Highlights of Quilt Arizona! (4)

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

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Moving Parts, made and quilted by Claire Victor 

Winner of a blue ribbon for 1st place in the Modern-Solo category, plus a special award for Exemplary Professional Machine Quilting, Claire Victor says: "Moving Parts was designed using Procreate [design software]. I am trying to create dimension and motion without shading or painting.  The background quilting design is my modern tribute to crazy quilting.  This is English paper pieced and machine quilted on a domestic Bernina machine." 

 

 

Claire's exemplary machine quilting can be seen in the closeup photos, with different quilting designs applied to each of the "segments" of the design. 

Wonkydoodle, made and quilted by Geri Cavanagh  

Winner of a special award for Excellent Use of Color, Geri Cavanagh says: "This is way outside my box.  I usually make quilts with traditional blocks and civil war fabrics.  I stretched my creativity with this since I had no plan and no pattern. I just developed into this wild and crazy quilt which I love."

She continues, "I found a purple and green print, and a Caryl Bryer Fallert Gradations print, then matched them with colorful, upbeat and wonky fabrics. I started doodling with purple and green strips of various widths. Some were too short, so I cut them which left a hole to be covered with a circle... I had no idea how it was going to turn out. It was fun to use my creativity and let it develop."

Freedom, made and quilted by Frances Murphy

This original design was given the NACQJ Award of Merit  by the National Association of Certified Quilt Judges.  Frances Murphy says that she pondered how to tell a story about freedom. She used birds because they are icons of freedom (as reflected in the saying "free as a bird".) The theme is depicted in 4 panels, from the open door of a bird cage on the left, to birds flying over the city, to birds viewed in their natural habitat in the wild. She says, "I love working with graphic design and color to create emotion and depth in my quilts."

Peacock Patchwork, made and quilted by Linda Hopkins

It was so much fun to see this colorful and unique quilt with its many details. Linda Hopkins says, "When cleaning out my Crazy Quilt fabrics, I discovered a multitude of peacocks.  In this color-washed Crazy Quilt I have incorporated vintage doilies, beads, buttons, and many of the peacocks that I purchased over the years. Enjoy the journey." (And so we did!)  Winner of Honorable Mention at the show.

Bottle Vases, made and quilted by Merci Apodaca

Made with machine-embroidery appplique with organza overlay on vases, this lovely piece won 2nd place in the Machine Embroidery category.  Merci Apodaca says, "I chose to make this quilt because it reflects my love of flowers.  It's been challenging growing flowers in AZ.  The next best thing would be to embroider flowers.  Published design: Anita Goodesign Embroidery.

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

Miniature Quilts Galore! part 3

Miniature quilts are some of the most fun projects we've seen.  In these quilts the traditional blocks are reduced to a fraction of their traditional size. They are technically challenging, visually intriguing, and much easier to display than a regular quilt!

p.s. Check out our eBay shop for great bargains on books, magazines, and collectible items. For free quilt inspiration, please visit us on Twitter.

Annabelle by Kellie Willey

 In our opinion, this little quilt is a masterpiece. Kellie Willey says, "I wanted to make quilt in honor of my Grandmother, Annabelle, who was a quilter.  She owned a velvet and satin crazy quilt and I decided to make a miniature version. Friends contributed velvet, taffetta and embellishments."

Kellie continues, "Most of the blocks were made using ties that belonged to my husband and my father.  Charms and buttons were collected during my travels and I found many of the stitching ideas online and in books."  Kellie is the owner of Little Quilt Creations; please visit her website for inspiration, lessons and patterns for miniature quilts.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2020 Road to California quilt show.

Quilts by Rosie Lee Tompkins

About five months ago, the art museum of the University of California, Berkeley learned that they had inherited three thousand quilts made by African-American quilters, many from the Bay Area. The museum immediately went to work to organize the first of several exhibitions of these vintage quilts. Please join us to see some highlights below !

String by Rosie Lee Tompkins, 1985, quilted by Willia Ette Graham

The quilts we are showing in this series were all made by Rosie Lee Tompkins, which was the pseudonym of Effie Mae Howard. Born into a family of Arkansas share croppers in 1936, she did not begin quiltmaking until the 1970's, when she was living in California. She favored bright, contrasting colors and large geometric shapes, which made brilliant, highly original designs.

According to the information the museum has about Tompkins, one of her favorite fabrics was velvet, due to its soft tactile qualities and the ability of the fabric to hold color saturation. This quilt appears to be all hand-pieced and hand-quilted, although it is not noted on the description card.

Untitled 1995, quilted by Irene Bankhead, 1997

Tompkins enjoyed collecting bits and pieces of heavily embellished fabric like satins and brocades that were sequined, beaded, or embroidered. The quilt above is composed of velvet with rhinestones, beaded silk satin, angora sweater scraps, beaded crepe, and knit mesh with metal links, among other materials. She collaged these materials on a background of black muslin, as shown above.

Here's a piece of a beaded handbag that Tompkins included on this quilt. Tomkins did not intend for her quilts to be used as bed coverings, as the fabrics were too fragile. She intended that her quilt should be displayed as large panels of abstract or non-objective art.

Untitled 1996, quilted by Irene Bankhead 1998

What an incredible array of fabrics went into this 1996 work ! It's done with velvet, velveteen, cotton embroidery, silk, cotton corduroy, rayon brocade, printed silk, silk crepe with rhinestones, decorative trim with rhinestones and sequins,  faux fur, beaded embroidery, and cotton muslin backing.

Comprised of many solid colors, with decorative blanket stitching around the edge of piece, this quilt is reminiscent of the style of Victorian "crazy quilts." Tomkins was an original, very innovative designer, and here she adds a special personal touch, with the addition of the word "love" and an elegant bow to highlight this focal point.

Untitled 1968, 1982-83, 1996

Rosie Lee Tompkins created more than 500 quilts in her lifetime. They were preserved and displayed by her colleague, Eli Leon, an Oakland, California art scholar and avid collector of African-American quilts.

Through his friendship with Tompkins, Eli Leon formed relationships with the African-American quilting community in the Bay Area and went on to organize more than a dozen exhibitions across the country. His expert assistant and traveling companion, DeAnn Tyler, did the photography, research, and cataloging for his extensive collection, including quilts by other African-American artists. For more hand-embroidered colorful quilts, please see DeAnn Tyler's Instagram page.
In addition,  one of the trustees of his estate, Jenny Hurth, worked with the museum curators to facilitate the exhibit.

This beautiful and fascinating quilt is comprised of cotton, felt, wool, velvet, velveteen, re-purposed embroidered fragments, crocheted doilies, silk crepe, decorative trims of rhinestones, sequins, and pearls, and printed drapery backing. We love the amazing array of textiles on display here !

Untitled 1984, quilted by Irene Bankhead, 1997

Here's a wonderful work of half-square triangles, which reflects Tompkin's improvisational  approach to composition. In many cases, these quilts have no obvious orientation, so the museum curators have decided how they should be hung. By displaying this cheerful quilt horizontally, the brighter triangles appear prominent and really make Tompkins' work sparkle.

This quilt is comprised of cotton, polyester, and rayon fabrics, with a cotton backing. To us, they look like vibrant tropical prints, such as those used to construct Hawaiian themed-clothing. Tompkins has selected a fabulous display contrasting prints.


Image Credits: Photographed by Quilt Inspiration with permission of the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archives.

Celebrating Green Quilts!

We're celebrating St. Patrick's Day, which honors the patron saint who brought Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century A.D.  Here are some exemplary quilts that feature the color green!

Also 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 !)

Crazy About Ireland by Linda Redwood-Martinez

Winner of Honorable Mention at the 2018 Quilt Arizona show, Linda Redwood-Martinez says, "Visiting this land of beauty, history, lovely beauty and fascinating fable inspired the design and creation of my first Crazy Quilt. Both were a delightful experience".  The nine blocks in this hand embroidered and embellished quilt are filled with charming details.

At her Desert Rose Quilt Company shop on Etsy,  Linda says, "Each square represents elements of Irish culture – from the legend of the Selkie Seal, to the music and camaraderie at the local pub, all the way to politics and religion." "Many of the figures in the quilt were designed, painted and hand embroidered as individual pieces then appliqued to the background block. Each block was then trimmed with laces, ribbon and other fibers, then hand embroidered with more detailed artwork. A great variety of embellishments were then added."

Scrappy Wedding, 38 x 38",  by Lorraine Woodruff-Long (San Francisco, California)

Scrappy Wedding is a twist on the formal, traditional structure of a classic double wedding ring pattern that is contrasted with the modern, improvisational green pieced fabric interiors, which range from yellow-green to forest green. The white "rings" provide a calm contrast to the multi-hued scraps.  This lovely quilt is machine pieced, appliqued, and sewing machine quilted.

Acer Macrophyllum, 34 x 44", by Lisa Jenni (Redmond, Washington)

Acer Macrophyllum was awarded a blue ribbon for Best Sewing Machine Workmanship at the 2017 Pacific International Quilt Festival. Lisa Jenni says, "This quilt is a small tribute to our native Northwestern big leaf maples, some of the most impressive cold-climate deciduous trees. In the more humid parts of its range, as in Olympic National Park, its bark is often covered thickly with epiphytic moss and fern species."

Mossy Radiation by Connie Myers

Mossy Radiation is based on a published design by Kaffe Fassett. Connie Myers says, "The challenge on piecing [this quilt] was to keep each section square. I quilted this on my Sweet Sixteen sit down quilting machine."  We really enjoyed Connie's selection of "mossy" fabrics, and her beautiful machine quilting!

Image credits:  Photos were taken at the 2018 Quilt Arizona show (Crazy About Ireland, Mossy Radiation) and the 2017 Pacific International Quilt Festival (Scrappy Wedding, Acer Macrophyllum).

Happy Valentine's Day ! (1)

Happy Valentine's Day 2019! We love this holiday, dedicated to friendship, love, and romance. Join us as we take a look at some of these red and white quilts which celebrate such a fun time of the year!

My Best Friends by Jo Ann Kilgroe,  Arizona U.S.A.

JoAnn says,  "[This is] an original design inspired by [quilt designer] Carol Doak, Possibilities, and Quilter's Cache. It's a fun sampler quilt, expressing what the Arizona Quilters' Guild and my quilting friends mean to me." Here are two quilting buddies who appear to be holding out their hands with strips and squares of fabric all ready for the sewing machine.

Close-up, "My Best Friends"

At the 2018 Quilt Arizona! show in Mesa, Arizona, the theme of the year was the Ruby Extravaganza. The guild celebrated its 40th year of by inviting its members to create quilts that showed the importance of quilting in their lives.
Winner of an Honorable Mention Award,  JoAnn did an excellent job of applique, especially in the tiny, fun details like the Valentine heart, the necklace, earrings, and the facial expressions on these two friends. They look very determined to get right down to work !

Heirloom Heart by Guinevere Cassidy, Arizona

Guinevere explains about her original design, "[This is] a techniques sampler quilt. It's machine appliqued for the vintage hankie. Sharon Schamber's trapunto technique was used for the quilted heart and her piping technique was used for the binding."  We love this incredible looped edgework, which is so perfectly done.

Guinevere's exquisite work is both so delicate and so fluffy at the same time, that the two motifs provide a delightful juxtaposition. She won an Honorable Mention award for "Heirloom Heart."

Poppies and Posies by Linda Hopkins,  Arizona

Linda notes, "My interpretation of the 40th anniversary of the Arizona Quilters Guild, the Ruby Extravaganza, incorporates the elements of life 40 years ago and includes the modern as well. Hankies were an integral part of the 1970's. "

Close-up, Poppies and Posies

Elegant pearls, ribbons, and delicate embroidery embellishes Linda's work, full of dainty, brightly colored blossoms.

White Lace on Red Velvet by Lauretta Crites, California

Lauretta writes, "I am endlessly inspired by the works of art created by those who came before us. Master lace makers of the 1800's create elaborate yet delicate patterns using bobbins, needle, and thread. Here, fabric, needle and thread showcase detail of an exquisite Point de Gaze (a French phrase meaning 'gauze lace')  handkerchief I photographed in Brussels, Belgium. 

Close-up, White Lace on Red Velvet

Lauretta's fabulous work is made of cotton fabric, polyester net, tulle, cording, buttons, hand embroidery, and fabric paint.

Amaryllis Among the Stars by Kim McCloskey, Utah

A 2018 blue ribbon winner at the Springville, Utah quilt show, Kim remarks,  "This quilt was inspired by the Utah Valley Quilt Guild's red and white challenge. In Greek mythology, Amaryllis was a shy and timid nymph who fell in love with a handsome, but cold-hearted shepherd, Alteo. All he wanted was a unique flower that had never existed before. After thirty days and through her own blood, she created that flower and won his heart."

Close-up, Amaryllis Among the Stars

Kim adds, "The flowering of this late-blooming quilt came as a result of patience and a few drops of my own blood, as I'm sure every hand-made quilt does."

Close-up, Amaryllis Among the Stars

The Carolina lily block pattern spectacular here, enhanced by the strong geometric motif around the outer border. We really admire Kim's workmanship on what seems to us  very likely to be a treasured heirloom.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2018 Quilt Arizona show (My Best Friends, Poppies and Posies, Heirloom Heart), the 2018 Road to California show (White Lace on Red Velvet), and the 2018 Springville Utah quilt show (Amaryllis Among the Stars).

Quilt Arizona 2017! day 1

For us, springtime in the desert means three things: spring flowers, spring training (baseball), and Quilt Arizona!  This is our 8th year blogging about this fun show, which draws visitors from many parts of North America. Here are some of our favorites from this year's show.

Please note: We're continuously posting free patterns on Twitter ! Check us out here !  

Whimsey in Bloom. 78 x 78", by Ann L. Petersen

Ann L. Petersen has won awards at every Quilt Arizona! show in recent memory.  The fabulous Whimsey in Bloom won 1st place - Mixed Technique and a special award for Excellent Use of Color.  Ann says, "I've been laying with adding applique to paper pieced designs for curves.  The top reminded me of Art Deco so I quilted it to reflect that."

close up, Whimsey in Bloom 

Six original black and white Dresden plate blooms are arrayed over a background of squares that move from green, at the bottom of the quilt, to sunny skies at the top.  In the photo below you can see the Art Deco style quilting designs created by Ann Petersen.

Unfortunately this quilt was hung right under a canister light in an otherwise dark hallway, which created the uneven lighting you see in our photo.  For a better photo of this quilt and other beautiful creations, please visit Ann Petersen's gallery at Obsessive Quilter.

Southwest Spirits, made and quilted by Linda Hopkins

We loved this southwest-style crazy quilt.  Done in copper and turquoise, with beautiful stitching and embellishments, there was something to see in every corner.. Linda Hopkins says, "Southwest Spirits embraces the diversity of cultures and colors of this region's past.  Mythical figures, rock etchings, and vivid colors are incorporated in this quilt."

detail, Southwest Spirits by Linda Hopkins

The closeup photos show some of the amazing beadwork and stitchery in Southwest Spirits.

The Harbor at Portofino by Linda Schoenfeld

This was a small quilt, maybe 15" across,with details that lend a photo-realistic quality.  Linda Schoenfeld explains that her photo of Portofino Harbor invokes fond memories of many trips to Italy.  The boats set against a backdrop of colorful buildings create the quintessential picturesque scene.  In the closeup photo below you can see the window shutters with painted details.

Cheryl's Fantasy Flowers by Cheryl A. Giovenco, quilted by Sheila Osbrink

Bursting with spring flowers, this is such a pretty quilt!  Cheryl A. Giovenco started Fantasy Flowers in 2012 and finished in June 2015. It is based on the Fantasy Flowers pattern by Pearl Pereira at P3 Designs. Cheryl says,  "I just love P3 Designs patterns! I enjoyed collecting the fabrics, then hand appliqueing each block." 

The Delft blue prints were a perfect choice for this flower pot.  See if you can spot the bumblebee enjoying the flowers!

Foxy Lady by Monika Hancock, quilted by Debbie Stanton

We are fans of Monika Hancock's work, and the larger-than-life face on this quilt really drew us in.  It received First Place - Pictorial (Non Original Design),  Monika Hancock says,  "I'm a big fan of Toni Whitney's paintings.  I couldn't resist the Red Fox.  I increased her pattern 150%.  Debbie Stanton always brings them to life."

The eyes, whiskers, and fur are so lifelike!  Monika's fabric selections and applique work were perfect in every way. Check out her award-winning Mama Loves You, Baby in our 2016 post.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration. We have made efforts to identify the websites for the makers, quilters and designers; please leave a comment if you have additional information.