Year Anniversary of the "Mother Road," Route 66, the balloons floating on the black & white background are all piloted or owned by women.  The quilt is 75" wide X 86" long. 

Next Year's Quilt

Because of the complexity of creating, constructing, and marketing NMQA's annual Balloon Quilt, future quilts are already in various stages of design and construction.  Interested designers for future years can see our timeline and design guidelines here.

Balloon Pilots: Interested in seeing your balloon on the Quilt?

Have you flown your balloon at an Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta? Would you like your balloon to appear on an upcoming Balloon Fiesta Quilt?  We need your permission first!  Find details For Balloon Owners