Desert Adventure: Quilt Arizona ! Part 3 : Southwestern Quilts

Warm sunny weather greeted us upon our desert adventure to Quilt Arizona!, the new name for the 2016 annual show of the Arizona Quilters Guild in Mesa, Arizona.  Here's Part 3 of the highlights of the show, plus some of our personal favorites. This week, we're featuring quilts with a southwestern motif !
Please note: We're continually posting free patterns on Twitter !  Check us out @QuiltInspire

Sedona Star by Janet Grant

Second place winner in the Small Pieced Quilts category, Janet writes, "[This] quilt is paper pieced and reminds me of  [the town of] Sedona's red rocks, turquoise and silvery jewelry, and beautiful Arizona sunsets."  Janet has done a wonderful job of selecting fabric hues which exemplify the colors of Arizona's natural scenery, especially the earth and the sky. The design is Glacier Star by Judy Niemeyer.

Closeup, Sedona Star

Sedona Star was quilted by Janet Grant on a track mounted machine. The contemporary quilting pattern on the background really help the flying geese circular medallion "pop" and provide one of the focal points for the viewer's eye. We thought that this quilt was one of the prettiest ones in this year's show.

 Code of the West by Roberta Simpkins

Roberta states about her design,  "I started with a cowboy pattern, but didn't like it. Changed and decided he needed to be out on the range. He is a true cowboy, the code of the rugged American West. " This cowboy fits in perfectly with Roberta's excellent landscape background of cactus, tall rocks, mountains, and sky.

Closeup, Code of the West

Roberta has provided a special touch to this fun quilt by embellishing the cowboy with a real rope, a belt buckle, and brass-colored buttons. Note her careful attention to detail by the addition of  tiny springtime flowers on the cactus plants. Roberta quilted this herself on a track mounted machine.

Talavera de Norris by Susan S. Norris

Susan's quilt depicts the vibrantly colored Talavera ceramics, produced in Mexico and very popular throughout the American Southwest. She notes, "I have always loved Mexican tiles and pottery. This is my interpretation, using dark batik background and an original border... [It is a ] gift for daughter-in-law Brooklee Norris."

Closeup, Talavera de Norris

Susan's fabulous work was hand-appliqued and hand quilted on her lap. We think she did a super job! The pattern for this quilt is Fiesta de Talavera by J. Michelle Watts.

Two Gray Hills by Beverley Shinkle, quilted by Lana Corcoran

Two Gray Hills is a cotton fabric quilt based on a woven wool rug made by the Navajo native people of Arizona. Starting in the 17th century, the Navajo tribespeople acquired a herd of sheep from the Spanish explorers in the region. They used wool from the sheep to make yarn and develop their now famous weaving skills. Navajo rugs are  highly sought after items, and Two Gray Hills is one of the best known patterns of  Navajo weaving.

Closeup, Two Gray Hills

Susan explains, "I have a Two Gray Hills [Navajo woven] rug. When I saw this pattern, I wanted a quilt to match the rug." We think that's a terrific idea to make a quilt based on a rug pattern, and Susan's work turned out exceedingly well !  We really like this quilting motif done by Lana Corcoran on a track mounted machine.  This piecing pattern is Two Gray Hills by J. Michelle Watts.

Desert Etchings by Sharon Husted, quilted by Linda Visnaw

Each block of this intriguing quilt contains a replica of a Petroglyph, a symbol or image of animals or nature engraved into the rocks of the Southwest by ancient peoples. Sharon did beautiful  work on piecing both the front and back on this vivid quilt, as well as the very precise sashing comprised of half-square triangles. The Desert Etchings piecing pattern, plus the embroidery pack of the primitive etching motifs are available  at Sew What Quilting.

Closeup, Desert Etchings

Desert Etchings was machine embroidered and quilted by pattern designer Linda Visnaw on a stationary machine. These softly muted shades of cinnamon, coral, gold, and green give this quilt a warm, glowing effect that is so pretty.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.

Highlights from the 2014 Tucson, Arizona Quilt Fiesta

We headed south through the sunny Arizona desert last weekend to the 2014 Tucson, Arizona "Quilt Fiesta". This week, we're showing some of the quilts that really impressed us. We hope you enjoy our selections !

Tucson, Heart of Arizona, 47 x 70", by Karen G. Fisher

Second place winner for Pictorial Art Quilt,  Karen has made a quilt in the shape of the state of Arizona. Karen's quilt celebrates 100 years of Arizona statehood, from 1912 to 2012.  Karen has appliqued different landmarks and symbols of Arizona. Karen notes, "My Tucson quilt is a collage of the city's history and culture. It inludes sections that have influenced my life; all the arts organizations, the University of Arizona, and all that it has to offer, and Davis Monthan Air Force Base, the reason my family came to Arizona fifty years ago."

Close- up, Tucson, Heart of Arizona by Karen G. Fisher

In this close-up, you can see Karen's applique of Tucson's beautiful San Xavier del Bac mission, one of the first European buildings in Arizona. This quilt also was exhibited in 100 Years 100 Quilts, a project to honor the Arizona Centennial in 2012.

The Quilt with the Dragon Tattoo by Nancy Arsenault

The Quilt with the Dragon Tattoo won three major awards at the Tucson show: Best Use of Color,  First Place in the Whimsical Quilt category, and Exemplary Machine Quilting, Non-Professional category. Nancy writes, "This image of a Chinese dragon tattoo was a collaboration with artist Stephanie Davis." Notice how the dragon's tail winds in and out of the quilt's border, which is a lovely and imaginative design feature.

Close up, The Quilt with the Dragon Tattoo by Nancy Arsenault

Nancy Arsenault adds, "A variety of threads were used for machine applique, embroidery, sashiko, and quilting."  The satin stitched applique and background quilting was beautifully done. 

Mayan Birds and Butterflies by Linda Laird, quilted by Betty Standiferd

Linda explains,  "I have been fascinated with the Mayan hand stamps since I was an anthropology major in the 1970's. [This quilt was] designed as the focal point of my Mayan hand stamp designed quilt line.  See www.lindalairddesigns.com  ."

Close-up, Mayan Birds & Butterflies by Linda Laird, quilted by Betty Standiferd

These bold, strong patterns are beautifully portrayed in black and white, which shows the designs in maximum contrast. Linda has also used a touch of aqua blue to provide  some very eye-catching color to the sashing and border.

The Sky is the Limit by Janice Hester and Alice LaRue, quilted by Mary Vaneecke

Third place award winners in the Group Quilt category, the artists say, "The Sky is the Limit seemed appropriate for this Alaska inspired original quilt. With a butterfly to guide us (see the butterfly in the center of the Ohio Star block, upper right), we chose coordinating batiks, adding contrasting color for depth. [We] created our favorite blocks, assembling them with filler strips."

Close-up, The Sky is the Limit by Janice Hester and Alice LaRue, quilted by Mary Vaneecke

A radiant, cheerful sun, shaped just like a New York Beauty block,  smiles down on the rest of the quilt, an original design created in very effective split-complimentary colors.

Silly Boys... Boots are for Girls by Kathleen McCulloch, quilted by Julie House

Second place winner in the category of Medium Sized Two-Person quilt, Kathleen notes, "I love boots, fabric, and quilting. What a fun way to combine all three for this "salute to the boots." The pattern source for this delightful quilt is Boot Roundup by Sondra Davison.

Close up, Silly Boys... Boots are for Girls by Kathleen McCulloch

Look closely at the red sashing, and you'll see the very innovative quilting design in the shape of barbed wire. In addition, see the tiny stars quilting pattern on the toe of the boot of this darling block.

Harmony by Katie Ammon and Vicki Kauth, quilted by Karolyn “Nubin” Jensen

Harmony is a wedding quilt made for Katie Ammons' daughter and son-in-law. Katie pieced, piped and bound the quilt, and her sister-in-law (Vicki Kauth) designed, appliqued and assembled the quilt top. Katie says:  "Karolyn [Jensen’s] extra-ordinary quilting made it a beautiful 3 part harmony."

close up, Harmony by Katie Ammon and Vicki Kauth, quilted by Karolyn “Nubin” Jensen 

 
The elegant center applique medallion, shown above, was based on the Good Fortune Poppy pattern by Geri Richardson of Grannie ‘G’ Applique.

The spiral pieced borders and overall design were inspired by Katie Fields' Oriental Fantasy Quilt taken from RaNae Merrill’s Simply Amazing Spiral Quilts.

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.

Western quilts Roundup !

~ Stay tuned for the September Giveaway  ~

~ Stay tuned for Free Pattern Day (tomorrow !) ~

It's time to lasso those Western quilts, and to celebrate the cowgirl spirit. Dale Evans once said: "'Cowgirl' is an attitude really. The cowgirl faces life head-on, lives by her own lights, and makes no excuses. Cowgirls take stands; they speak up. They defend things they hold dear." These designers make their homes in Missouri, Oregon, Texas and Montana, and these quilts make us dream of horses, cattle, and wide open spaces.

Row 1: Prairie Moon Ranch, Cowboy Christmas Stocking,  and Cowgirl Up, by Shelly Pagliai at Prairie Moon Quilts
Row 2: Royal,  The Guardian, and Mellow Meadow, by Toni Whitney at Toni Whitney Design
Row 3: Rodeo Gals and Working Cow Horse, and Wranglers, by June Jaeger at Log Cabin Quiltworks
Row 4: Boot Bash block-of-the-month for 2011, by Molly Fryer at Molly’s Place
Row 5: Texas Cowboy Crests Embroideries,  Bronco Embroidery, Dancing Boots Crest Embroidery, and Texas Wildflowers Embroideries,  by Susa Glenn at Susa Glenn Designs

Quilts of the Wild West Part 5

~ Stay tuned for the September Giveaway  ~

When we think of Texas, we think of all things Western: cowboy boots, hats, saddles, and horses. Oh, yes: and prickly pear cactus... steer skulls... and armadillos.  These Texas cowboy motifs, Texas Wildflowers, and more, can be found in Susa Glenn's fascinating embroideries and quilt projects. We love her intricate designs, one-of-a-kind themes, and inspiring tutorials.

Cowboys Crests Embroidery Project, 44 x 54", including The Bronco and Dancing Boots, by Susa Glenn at Susa Glenn Designs

Susa Glenn took up digitizing machine embroidery in 2005 because she wanted to embellish her bag patterns and quilt tops with it. She says: "All of the embroidery designs on my site were designed and digitized by me. I take a lot of time getting the design and the stitching just right. Sometimes the drawing/digitizing takes just a few hours and sometimes it takes days (examples: The Bronco and the Dancing Boots). I enjoy digitizing three dimensionality into my embroidery designs that makes them come to life when they are stitched using rayon thread. Rayon has a nap which gives it the same light reflective characteristics as velvet and corduroy. It reflects light if viewed from one direction and absorbs it if viewed from the opposite direction." Susa even includes one or more projects, such as the quilt shown above, with each of her embroidery collections.  For closeups of all of the cowboy crests, click here.

Texas Wildflowers, 30 x 36",  including Armadillos, by Susa Glenn, at Susa Glenn Designs

Susa Glenn tells us: "The Cowboy Crests collection was inspired by my group of Japanese Crests that I digitized and designed a quilt for several years ago. Immediately after completing my Japanese Crests quilt, I created my Texas Wildflowers embroideries." The downloadable wildflower collection includes Texas Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrush, White Yarrow, Black Eyed Susans, Wild Daisies, Indian Blankets, a Sulfur Butterfly... and the Armadillo crest, because "A Texas meadow is just not complete without an armadillo or two."

Armadillos are mammals that are known for having a leathery armor shell; the Aztec called them azotochtli, which means “turtle-rabbit.” Although they are interesting creatures, armadillos can be a big  nuisance to homeowners, because of the digging and the damage they cause with their powerful claws. Susa Glenn explains the inspiration for her armadillo: "I didn't have a satisfactory design with which to embellish the corner blocks, and I wanted to add some humor to the wall hanging. We were being invaded by armadillos at the time and they were wreaking havoc on my wildflower meadow. Early one morning it came to me as in a vision that what I needed was an armadillo crest for those corners, so I jumped out of bed and created one! The ones at the top are the 'bad' armadillos and the ones at the bottom are the 'good' armadillos as they have assumed the dead position (!)"

Image credits:  Images are shown with the generous permission of Susa Glenn.  At her site you can also find Hibiscus Cowboy Leather Tooling Designs, Cowboy Boot Stitching Feathers, Bodacious Sunflowers, an adorable ladybug Fly Away Home quilt project, and many beautiful Asian designs.

Quilts of the Wild West Part 4

Question: What is a "Boot Bash"? Answer: A free and fabulous quilt block-of-the-month for 2011, by Molly Fryer.  Molly is a creative quilter, rancher's wife, mom, Nana, and proud Texan.  She says: “In every man, woman and child on this planet, there is a person who wishes just once he could be a real live Texan and get up on a horse or ride off in a pickup.” Or how about the next best thing: a quilt with 12 different cowboy boots, one for each month? It’s not too late to start ! Molly's motto is “Remember--no bitchin, only stitchin !”

Boot Bash BOM, Blocks 3, 4 and 5, by Molly Fryer at Molly's Place

We had a hard time picking our favorite Boot Bash blocks, as we love 'em all. Just look at the adorable blanket-stitched cardinal in the March block; the barbed-wire embroidery in April; and the realistic, cracked-leather boot for May.  The button-and-ribbon detail in the May block is the perfect touch. You'll find links to all of the blocks on the sidebar at Molly's place, plus recipes, tutorials, a Tree Time BOM (think: Christmas) and so much more.  Don't miss her comprehensive, easy-to-follow feathered star tutorial. In fact, there's so much to see that Molly says: "Hey, take a load off and stay awhile". We think we will... because Molly's Place feels just like home.

~ FOR A HAPPY HEART AND A BLESSED DAY, TAKE TIME TO QUILT AND A MOMENT TO PRAY ~ "Words to Live By", as seen at Molly's Place

Image credits:  Images are shown with the generous permission of Molly Fryer.

Quilts of the Wild West Part 3

Toni Whitney is a pre-eminent wildlife painter and quilt designer. Her home and studio in Northwest Montana is nestled up against miles of wilderness, where a never-ending abundance of inspiration walks by her studio. Toni's wild west designs include moose, bear, elk, buffalo, cougar, wolf, and eagle. Of horses, she says: "I am deeply inspired by the beauty of the horse, whether standing, running, grazing... Any horse lover knows that a mere glimpse into the eyes of a horse can stir the soul."

Royal, 19-1/4 x 22-1/4", by Toni Whitney at Toni Whitney Design, as seen at the Bigfork Bay Cotton Company

"Royal" is (was) Toni Whitney's own horse, whom she rescued from the meat market at three years old.This magnificent palomino appears to be leaping right out of its quilted frame ! As for all of Toni's art quilt patterns, "Royal" is designed for fusible applique. For more beautifully realistic horses, check out "Guardian", "Pride and Joy" and "Lazy-Days" at Toni Whitney Design; and 4 Ever Friends, Spring Storm, Wild Girl, and Wild Horse Canyon at Bigfork Bay Cotton Company.

Midnight Glide, 13-1/2 x 21-1/2", by Toni Whitney at Toni Whitney Design

The Great Horned Owl is an impressive bird, with a wingspan of 40-60 inches (101–153 cm). Owls have spectacular binocular vision allowing them to pinpoint prey and see in low light; they hunt at night by waiting on a high perch and swooping down on prey. The eyes of Great Horned Owls are immobile within their sockets; their neck must be able to turn a full 270 degrees in order to see in other directions! Toni Whitney's "Midnight Glide" perfectly captures the majesty of this bird in flight.

Backdoor Bear, 8" x 10", by Toni Whitney at Toni Whitney Design

This little black bear hung around the back door of Toni's studio for days, just waiting for his close up. Two small black beads in his eyes give off just the glimmer that you see when they look right at you. "Backdoor Bear" is designed to be mounted on canvas (instructions included) or to be made as a wall hanging using the background fabric with thread play as borders. Right now, Toni is off teaching "Backdoor Bear" on a quilting cruise to Alaska (wow !)

Image credits: Images are shown with the generous permission of Toni Whitney. In addition to North American wildlife, her quilt patterns include an elephant, lion, giraffe, tiger and zebra. The quotation in the first paragraph is from an interview with Toni Whitney at whohub.

Quilts of the Wild West Part 2

"Cowgirl Up" is the female version of the old rodeo call "Cowboy Up", meaning that the rider was in the chute, seated on the bronco or bull, waiting for the gate to open to enter the arena. Over time, "Cowgirl Up" has evolved to mean that a challenge is awaiting and we are ready to tackle it. "Cowgirl Up" can mean : be your own woman, make your own path, and take responsibility for who you are and what you do. An extremely well-designed quilt,  "Cowgirl Up" sparkles with warmth and charm.

Cowgirl Up, by Shelly Pagliai, at Prairie Moon Quilts

We love this quilt because of its authentic "cowboy colors" of dusty red, chambray blue and cocoa, its symmetrical, eye-pleasing patterns, and its blend of applique and patchwork. The American vintage look is perfectly enhanced by the center cowgirl image and the images inside each of the cottage star blocks. The designer, Shelly Pagliai, tells us that these vintage quilt block prints are from Olde America Antiques.  Rounding out the frontier theme of this quilt is the prairie points-style border, which ties all the elements together. If you love cowgirl projects like this one, check out the Cowgirl Club at Prairie Moon Quilts.

Cowboy Blessing pattern or kit, by Shelly Pagliai, at Prairie Moon Quilts

Shelly lives with her family on the Prairie Moon Ranch, in the midwest state of Missouri.  She named her quilt business after the ranch, and her western themes are genuine reflections of her family's life and values. Available at Prairie Moon Quilts, here is the endearing Cowboy Blessing, complete with a barbed-wire inner border and horseshoes, surrounding an embroidered wish that reads : "May your belly never grumble, May your heart never ache, May your horse never stumble, May your cinch never break."  This pattern would look wonderful as the center of a table runner or table topper, a wall hanging, or a pillow.

Cowboy Christmas stocking, "Prairie Paisley", by Shelly Pagliai, at Prairie Moon Quilts

What could be cuter than a fancy western dress boot used as a Christmas stocking? Shelly introduces a new cowboy Christmas stocking each year, and "Prairie Paisley" is her offering for last December 2010.  This project uses applique and some hand embroidery in festive red and and cream colors to make a very original stocking. It has a lined body, and stands about 16 inches tall and 10 inches wide at the widest point.  Here's a very unique and thoughtful holiday gift for a cowboy or cowgirl in your life.

And finally, to go along with these great projects from Prairie Moon Quilts, we have found some fun old time western music: "Roll Along, Prairie Moon". Click on the center arrow below to start the song, so that all of us can saddle up our ponies and ride off into the sunset, dreaming of another day of inspiration.

Image credits:  Images are shown with the generous permission of Shelly Pagliai.

Quilts of the Wild West

If the cowboy is the quintessential symbol of the Old West, then the cowgirl is the symbol of the New West.  Dale Evans once said: "'Cowgirl' is an attitude really. The cowgirl faces life head-on, lives by her own lights, and makes no excuses. Cowgirls take stands; they speak up. They defend things they hold dear." This week we're celebrating the cowgirl spirit, with cowgirls and horses in quilts.

Rodeo Gals, 74 x 86", by June Jaeger, at Log Cabin Quiltworks

June Jaeger has been in the quilting business for over 25 years. Her quilt designs feature cowgirls, cowboys, horses and other timeless images of the West. A long term resident of Central Oregon, June works at a veterinary hospital and lives on thirty-five acres in a log cabin at the foothills of the Ochoco Mountains (you can see a photo of her cabin at Log Cabin Quiltworks).   She also has designed over 20 patterns for the Prairie Girls Quilt Shop of Prineville, Oregon, including "Wranglers", shown below.

Wranglers, 30 x 48", by June Jaeger, as seen at Prairie Girls Quilt Shop

June was first introduced to quilting by her sister, Jean Wells. June Jaeger was the inspirational instructor for the 2011 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. She also designed "Timeless", the 2010 Sisters' raffle quilt; you can see the quilt and pattern at The Stitchin' Post.  June Jaeger's stunning "Vision of Horses", below, won Judges' Choice at the Northwest Quilting Expo.

Vision of horses, by June Jaeger

As an entrepreneur, designer, and Westerner, June Jaeger embodies the cowgirl spirit. She says: "I am 65 years old, still cutting my own firewood, and still obsessed with quilting and teaching. There are so many quilts to design and make."

Image credits: Images are shown with the generous permission of June Jaeger.  At Log Cabin Quiltworks you can also see her Saddle Up and Horsin' Around patterns, and at Prairie Girls Quilt Shop you can see Forever Sisters, Rodeo Queen and Annie Oakley.