Wild Women Don't Get The Blues

At a workshop offered by the Tucson (Arizona) Quilters Guild, Karen K. Stone taught a paper pieced pattern called "Wild Women Don't Get The Blues". Here are four beautiful quilts showing unique variations of this design.

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Ancient and Modern Petroglyphs, made by Mary Jones, quilted by Julie House  

A petroglyph is form of rock art associated with prehistoric peoples. Mary Jones used petroglyph prints in the centers of the blocks, and included many other unique batiks and prints for visual interest. Mary says, "This quilt is a reminder that I can do anything I put my mind to." 

Wild and Free, made and quilted by Kathy Kutansky.  

Winner of a 1st place ribbon, these block centers are made with Marcia Derse fabric (it looks pieced, but it's a print). The other fabrics were from Kathy Kutansky's stash. Kathy says, "The pattern by Karen Stone requires time and patience to be as accurate as possible so that all the blocks line up properly. All in all, I had fun with this one."

Green and Purple, Oh My! made and quilted by Janet Chumbley 

This quilt was paper pieced with lots of green and purple fabrics, hence the title.  Janet Chumbley says, "I like green and purple together!" What a great combination this makes!

Wild Women Don't Get the Blues, made and quilted by Sara Quigley 

The beautiful floral centers remind us of summer...all the fabrics were from Sara's stash! 

 Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 Tucson (Arizona) quilters guild show.

Highlights of Quilt Arizona! (5)

The 2025 Quilt Arizona show features hundreds of quilters, many of whom spend the winter months in this sunny locale.  Here are some more highlights from the show.  We hope you enjoy our photos!

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Nandina #4, made and quilted by Stephanie Nordlin

 Winner of 1st place in the Art/Abstract category, Stephanie Nordlin says that this original design quilt was inspired by her photo of Nandina (a bush with red berries). She says, "I drew it small, tweaked it and had it enlarged. After that I smoothed curves, added detail lines, retraced the design and played with color before appliqueing."

Cinco de Mayo Kaffe Style, made and quilted by Peggy Foster

 This quilt is so cheerful with its bright Kaffe Fassett prints! Peggy Foster says, "A freezer paper piecing demonstration by Ann Peterson on "The Quilt Show" inspired me to try this quilting method.  Karen Stone's "Cinco de Mayo" pattern looked like a fun, colorful challenge.  I also enjoyed using bright threads to quilt the negative space on the quilt top." Her quilting echoes the spiky points of the New York Beauty blocks.

Mostly Sunny, made and quilted by Marianne Nowacki

Winner of Honorable Mention in the Modern-Solo category, Marianne Nowacki says that this "temperature quilt" shows the 2023 high and low temps every day recorded at Falcon Field in Mesa (Arizona). The blue light/dark blocks separate the months.  Small purple triangles on the blocks are the days it rained.  The color chart (which was on the back) shows the colors used for each 5 degrees of temperature.The quilting was done with a sun design!

Color, Color, Color, made and quilted by Merci Apodaca  

Beautiful, and so much fun:  This quilt was based on a published design from the book called Whizz Bang (Adventures with Folded Fabric qults) by Rachel Daisy. Merci Apodaca says, "I was inspired to make this quilt because of the whimsy, opportunity to combine many fabrics and dig into my collection of trims.  I was bedazzled by the simplistic techniques becoming a color feast for one's viewing pleasure." Fussy cut Tula Pink prints can be seen in the centers of the circle blocks. 

Giraffes Out of Africa, made and quilted by Barbara Harrell

We loved this stunning large quilt with its saturated colors, off-center medallion design, and multiple pieced borders. Barbara Harrell says this was a "very fun challenge. The center block and small giraffe blocks were purchased from an African textile booth years ago at a show."

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 Arizona Quilters Guild show.

A Thorny Situation

We love quilts made from scraps!  Here is a real beauty (a New York Beauty, in fact!)  Rhonda Borders used an incredible range of fabrics to make 30 spiky, thorny blocks. The judicious use of high contrasts produced an energetic yet cohesive design.

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A Thorny Situation by Rhonda Borders, quilted by Peg Collins

A Thorny Situation was made by Rhonda Borders and quilted by Peg Collins, Country House Quilting.  Rhonda says, "I love scrap quilts, probably because I have bags of scraps waiting to be used. I completed a Karen Stone pattern about 15 years ago so it took some time to work up to another." (Pattern source: Karen Stone 1995 - New York Beauty.)  

Check out the wide variety of prints and solids in the closeup photo, below. They include paisleys,  traditional & modern florals, and a shibori design.

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2023 Tucson Quilters Guild show.  This quilt was the winner of a 2nd place ribbon in its category.

QuiltCon 2022 Highlights (2)

The outstanding QuiltCon show was held in Phoenix, Arizona this year! Presented by The Modern Quilt Guild, QuiltCon is the largest modern quilting show of its kind. Hundreds of modern quilts were on display, including a juried show with entries from MQG members around the world. Here are some of the remarkable quilts we enjoyed.

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Jessica Big Skirt by Patti Coppock (Oklahoma)

Winner of a Judge's Choice award, and 2nd place in the Negative Space category, this quilt by Patti Coppock drew a crowd of admirers at the show for its dynamic design. Jessica Big Skirt was inspired by a drawing, done by Patti's granddaughter when she was 5 years old.  Patti says, "The skirt came together 'accidentally' when I was sewing tiny scraps together for placemats."

Jessica Big Skirt was machine pieced, hand appliqued, and machine quilted on a domestic machine. A fascinating collection of prints and batiks were used to create a dynamic collage.

Sacred by Karen Stone (Texas)

Sacred by Karen Stone is a gorgeous original lotus design made with hand dyed and commercial cottons and silks.  The solid color fabrics in the lotus shapes are contrasted with the prints at the upper and lower edges. Commercial and hand-dyed cottons and silks make up this award-winning applique quilt, which was quilted with a domestic machine.

Illusions of Victor by Linda Hungerford (Florida)

In January 2020, the Central Florida Modern Quilt Guild members were challenged to design and make a quilt based on the art of a midcentury modern artist.  Illusions of Victor was inspired by Victor Vasarely and his optical illusion quilts, these drunkard's path blocks and 45-degree diamonds are pieced from a variety of solid colors and values. The piece was domestic machine quilted with a walking foot and a ruler foot with echo guide.

Windisch by Robert Lowe (New Mexico)

 The inspiration for this piece was the beautiful architecture of the Mülimatt Gymnasium in Windisch, Switzerland designed by Studio Vacchini architects.  Robert Lowe says, "I was taken by the cathedral-like windows surrounding the entire sports complex, allowing an incredible view of the outdoors from within the facility."  This outstanding piece was machine pieced, and machine quilted on a domestic machine.

My Memphis by Corinne Sovey (Texas)

We loved this playful, energetic design! Corinne Sovey says, "I've always been a fan of Memphis design from the 1980s and this is my take on the design aesthetic.  I used turned-edge machine applique for the shapes and chose to add texture to the quilt by adding batting to some of the shapes so they would pop out of the quilt (faux trapunto if you will).  I quilted over some shapes and left the trapunto shapes unquilted so they would jump off of the quilt." This piece was machine quilted without a frame.

Crossed Ribbons #2 by Diane Wespiser (Massachusetts)

Diane Wespiser has created a fascinating optical illusion with Crossed Ribbons #2, which is based on a traditional "knots" block.  The sizes of the blocks were varied and reversed to connect to the grey ribbons, creating a more three-dimensional image.  The center block is the largest, and the peripheral blocks become smaller as they approach the edges. The impression is that of a convex surface. (This quilt was designed in EQ8.) The open spaces were quilted with radiant sun rays.

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2022 QuiltCon show.

Highlights of Quilt Arizona 2019 ! part 4

The Arizona Quilters Guild has over 35 chapters, and they all get together annually for the Quilt Arizona show. The 2019 theme was Jewels of the Desert: "Every quilt is like a gemstone, the dancing colors play through patterns to endlessly fascinate and amaze. This year your quilt should convey Arizona's iridescent beauty, from golden sunsets and emerald cacti, to clear sparkling memories."

Note: please check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on quilt patterns, fabric, and vintage jewelry ! (For continuous free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter !)

Mother and Baby Giraffe by Barbara Renoux

Barbara says, "I fell in love with the eyes of this family ! I decided the piece needed embellishments, so I added beads and needlework to really bring them to life. They are an exotic pair with exotic blooms!" This pattern is by Toni Whitney.

Barbara quilted this very fun, expressive piece herself. We love the fringe embellishment which comprises the mane along the back of the giraffe's neck.

Flying High by Martha Baltram



2019 Best of Show winner and First Place winner for large applique quilts,  Martha remarks, "This original design was inspired by the many birds that fly around our house and make their nests in our garden. I included high flying birds, bees, and ladybugs to round out my theme."

Close-up, Flying High

Martha's stunning work contains many spectacular applique motifs. Here's the center block, where two charming birds are building a nest. On Flying High, Martha did all the quilting work herself.

Cacti at First Light by Debra Goley

Debra states, "As an inspirational artist, I find clues from nature. The cacti that dots the landscape is brought within safe view. At dawn's light, the prickly pear thrives, stretching forth to the sun's rays."

Cacti At First Light shows a creative juxtaposition of textured light and shadow, as the leaves react to the early morning sun. Debra quilted her innovative work herself.

Spiky Spirals by Judy Salb, quilted by Jessica Gamez

Honorable Mention winner in the Paper Pieced category, Judy notes, "I've long loved this pattern by Karen Stone, called 'Happy Chihuahuas'.  I created the border, as I wanted to add something of myself to the design."


Close-up, Spiky Spirals

Judy's cheerful quilt is really a whirlwind of color and energy. She's done an excellent job of blending contemporary black and white fabrics with these vibrant, high-chroma hues.

Grandmothers' Spring Bouquets by Joyce Strassburg, quilted by Jessica Gamez

First place winner for medium size applique quilts, Joyce writes, "This was my first Edyta Sitar pattern. Her quilts have made me a true admirer. These bouquets remind me of my grandmothers' gardens; and I hope they make my descendants as happy as they make me."

Close-up, Grandmothers' Spring Bouquets

Richly saturated batiks, in a profusion of shades, highlight this beautiful foliage against a light background. We're certain that Joyce's descendants will always consider her quilt to be a treasured heirloom.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2019 Quilt Arizona show..

Highlights of Quilt Arizona 2019 ! part 2

The Arizona Quilters Guild has over 35 chapters, and they all get together annually for the Quilt Arizona show. The 2019 theme is Jewels of the Desert: "Every quilt is like a gemstone, the dancing colors play through patterns to endlessly fascinate and amaze. This year your quilt should convey Arizona's iridescent beauty, from golden sunsets and emerald cacti, to clear sparkling memories."

Note: please check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on quilt patterns, fabric, and vintage jewelry ! (For continuous free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter !)

Wilma and Howie by Monika Hancock, quilted by Debbie Stanton

Second place winner in the Medium Size Pieced Quilts category, Monika says, "I made this pattern using Kaffe Fassett fabrics. I also made this quilt to honor my long time friends, Wilma and Howie Young. Wilma passed away in May 2018. I love them both so much! "
Wilma and Howie is based on the Lloyd and Lola quilt pattern by Elizabeth Hartman.

Monika's excellent choice of vibrant complementary colors really help these two whimsical llamas to "pop" against the neutral background. What a wonderful tribute to her beloved friends !

Debbie Stanton's intricate longarm quilting on this piece adds a great deal of texture and visual appeal.

New York Beauty by Linda Wood, quilted by Jessica Gamez

First Place winner in the Scrap Quilts category, Linda notes, "The New York Beauty block is one of my favorite quilt patterns. I loved gathering all the fabrics to make this quilt."
This quilt reminds us of the famous paper pieced New York Beauty quilt by Karen Stone. We love the way the New York Beauty blocks are offset with triangle wedges, creating wonky stars.

This is one of the most spectacular scrap quilts we've seen. The rule in this guild is that a scrap quilt must have at least 50 different fabrics, and Linda has done a tremendous job of making sure that all her fabrics go together so well. She's produced a sophisticated, finished look for a scrap quilt which looks carefully planned and organized.

Loma Nat Watni- Bountiful Harvest by Linda Visnaw

Linda explains, "A bountiful Hopi harvest brings melons, pumpkins, beans, and corn. Hopi women form a circle in the plaza with wicker plaques to sing songs of prayer and gratitude, while men surround them to receive the gifts." Linda's quilt contains all of these items in a creative, original design.

Close-up, Bountiful Harvest

Linda's beautiful quilt is accentuated by her precision in creating the circular Hopi wicker basket motifs. We really enjoyed seeing all the details of her wonderful work.

Let's Play Ball by Carol Collett

For "Let's Play Ball", Carol won a special award for Exemplary Non-Professional Machine Quilting, and she also won an Honorable Mention award in the category of Art/Innovative quilts. She writes, "[This] free-form pieced quilt was fully quilted and imposed on a second fully quilted white quilt. Border/binding was totally glued using Sue Carlson's technique."

Close-up, "Let's Play Ball"

Carol adds, "The dog center [motif] was a section of a silk scarf." We really enjoyed this fun quilt, which is a great tribute to our faithful and friendly canine companions.

Sonoita by Karen Carns

Honorable Mention winner for Best Use of Theme "Jewels of the Desert", Karen states,  "[This is] a quilted wall art consisting of applique, walking foot machine quilting, free motion quilting, tulle overlay, and decorative trim. Cacti inspired by Carol Morrissey's 'Prickly Pear in Bloom' pattern."

Close-up, Sonoita

Karen's expert use of techniques has imbued her lovely quilt with a very realistic sense of texture and dimensionality. The bright cactus flowers are beautifully represented with colorful batiks.


Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2019 Quilt Arizona show.