Happy Easter !

For at least five centuries now, eggs have been depicted by the Christian Church as a symbol of Christ's Resurrection and the new life of the spring equinox.  Eggs were among the food traditionally given up during the 40 day Lenten season, so Easter Sunday is a day when Christians returned to the use of eggs in their meals. Speaking of food, these lovely eggs below are certainly candy for the eye !

Spring, 18 x 18,  by Jill Sheehan, Woodbridge, Virginia

Jill Sheehan said: "I started this [Arts and Old Lace Art Quilt] challenge with an idea in mind, but had to re-think when even beads and crystals wouldn’t get it to work. I found the answer staring me in the face in the form of a watercolor I’d done years ago – white lace eggs on a background of spring colors. I’ve even used some of the lace that was the pattern for lace in the painting. The eggs were created on tulle and fused and stitched in place. Two of the eggs have lace from old garments from a great aunt."

Close- up, Spring by Jill Sheehan

Jill's quilt was part of the Arts and Old Lace Quilt Challenge Showcase at the 2014 Road to California Quilt Show,  sponsored by the Artistic Artifacts Shop in Alexandria, Virginia. Each artist who entered the challenge was given a packet of materials including fabric swatches and pieces of lace, some in shades of white, and some colored. Artists could use the fabric provided to them, or they could substitute their own fabric.  The finished quilt size had to be 18 " x 18 ". 

In this close-up, you can see how carefully the delicate lace has been added to the tulle, then fused to the background, which is embellished with tiny beads. We think Jill did a fabulous job of creating such a fresh, vibrant, and beautiful work.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.

Baltimore Bunnies

Did you know that the tradition of the Easter bunny goes back to the 17th century in Germany? Legend has it that the original Easter Hare showed up with candy and gifts for children who had behaved well throughout the Easter season. In addition,  Wikipedia notes, "Some Christians believe that the rabbit symbolizes new life, particularly in relation to the resurrection of Jesus."  

Baltimore Bunnies by Fleda Gorbea, quilted by Ann Skitt

Floral blossoms, baskets, and bouncing bunnies comprise the charming motifs of Fleda's quilt. The Baltimore Bunnies pattern is by Anne Sutton at Bunny Hill Designs. Fleda notes, "I love to applique. Anne Sutton's patterns are so fun and whimsical. The details in ( longarm) quilter Ann Skitt's quilting completed my quilt perfectly. "

Close up, Baltimore Bunnies by Fleda Gorbea

Plaids (in the flowers) and muted tone-on-tone springtime prints are perfect for this work. In this close-up, you can see the lovely and intricate outline quilting, which really makes Fleda's applique "pop" off the background.

Close up, Baltimore Bunnies by Fleda Gorbea

We at Quilt Inspiration hope that your Easter baskets are filled with goodies and wonderful ideas for a new season of quilting !

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2014 Arizona Quilters Guild show.