Springtime in California: Concord quilt show

Sometimes we find the prettiest, best made quilts at our hometown quilt shows!  That was certainly the case at the Guild of Quilters of Contra Costa County show on April 6. Here's a look at some of the fun quilts we saw.

Atomic Spring, 80 x 80, by Phyllis McKenna

This quilt was based on the Atomic Bloom design by Wendy Williams at Flying Fish Quilts (Australia). Phyllis says of her mixed technique and machine quilted creation, "[I] just loved the pattern !" So do we, as it was one of the happiest and most radiant quilts that we saw all day. The checkerboard pattern adds extra personality to this very lively work, and we loved the bright Kaffe Fassett fabrics.

Amazon Star 104 x104, by Nancy Ritter

An award winner at this show, Nancy Ritter's dazzling Amazon Star was based on the design of the same name by Judy and Bradley Niemeyer at Quiltworx. Nancy notes that she made it for a friend during a six month Block of the Month program. It was machine quilted by Diana Johnson.

Close up, Amazon Star by Nancy Ritter

Sophisticated batiks and an updated, spiked border give this traditional star pattern such an elegant, contemporary look. We really admire all the work that Nancy put into her super-sized masterpiece.

Sleep Tight 46 x 54, by Sandy Butner

Another award winner, Sleep Tight, was based on the Sweet Dreams Lily design by Anne Sutton at Bunny Hill Designs. These darling appliqued designs remind us of some of our beloved stuffed animals that we owned as very young children.

Close up, Sleep Tight by Sandy Butner

Restful pastel rose plaids and prints are livened up by the polka dot border and outline quilting. Look carefully, and you'll see the words "Sweet Dreams" printed on the background fabric. Baby quilts don't get much cuter than this gem !

Springtime , 34 x38, by Audrey L. McInerny

Audrey writes, "I attended Nancy Rink's class on invisible machine quilting and fell in love  with this pattern. Her class was so helpful in all the little things you need to gather and the techniques needed......that I actually went home and started the project!"   Audrey's adorable quilt with its vibrant border and eye-catching blossom of various size valentine hearts earned many compliments from viewers at this show. The quilt is based on the Have a Heart pattern by Nancy Rink. 

Thousand Pyramids 90 x 99, by Shirley Wilson

Shirley states, "My mother pieced this quilt in about 1990, using a cardboard template to cut it out. She had about 3/4 of  it hand quilted, then put it away. When she moved to California in 2003, she gave it to me. I finished hand quilting the triangles, then added the 2 outer borders and quilt them. ...This is another of my three generations quilts, using my grandmother's 1930's and 1940's fabrics, then my mothers fabrics from the 50's and 60's. Most of the pieced border fabrics are contemporary."  We think Shirley did an excellent job of designing the border, which really complements and magnifies the painstaking patchwork and color arrangement of the quilt center.

Kaboom! 52 52, by Donna Brooks

Donna notes, "I wanted to challenge myself with a new techniques. I jumped at the chance to take a course based on  Kool Kaleidoscopes by Ricky Tims and taught by Valerie Yeaton. I succeeded in challenging myself !"

Close up, Kaboom by Donna Brooks

Donna's work is pieced and machine quilted with dynamic spirals on the outer blue star and contemporary bubbles on the inner star.  Gorgeous complementary colors of blue  and orange-yellow really add sparkle to this intriguing medallion quilt.

Antitude , 56 x49,by Sharon Manzanec

We used to sing an old Girl Scout song, "The ants go marching one by one.....", and they do........right onto this cheerful and comical quilt! Sharon writes, "When I saw this fun quilt at ThimbleCreek Quilt Shop, I knew I had to make it. ...I was able to use fabrics I had on hand, and that pleased me. Love to applique, and it was easy. It was machine quilted by Kamala Alahan. "   The Antitude pattern is by Corey Blunt at Chitter Chatter Designs.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.

Quilt Show catch up: Part 4

~The September Giveaway is coming soon. Stay tuned !
We found so many photos that we never published from the 2013 Arizona Quilters' Guild Show that we're extending our catch-up into another week. We hope you enjoy viewing these quilts as much as we did.

Zuni by Patti Friesz and Scrap Rats

Here's a wonderful bargello quilt done in a southwestern pattern with vibrant earth and sky hues. Patty says, " [In] the Queen Valley (Arizona) Scrap Rats Quilting Club, each member participated in making this quilt. It's our 2013 Opportunity Quilt and raises funds for the Queen Valley Fire Authority."  The pattern is from Traditions with a Twist by Blanche Young and Dalene Young Stone.

Walk in the Woods by Elaine Filyk

Here's a very interesting quilt featuring images of nature created by the cyanotype process.  An object is placed onto  fabric treated with chemicals to make it light sensitive, then the fabric is exposed to ultra-violet light. As the image develops, it creates a silhouette effect. In this case, Elaine has used blossoms, flowers, leaves, twigs, and other objects of nature to create the blocks of her quilt.

Close up, Walk in the Woods by Elaine Filyk

Elaine says, "These unique textile cyanotypes (like a blueprint process) represent a collage of images from around the world surrounding our cottage in Canada." The pretty border fabric in watercolor tones really enhances the emphasis on nature and the outdoors.

Autumn Glory by Trudy Cowan

Trudy notes, "[This quilt] gloriously proclaims October in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Hand-painted, heat-mealted, fusibles, machine lace leaves, and free-motion stitching, padding, texturing, and rock beads all add scenic depth." With her excellent craftsmanship,  Trudy has attached the leaves to provide a striking three-dimensional effect,  lending the illusion that the leaves have just left the tree and are fluttering in the breeze.

Pirate's Treasure by Cindy Phare

Just like Walt Disney's "The Little Mermaid", a scuba diver ventures "under the sea" and discovers an enchanted world.  Cindy writes, " I would love to go diving one day and see  a pirate party in Davy Jones' locker with crabs having a sword fight on the ocean floor."

Close up,  Pirate's Treasure by Cindy Phare

A rhinestone eye patch adorns this octopus who presides over an ancient shipwreck. There's a great deal of whimsical detail on Cindy's very charming quilt.

Close up,  Pirate's Treasure by Cindy Phare

Cindy even found little gold coins to cement inside the treasure chest. These fun embellishments give this quilt a lot of sparkle and originality.

Tracking the 6" Bear Paw by Sharon Mayer, quilted by Jessica (Jones) Gamez

Blue ribbon winner for Best Pieced Large Quilt, Sharon Mayer's fabulous work appears to be a Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt.  Over one hundred 6" traditional blocks are joined together "en pointe", surrounded by black sashing, which gives this quilt a vintage Amish look.  The amount of labor and planning required to construct this quilt is most impressive.

Close up, Tracking the 6" Bear Paw by Sharon Mayer,  quilted by Jessica (Jones) Gamez

At the top of the photo, you can see the tiny bear paw block, just to the left of the red basket. We are amazed by Sharon's expertise in accurately piecing these intricate blocks. Sharon notes, "Thanks to family and friends for inspiration (and fabric); [This was a challenge].... it includes my favorite [Bear Paw] block, which doesn't finish at 6 inches without the dreaded word : "math" !

Image credits: All photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2013 Arizona Quilters Guild show

Cute quilts for kids: it's a wrap

We're wrapping up our series on cute quilts for kids.  In case you just joined us, here are the original posts: Cute quilts for kids (a new series),  Cute quilts for kids (Don't Look Now),  Legends and dreams: Noah's ark, Cute quilts for kids... it's Playtime, All God's critters got a place in the choir, A Quilt Story by Heather & Megan, Cute quilts for kids?  Piece o'cake, Cute as a button:  Buttons and Bees, Top of the Range Designs, Just Dandy, and Quilts for kids by Mrs. Moen.

Three of these designers are from Australia, one is from Norway, and the rest are from North America. Patterns are available for all.  Hope you enjoyed these fabulous artists as much as we did ! Row 1, L-R: Sand Castles, by Rebecca Johnson at Chasing Cottons; Peak Hour, by Kellie Wulfsohn at Don't Look Now; Critters Dancin' in the Moonlight, by Linda Hohag at Brandywine Design. Row 2: Playtime, by Sandy Klop at American Jane; Rhymes to Remember, by Becky Goldsmith and Linda Jenkins, at Piece O'Cake Designs; Hootenanny, by Kim Gaddy at Buttons and Bees.  Row 3: Circus Stack, by Heather & Megan, at Quilt Story; Funky Birds and Flower Angel, by Nina Lise Moen at Mrs. Moen's patterns. Row 4:  Just Dandy, by Vanessa Christenson, at V and Co; Spell-Caster, by Tracey Campbell, at Top of the Range Designs; Noah's Ark, by Laura Nownes, at Laura Nownes.com.

Quilts for kids, by Mrs. Moen

Anna, Birte, Clara, Dorrit, Edvarda, Fredrikke, Gyda, and Hildur.  These are the names of birds designed by Nina Lise Moen, a textile artist based in Norway.  Just as certain artists - most notably, Charley Harper - became famous for their stylized birds, Mrs. Moen’s birds reveal her original, artistic style. Her brilliant mini quilt, "Comfort",  is one of 8000 art panels that will be connected side by side to wrap the Saturn V Moon Rocket.  The birds also are featured in her outstanding collection of patterns.

Comfort, 24 x 24”, Dream Theme panel, by Nina Lise Moen, at Mrs. Moen

Clara & Fredrikke (left) and Dorrit (right), by Nina Lise Moen at Mrs Moen Patterns

Here is some good news: eight of Mrs. Moen’s funky birds come in a pattern that can be used to make a slew of projects, such as the pillows shown above, mini-quilts, and more. You can mix and match the projects, as you wish. Shown above are Clara, Fredrikke, and the majestic Dorrit, with her red cape.  These birds are so lovable, they are guaranteed to make you smile.

Flower Angel (left), and Flower Bouquet (right), by Nina Lise Moen at Mrs. Moen Patterns

These flowers will last for a long time ! These are two of the charming patterns that can be found at Mrs. Moen's Patterns; you can see the projects in additional colors on the patterns page. Mrs. Moen says, "Make a few extra bouquets and you'll have flowers ready for the next time you need some to give away".  What a great idea.

Image credits: Images are shown with the generous permission of Nina Lise Moen. She has been quilting for 12 years, and she also designs patterns and teaches classes. Her blog can be found at Mrs. Moen's blogspot. Also, check out her fabulous Mix and Match for Christmas pattern.

Just Dandy

It's Day 10 of our "cute quilts for kids" series, and here is one of our favorite modern quilt designers. Vanessa Christenson, of V and Co, is also a mother of four kids. (She says: "I have 4 noisemakers I like to call my children").   Her patterns include "Just Dandy", which captures the fun of a giant dandelion.

Just Dandy, by Vanessa Christenson, at V and Co

Houndstooth Baby Quilt, 47 x 47", by Vanessa Christenson, at V and Co

This two-toned quilt has a wonderful graphic quality. What colors would you pick... pink and white? gray and yellow? We've seen it in monochromatic blues at the Robert Kaufman booth this spring (you can see a photo in Vanessa's post about the spring show). Due to popular demand, Vanessa is planning to introduce this pattern in larger quilt sizes this fall.

Banner Quilt, by Vanessa Christenson, at V and Co

Nothing says "festive" like a banner, so how about a banner quilt to decorate the wall of a child's room. It would be fun to pick the fabrics for this one. Vanessa also has a cute banner project featured in Moda's Bake Shop book, Fresh Fabric Treats: 16 yummy projects to sew from jelly rolls, layer cakes and more (you can read about the project here).

Image credits and links: Images are shown with the generous permission of Vanessa Christenson.

Top of the range designs

What child doesn’t love dragons, fairies, wizards and dinosaurs…. kangaroos, koalas, and kookaburras… or puppies and kittens? From the top of the Blackall Range in South Eastern Queensland, Australia, designer Tracey Campbell has created an amazing range of artistic designs for applique. Her Top of the Range Designs include many really cute quilts for kids.

A Kangaroo's rest, 34 x 21", by Tracey Campbell, at Top of the Range Designs

This is exactly what a kangaroo looks like when it is resting ! "A Kangaroo's Rest" is a beautiful hand or machine applique design that includes full instructions for the applique, and optional embroidery embellishments. Fly stitch and French knots, or long stitch and beads, were added to simulate trees on the distant hills and wild grasses on the closer areas.

Koalas, 21 x 34", by Tracey Campbell, at Top of the Range Designs

We love the colors and design of this little quilt, with its blue sky, green gum tree leaves and pink flowers. Little seed beads, and french knots in various shades of pink, were used to embellish the gum-nut flowers. At Tracey's Australian animals page there are patterns for kookaburras, cockatoos and possums, and her Nature collection includes whales, dolphins, frogs, puppies and kittens.

Spell-Caster, 26 x 36", by Tracey Campbell, at Top of the Range Designs

The spectacular Spell-Caster, above,  is just one of the magical Fantasy patterns by Tracey Campbell. This wizard charms the stars from the heavens, much to the delight of his curious cats. An added sparkle embellishes the stars with the addition of sequins and seed beads, to make them appear to shimmer. 

Angel's Flight, 26 x 36", by Tracey Campbell, at Top of the Range Designs

This lovely Angel wall hanging was stitched with needleturn applique, but it would also look great using other forms of applique. A lot of extra sparkle was given to the angels gown, and her halo, with the addition of sequins and shiny beads. This wall hanging would be perfect as a gift for anyone who is a real-life angel, or as a symbol of an angel that watches over children to keep them safe.

Image credits and links: Images are provided with the generous permission of Tracey Campbell. At Top of the Range Designs you can find original and colorful applique patterns, creative stitchery kits and supplies, cross-stitch charts, beautiful beads, and free lessons.  For beginners who want to tackle these and other patterns, Tracey has written a tutorial called How to Applique.  Also check out her patterns for dinosaurs and fire-breathing dragons.

Cute as a button: Buttons and Bees

As metaphors for quilts go, "cute as a button" is spot on. The phrase was inspired by the cute and fluffy button quail.  Buttons also keep you warm and protected ("button up your overcoat" !)  Buttons are often beautiful to look at -- which may be why grandmas once collected them in jars. All of which brings us to Buttons and Bees*, purveyors of unique buttons, quilt patterns, and cozy hand-dyed wool.

Cat's Cradle, 36 x 42", by Kim Gaddy, at Buttons and Bees

We love these minimalist kitties, and the cute mouse in the lower right corner.  "Cat's Cradle" is mostly pieced, so it goes together quickly. If you are a dog person, check out Puppy Playtime and Big Dog Little Dog.  Kits are also available on the Buttons and Bees shopping page.

Night owl, 48 x 49", by Kim Gaddy, at Buttons and Bees

These sweet owls with their button eyes are sharing the tree with a possum, while fireflies light up the night sky. The pattern includes both Night Owl and Day Owl versions ! The bright and sunny Day Owl quilt has ladybugs.

Ladybug Lane, 44 x 52", by Kim Gaddy, at Buttons and Bees

"Ladybug Lane" will delight every child who loves the little red bugs.  The ladybug lane kit includes the pattern, fabric for the quilt top, and buttons to decorate the ladybug wings.

Live Simply lap quilt, by Kim Gaddy, at Buttons and Bees

The words of wisdom in "Live Simply" speak for themselves, so we'll sign off now... but not before mentioning a few more Buttons and Bees patterns we think you'll love:  Honey Bee Houses, Love is Patient, and Born to Quilt.

Image credits and links:  Images are shown with the generous permission of Kim Gaddy.  Kim and her husband, Mark, first launched Buttons and Bees in 1991. Kim was experimenting with ceramics and making buttons for her sewing projects while Mark was a budding beekeeper. For more information, see Buttons and Bees:  About Us.

Cute quilts for kids? Piece o'cake!

Classic literature for children comes alive in this kids' quilt which celebrates the world of Mother Goose.  A great way to teach a little one these beloved poems, "Rhymes I Remember" is a show-stopping, heirloom-quality quilt in which poetry is illustrated in cloth.  How many poems can you identify, and which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.

Rhymes I Remember, by Becky Goldsmith and Linda Jenkins, 44 x 53 at Piece O' Cake Designs

The restful deep blue tones of the outer border symbolizing the night sky are juxtaposed with a complementary bright orange border, tinted with greens and yellows. Notice how the prairie points of the border tie in the with the points of the stars on each corner to produce a beautiful unified effect. The 12 blocks, each 8 inches square, would make an enchanting block-of-the-month project. Or, because many hands make light work, a group of quilters could be assigned several blocks to make this fun project quickly.

Detail of the "Three Bears" and "Owl and the Pussycat" blocks

These blocks are designed for maximum whimsical effect and are a great way to use up tiny pieces of much loved scraps that you just can't "bear" to throw away.  Look at the exquisite detail of the faces on the bears, owl, and pussy cat, and you'll see why this quilt provides so much charm and entertainment for both children and adults. "Rhymes I Remember" is a 28-page downloadable file that comes direct to your computer, complete with full-size pattern pieces.

Meow and Woof, by Becky Goldsmith and Linda Jenkins, 45 x 60", at Piece O' Cake Designs

 

Becky and Linda say, "Celebrate your favorite furry friends with this cute quilt!"  The full size, downloadable pieces are large and easy to applique, and the 4-patches are simple enough for a beginning piecer.  We are impressed with the effective use of different gauge plaids and stripes of the cats and dogs. Because there is some distance between the animals, there is enough space to showcase the different patterns without appearing too busy.

In addition, check out the Piece o'Cake books shown below, whose patterns are great for kids: Covered with Love (Kids' Quilts and More) and the brand new book (2011) Quilt a New Christmas. Here are five festive holiday quilt patterns, complete with houses, trees, reindeer, Santas, and snowmen (you can preview the projects here). These fun projects will put you in the holiday mood fast, even in July ! 

Image credits and links: Images are shown with the generous permission of Becky Goldsmith and Linda Jenkins at Piece O'Cake Designs.

A Quilt Story, by Heather and Megan

Mod Tweet, indeed ! It’s Day 6 of our “cute quilts for kids” series. This is a story of Heather and Megan, two sisters with the love of all things crafty who have created Quilt Story.  Based in Arizona, their company features patterns with a contemporary, upbeat feel. We love their mod themes and easy-to-sew designs.

Mod Tweet, 43 x 50“, by Heather and Megan, at Quilt Story

Simple and elegant, "Mod Tweet" features a bird and branch/leaf appliqué that is small enough to be completed in a couple of evenings. At the Quilt Story shop you can see that this quilt looks great in many different colorways.

Circus Stack (elephant, giraffe, bunny), 43 x 51" , by Heather and Megan, at Quilt Story

The whimsical and precarious "Circus Stack" features a juggling bunny, a giraffe, and an elephant, all balancing on a circus ball. Heather explains: "I loved this cute Urban Circus from Robert Kaufman... my brain went a little wild". You can read about the collaborative design and inspiration for the quilt, here. You can even add the initial of your little one on the ball.

Easy Sailing, 39.5 x 44.5“, by Heather and Megan, at Quilt Story

Nice view ! Sweet and simple sailboats glide softly on the sea... we love the wavy lines that define the ocean waves.  "Easy Sailing" is such a fun nautical pattern, which Heather & Megan introduced this spring (you can read about the quilt here). This quilt has a great combination of cool, aqua-colored water and warm, polka-dotted boats (note the little red flags on the boats, which are matched by the tiny flag on the sand castle).

Image credits: Images are shown with the generous permission of Heather and Megan at Quilt Story.  At the Quilt Story blog you can find tutorials, quilt-alongs, new patterns, and more.

All God's critters got a place in the choir

Lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!)  It's day 5 of our "cute quilts for kids" series.  Linda Hohag’s "critter" quilts feature creatures from the forest, farm, jungle, and sea. The critters dancing in the moonlight, below, include a moose, raccoon, cat, dog, chicken, pig, penguin, turtle, duck, monkey, elephant, zebra, and more.  Where did all these critters come from? Read on...

Critters Dancin' in the Moonlight, by Linda Hohag at Brandywine Design

Each critters book has multiple projects including mini-quilts. The adorable Critter Caboodle,  below left, and heartwarming Critter Christmas (below, right) feature oodles of critters in various settings. There is even a spooky Critter Halloween !

Last but not least, here is the pattern for the original Critters Quilt (below). The description reads: "This adorable wall quilt has critters who are singing their way into your heart. From the cow to the cricket playing a fiddle, this project will keep you smiling."

So, what inspired Linda to create her critter quilts ? She explains: " 'The Critters Quilt' was the first book I published, and it was successful enough to prompt many re-prints. It was a request by a friend of mine to design a quilt based on the folk song, 'All God's critters got a place in the choir'. I obtained permission from Bill Staines, the man who wrote the song, to use it as the basis for the quilt and to include the song lyrics and music in the original book. After the book was finally out of print, we got so many requests for the quilt that we brought it back as a single pattern."  And how about you, dear reader.... do you know the song?  Here is a 2-minute video - sung by the Irish duo, Makem & Clancy - that has been viewed over 150,000 times on YouTube.

To our surprise, the lyrics have even been published on the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) website (where it also explains that "pets can be good for your health".)  But they don't mention the health benefits of singing.... or quilting !

Image credits and more great quilts:  Images are shown with the generous permission of Linda Hohag at Brandywine Design. Linda is an artist who has published over 60 patterns and fifteen books with her original quilt designs and illustrations; she also designs fabric for P&B Textiles.  In addition to her books, her website is loaded with patterns for cute quilts for kids: be sure to check out Turtle Town, Just Ducky, Hooterville, Puppy Love, and Humpty Dumpty (to mention just a few). We also featured Linda Hohag's "Tulip Twirl" pattern in our article on red-and-green quilts: Inspired by Red and Green).

Cute quilts for kids.... it's playtime !

"Playrooms are filled with dreams and imagination runs wild. Toys scattered all over the floor means little minds at play are doing their 'work' for the day." At American Jane, designer Sandy Klop has created charming patterns to celebrate the joys of childhood. These fun quilts are festooned with antique toys (planes, trains and automobiles) and games (parcheesi, anyone?)  

Playtime, 70 x 83", by Sandy Klop, at American Jane

An elephant pull-toy, wind-up dancing bear, vintage airplane and three-wheeled scooter are just a few of the toys that decorate the "Playtime" quilt.  The quilt description reads: "Toys scattered all over the floor means little minds at play are doing their "work" for the day. May we all find play in our work."

Learn to Play, 60 x 63”, by Sandy Klop, at American Jane

This might be our favorite American Jane pattern, and another sign of Sandy Klop's ingenuity... quilt blocks that depict board games ! The names of the games are appliqued around the border, but you could also make this as a purely graphic quilt and see if people recognize the games (how about Brax, which was invented in 1889 ?)

Whales and Pails, 44 x 61”, by Sandy Klop, at American Jane

Sun, sand, and surf means a day at the beach. Or cozy and cool at home in the baby’s room. The snail's trail blocks in this cute beach-y quilt remind us of ocean waves. The pails are made with Sandy Klop's illustrated designs for Moda Fabrics... she designs a new collection for Moda every six months. The new Fairy Tale Friends collection, which will be out in October 2011, has argyle, pin dots, and tickets (you can see the fabric in her Sailing the Seven Seas quilt pattern).

Sandy's inspiration comes from many sources: conversations with friends, vintage toys, books, old quilts, tile patterns, architecture, travel, childhood memories, movies, drapes, clothing, nature, and dreams, and sometimes inspiration just strikes out of the blue. For more insight, see the interview at Quilter's Newsletter.

Image credits: Images are shown with the generous permission of American Jane. Sandy Klop also has a book of her classic quilt patterns, published by Martingale & Company: American Jane's Quilts for All Seasons: and Some for No Reason.  You can also download free vintage quilts wallpaper for your desktop at the Martingale site.