Expanding Star, 79 x 77", by Judy Mathieson at Judy's Place
Judy Mathieson creates magnificent half-wheel designs from her precise paper-piecing techniques. This kind of piecing requires a high contrast between the foreground and the background, so that the viewers eye can take in the pointed symmetry of the diamonds and triangles. Judy says that this design was inspired by an ornamental gate that she saw at the San Francisco Legion of Honor in 2005.
Cosmati Star, 79 x 77", by Judy Mathieson at Judy's Place
The term "Cosmati" refers to 13th century mosaic designs by a family of Italian craftsmen who had a distinctive artistic style. Judy drew her inspiration from marble and wood floors with the beautiful stars and fan design shown on the inner border of this quilt.
Scrappy Happy Houses, artist unknown
This quilt show included a "challenge" contest to see who could make the most interesting quilt with the theme of little houses. The artists' names were intentionally left off each quilt, so that the quilt could be anonymous. Guests at the show were then given a ballot and asked to vote for their favorite "Scrappy Houses" quilt. Because we saw so many really cute quilts, it was difficult to make up our minds. Here's one of our favorites: a Christmas sugarplum village, all ready for the holidays.
Scrappy Happy Houses, artist unknown
Here's a quilter who's very talented at working with miniatures, including incredibly small pieces of cloth. Look carefully, and you will see the tiny people in the windows. We love the dazzling periwinkle or blue violet Bali batiks that she used for the sky.
Scrappy Happy Houses, artist unknown
A lively four patch border set en pointe complements this enchanting "Main Street" theme, whose blocks are all tied together with a white picket fence and a lamppost.
Scrappy Houses, close up
Look at the adorable details on this little house ! Click on the photo to expand it, and you will see the sign which reads, "We love quilts."
Stack n' Whack Fans, 79 x 80", by Faith Andresen
Faith used a beautiful color combination of copper, terracotta reds, black, and camel beige to design this sophisticated and exotic quilt. She explains that she drew her inspiration from Bethany Reynolds' book, Stack-n-Whackier Quilts.
Flowers and Gears, 27 x 38", by Lynne Douglas
Lynne writes, "I took a class at the Empty Spools Seminars in Asilomar, California [to learn how to create this kaleidoscope pattern quilt] and I feel that parts of this resemble a flower, and the other parts resemble a gear." We really enjoyed the wild, frenetic energy generated by these quilt blocks. They seem about to jump right off the quilt and have no intention of becoming tame and placid anytime soon.
Homage to Jane by Bonnie Sherr at Quilterbbs's blog
Bonnie writes, "When I read Brenda Papadakis' book in 2003, I never thought I'd be able to complete all of the little squares and triangles. My Dear Jane quilt group, led by Laura Frage (known affectionately as "Mama Jane") encouraged me. Visiting the Bennington Museum to see the original quilt provided more inspiration." To learn more about the engrossing world of Dear Jane® quilting, which was inspired by Jane A. Blakely Stickle's 1863 quilt, please see our blog post, Crazy About Jane.
