Quilts Celebrating Creativity ! part 3

Here are more quilts from the Santa Clara Valley Quilt Association 2019 show! The Santa Clara Valley lies at the southern end of San Francisco Bay in Northern California. This year's show, titled Quilts Celebrating Creativity,  featured some outstanding works by talented quilters. Here are some of our favorites!

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Headed Outback, 46 x 42", by Randa Mulford

The colors and patterns drew us to this outstanding quilt.  Featured quilter Randa Mulford says, "Louisa Smith’s Double Vision workshop inspired me to dip into my sizable stash of Australian aboriginal fabrics. Once I got started, I just had to keep cutting out and adding more motifs from these fabrics as appliques until I had a whole parade of down-under creatures headed somewhere - to the Outback?"

Layers of colorful ovals create a sense of three dimensions in this contemporary art quilt. For more information on "Double Vision" quilts, on which this design was based, please see Louisa Smith's workshop page.

Flowers for Our Lady of Guadalupe, 27 x 27", by Carole Donovan

Carole Donovan says, “Freddy Moran taught a class using flowers cut out from fabric. We made a black and white background and glued the cutout flowers on the fabric to make a design."

Carole continues, "I wanted to make this quilt for special friends who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. I liked my first try so much that I had to keep it for myself and made a similar design just for them.”
We love the broderie perse (collage) style of this original design!  You can see the raw edge flowers in the closeup photo, below.

Afternoon in Paradise, 24 x 33", by Randa Mulford

This wonderful landscape quilt was based on a photo Randa Mulford took during an afternoon visit to Paradise Meadow at Mount Rainier National Park. It appears to be framed, but the "frame" is actually a border made with wood-grain fabric! The quilt was begun in a workshop taught by Lenore Crawford. Randa says, "Recreating the scene with its late afternoon sunlight and flowing stream out of fused fabrics was a new challenge for me, but I like how it came out."

Marilyn's Home, 18 x 24", by Karel Peer

The Santa Clara Valley Quilt Association is participating in an exchange program known as "Quilts Across the Pacific", where each member has a sister quilter in Australia with whom to share designs, patterns, and quilt ideas. Karel Peer says, “This quilt, made for my Australian partner Marilyn Urane, is a quilted rendering of her home in Newscastle, NSW. [It was made with] commercial and hand painted fabrics."

There is a lot a detail in this little quilt; the flowers in this closeup photo were created with small buttons, and the windows and doors were outlined with embroidery floss.  The roof was made with ruched fabric.

Sufficiency, 46 x 37", by Therese May

This large, expressive fish was created by Therese May, who was a featured quilter at this year's show. She says, “This fish represents the potential for more and more abundance. [The] drawing [was] printed onto fabric and machine quilted.”

On her website, Therese May states, "I make the quilts that feel good to me and that convey what I have in my heart. I’m an artist, a painter and a quilter. I like to think in pictures and to share that vision in my art." For more of her drawings, which serve as inspiration for art quilts, please see Therese May's website.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2019 Santa Clara Valley Quilt Association.

Highlights of the Pacific International Quilt Festival ! Day 3

The Pacific International Quilt Festival (PIQF) is the biggest quilt show on the West Coast of the US. We had a great time at the 25th annual show, held last week in Santa Clara, California. There were nearly 1000 quilts on display from around the globe. Here is Part 3 of our highlights of this year's show!

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Also, we're continuously posting free patterns on Twitter !

Dottie’s Lament, 45 x 44”, by Sue Bower,  Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

Sue explains about her original design:  "This piece was inspired by [pop artist] Roy Lichtenstein's work. I created Dottie using multiple layers of fabric and raw edge machine applique. Her foundation pieced stash, custom digitized and machine embroidered dialogue balloon, and tone-on-tone longarm quilting preserve the 2D comic book look."

Dottie continues, " The original scene appeared in the romance comic book series 'First Kiss', published in 1961. Did Brad really leave her?  Stay tuned. The answer will be revealed in 2017."
Who among hasn't felt a little twinge of guilt about adding more fabric to her already over-flowing stash? We find this quilt to be not only beautifully made, but also hilariously funny.

For the Watchers and Dreamers, 41 x 41”, by Kristin Shields, Oregon, U.S.A.

Kristin notes about her original design,  "This quilt was inpsired by the graphic illustrations from Mid Century Modern children's picture books. It is hand appliqued."

Kristin's work is sewing machine quilted, and these contemporary patterns look great against the softer neutrals highlighted by bold black lines.

The Sunrise in the Bougainvilleas, 59 x 71”, by Mihoko Tanaka, Japan

Mihoko notes, "Southwestern Japan's back country provides much serenity for everyone. When the sun rises through the bouganvilleas, you can especially appreciate this time of year. It almost seems to be the origin of our energy. Does it also give the motivation to begin something new? "

Close-up, Sunrise in the Bouganvilleas

Mihoko's original design is machine pieced, machine appliqued, and sewing machine quilted. This beautiful juxtaposition of warm and cool hues does indeed seem to radiate a dynamic sense of energy.

My Favorite Home in Each Season, 69 x 52”, by Bonnie Thomas, California

Bonnie writes, "Yo-yo's (fabric that is gathered into small, round, shapes) are the perfect project for the long drive to visit our son every Sunday. The three dimensionality of these homes really attracted me. I wish I could own all these homes in real life."

Winter

Bonnie's charming work shows yo-yo's in all four panels, one for each season. The seasonal patterns are by Marcia Layton; this one is called Lollipop Lane. Notice how yo-yo's decorate the gingerbread house and form a fence line of lollipops.

Spring

In the block for spring (Cottontail Trail), the yo-yo's are used to depict the sun, the clouds, the bunny at the gate, as well as the gate itself, and the plants emerging from the earth.

Autumn

In the Harvest Road pattern, the yo-yo's are used as pumpkins in the wheelbarrow and as leaves ready to fall from the tree.

Summer

This summer-themed pattern is Raccoon Ridge by Marcia Layton. Look closely, and you'll see that the yo-yo's are used to construct the animals and even the walls of the summer cabin at the side of the lake.

Cactus Fish, 60 x 57”, by Alethea Ballard and Freddy Moran, California

An original design, Cactus Fish is the fifth in a series of collaborative collages made by Althea and Freddy. They explain, "We chose a theme quickly. In this case, it went like this. Althea: 'I have this fish panel that I've always wanted to use in a quilt.' Freddy: 'I love fish !'. Then, we pulled out all the brightest fabrics we could find, cut them up, and made a collage. Then, Alethea quilt it. TOO MUCH FUN !"

Close-up, Cactus Fish

Althea and Freddy's vibrant, wild and crazy creation is machine pieced, machine appliqued, and long arm quilted.

The Deep Blue Glitter, 87 x 87”, by Taeko Kasai, Japan

Taeko says, “I made this work, which is somewhat like a huge, glittering blue jewel, to present to myself in memory of my sixtieth birthday. I pieced Dresden plate patterns to express this brilliant cut jewel and quilted around to give an elegant look." Thin strips give the appearance of stained glass, as shown below.

The Deep Blue Glitter was machine pieced, machine appliqued, and sewing machine quilted.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.

Best of the September quilt show ! Day 1

Welcome to a new season of quilt shows ! We had a wonderful time at the Diablo Valley Quilters' show in Walnut Creek, California ! Take a look at some of our favorites from this fun show.

Gorgeous Gerty by Lynne Douglas

Lynne Douglas says, "I started "Gerty" in Susan Carlson's [collage quilting] class.  I love working with bright colors, and "Gerty" shows my love of color."

Gorgeous Gerty by Lynne Douglas

Lynne Douglas continues, "I used lots of glue and tulle and then quilted all the pieces down." She created dramatic black eyelashes for this elegant giraffe. 

Fabric Flowers by Diana McClun, quilted by Kathy August

Diana McClun is a renowned California quilter and the co-author of Quilts! Quilts!! Quilts!!! with Laura Nownes.  Diana says, "Fabric Flowers is an original still-life made with collage techniques from a class in Asilomar."  She used nine separate floral fabrics for this broderie perse design.

close up, Fabric Flowers by Diana McClun

This detailed still-life even includes a ladybug and a bumble bee.  The yellow fabric is a dyed and stamped fabric by Jane Dunnawold.

Gramma's I Spy Quilt by Cindy Sloneker, quilted by Genese Hoskins

Cindy Sloneker says,  "This is my version of Freddy Moran's Zig Zag pattern.  We have a new grandson, and this is the quilt he plays on at Nana's house, where he and his grandparents play I-Spy games."

close up, Gramma's I Spy Quilt by Cindy Sloneker

There are so many cute fabrics to see in this quilt, including a pink kitty, Linus with his blanket, and a football. 

Dancing Girls of Roussillon by Linda Fribley, quilted by JoAnn Carpenter

The Dancing Ladies pattern is in American Jane's Quilts for All Seasons by Sandy Klop.  Linda Fribley says,  "After a trip to France in the Provence area and the village of Roussillon, I fell in love with the yellow, ochre and red cliffs and the fabrics of Provence, and had to make this quilt."   The center of the quilt is comprised of nine-patch blocks made with blue, red, yellow and green prints.

close up, Dancing Girls of Roussillon by Linda Fribley

The border contains a total of 32 dancing ladies adorned in colorful Provence fabrics.

Ryokan by Susan Greene, quilted by Carmen Franklin

We've always loved the Amish-inspired houses in this pattern by ThimbleCreek Quilt Shop.  Susan Greene made this quilt as a 40th anniversary present for her brother and sister-in-law. Each of the twelve houses incorporates a traditional quilt block. 

close up, Ryokan by Susan Greene

Susan Greene says, "Note the Cherrywood [fabric] blocks within the houses, and the  wonderful quilting by Carmen Franklin."

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration

Best of the 2015 Springville (Utah) Quilt Show (part 2)

We enjoyed our fun trip to the 42nd annual quilt show at the Museum of Art in Springville, Utah. It was very professionally staged and contained some outstanding works of quilting art. Here is Part 2 of award winners and some of our favorites from top quilters in the state of Utah.

Garden Party Ladies by Bonnie B. Quigley, quilted by Janae Tanner

Bonnie explains, "Our quilt group in Connecticut wanted to do a block trade. What could be more fun than "ladies in hats"? We used Moran/Marston's Collaborative Quilting as a jumping off point, straightened out the "lady" a bit to fit the needs of our groups, listed a few color rules, and then the fun began." 

Close up, Garden Party Ladies by Bonnie B. Quigley

Bonnie continues, "....We showed off our personalities in hats, shoes, stockings, and dresses -- all before the block due date. Paper pieced flowers, prairie points, rickrack, and black and white all add to the happiness of this quilt for me."  The delightful whimsy of this quilt extends to the striped, polka-dot, and flower border. We really enjoyed this adorable quilt.

My Town by Ruth Peterson Ewers

Ruth notes, "This quilt was started in a class taught by Freddy Moran and Gwen Marston who encourage you to "wing it." The house in the upper right hand corner is the house I grew up in Washington D.C. Enjoy this quilt for what you see in it. I hope it makes you smile."

Close up, My Town by Ruth Peterson Ewers

Ruth's town is full of magical surprises, like this whale who appears in the night sky, like a giant weather vane attached to the housetop.  Green yo-yo's - resembling bushes - decorate the "lawn" in front of the pink house.

Another part of this delightful scene are the three dimensional cars, zooming along the border on their wheels made of buttons. A long black zipper runs diagonally across the quilt, resembling a road.

Radiant Star by Barbara Walsh, quilted by Virginia Gore

An Award of Excellence winner, Barbara notes, " My favorite part of quilting is the planning and fabric selection. This quilt started with a pillow in my living room. I found the perfect coordinating fabric which I used for the border. This will hang in our dining room."

Close up, Radiant Star by Barbara Walsh, quilted by Virginia Gore

Rich earth tones of deep coral, burnt orange, and terracotta highlight the blues and greens of the curved flying geese border done in batiks.  This quilt was based on the beautiful Glacier Star pattern by Judy Niemeyer.

 Blossoms and Butterflies by Kristen White Webb

Another Award of Excellence winner, Kristen writes, "Blossoms and Butterflies is a long term study in applique. This quilt began as my first applique quilt and was finished years later when I had become accomplished in the art of applique. Over 50 butterflies are hidden in the quilting done on my long arm machine."

Close up,  Blossoms and Butterflies by Kristen White Webb

Kristen adds, "Ginny Affleck from St. George, Utah, taught me how to needle turn applique and started me on this quilt. I am indebted to her and my mentor, Joan Terry from Salem, Utah."
Kristen has mastered her craft, and you can see how these cheerful folk art flowers display her outstanding workmanship. Can you spot the butterflies that Kristen has quilted into the background ?

Fabulous applique and background quilting combine to make this a spectacular work of art. Kristen concludes, "I am passionate about every aspect of quilting !"

Birds in the Garden by Marget Kunz

Marget states, "This quilt is an Edyta Sitar design that was included in her Craftsy class.  I decided that it needed a border. Also, the center block in the original was an appliqued block. The Dresden fans were super quick and easy to do, and I had a great time with the quilting on the border."

Close up, Birds in the Garden by Marget Kunz

Marget did a wonderful job with the intricate quilting on the ivory hued background fabric. These muted and toned batiks in green, teal blue, rose wine, and mauve, give an elegant vintage feel to this charming quilt.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.

California Fall Quilt Show: Part 5

The Diablo Valley Quilters 2013 show in California was so interesting, that we still have lots of lovely quilts to show you ! 

Sally's All Stars, 90 x 100", by Sally Socolich 

Sally says,  "Sandy Klop's (designer for American Jane Patterns)  updated interpretation of a strip-pieced star was a challenge and great fun. Loved using all my happy fabrics!"  We think that Sally did a super job of combining contrasting solid and print fabrics in such a way that these star blocks really sparkle.  An interesting print border really helps play up the soft apricot, peach, and gold tones of the blocks.

My Partner - My Pal, 30 x 36", by Lynn Hart 

Lynn notes,  "Andor [the German Shepherd] was my son's working partner on the police force for many years.  His Dad and I are very thankful that he worked beside our son, keeping him from harm. The dog is now retired and living out his retirement in the home of my son and his wife........ I began this project in July by taking a class in Sisters, Oregon, with June Jaeger. She's a wonderful teacher, and the class,  'Best Friends', was terrific."

Freddy's House, 70 x 72", by Debbie Pryor

Debbie writes,  "I took the workshop [to create the Freddy's House pattern] with Freddy Moran in April 2012 through Diablo Valley Quilters, and she was such an inspiration to just 'go with the flow'. I'm very pleased with all the colors in this quilt."

Close-up, Freddy's House by Debbie Pryor

If you look closely at the windows of these cute houses, you'll see all sorts of people and creatures peeking out of them. Debbie's very effective use of an array of rainbow colors has resulted in a vividly eye-catching quilt. 

Maryland Memories, 78 x 91", by Audrey Mantle

Log cabin quilts are always a traditional, beloved favorite pattern, and this expert rendition is no exception. Audrey designed, pieced, and quilted this spectacular creation herself. She has even added a log cabin pieced border to complete the graceful symmetrical look of her work.

Close-up  Maryland Memories by Audrey Mantle

In her excellent workmanship, Audrey used mostly cool blue tones and pale neutrals, always a winning combination.  The green vine  around the center medallion and the gently curved flower provide a very pleasing contrast to the angular geometric composition of the square blocks.

Grandma's Butterflies, 85 x 108", by Kathy Fitzpatrick

Kathy states, " The butterfly applique blocks were made by Bob Jellison's grandmother, Linda; and I chose the fabrics. I pieced the top and did the hand quilting for them."  We really liked this romantic design and the vintage, classic look of these graceful blocks.

Close-up , Grandma's Butterflies by Kathy Fitzpatrick

Soft pastels and muted prints enhance the delicate, ethereal look of these butterflies, which appear to float dreamily above the neutral background.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.