Quilt Show catch up: Part 5

~The September Giveaway is coming soon! Stay tuned ~
For our catch-up quilt show, we saved some contemporary quilts to show you today.  These quilts really captured our attention with their interesting illusions, bright colors, and bold designs.

Left is Right and Right is Wrong (with a nod to Oscar Reutersvärd)  by Frances Oldham Murphy

This contemporary quilt of illusion was juried into the Art Quilts XVII - Integrating A Paradox (November 2012 - January 2013) and won 2nd prize - Art/Abstract at the 2013 Arizona Quilters Guild show.  We love the surreal quality of the sky which is just visible beyond the 'window'.  Frances O. Murphy designed this quilt "with a nod to Oscar Reutersvärd" (1915–2002).  Reutersvärd was a Swedish graphic artist who pioneered the art of 3D drawings which may initially appear feasible, yet cannot be physically constructed; see Reutersvärd's Window in the Floor illusion.  An example of an Impossible Window, rendered by Catherine Leah Palmer, is shown below.

Impossible Window by Catherine Leah Palmer | Palmyria

I Love Calder, a miniature quilt by Jan Aranoff
 

We loved this whimsical mini quilt by Jan Aranoff,  who says: “ Recently I began creating art quilts based on Alexander Calder’s artistic style. This art quilt adapts his [red, blue and yellow] color palette while incorporating a variety of quilting techniques."  Jan's quilt, with its raw-edge appliqued circles, brings to mind Calder's circles and spirals.

From Selvedges Come Flowers by Beverly A Hawkins, quilted by Dora McCrite

Here is a selvage quilt that really sparkles, thanks to the use of bright solids in every "flower" block. Beverly Hawkins says: "I used all of the selvedges I had in my fabric stash, then I started asking my family and friends for all of their selvedges"!

close up, From Selvedges Come Flowers by Beverly A Hawkins, quilted by Dora McCrite

There are so many fun selvages in this quilt! This close up photo shows the way in which the selvages come together to form diamonds, lending the quilt a graphic quality.

Formula III – Culmination by Marla Hattabaugh

Marla Hattabaugh is a contemporary art quilter whose works have been featured at the Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame and many exhibits and shows. Her intriguing quilt is made with hand processed fabrics (dyed, deconstructed, discharged, etc.)  The bold center design, in chartreuse, is surrounded by contrasting red-violet.  Her free-form quilting can be seen in the close up photo, below.

close up, Formula III – culmination by Marla Hattabaugh

We loved the hand quilting on this contemporary pieced quilt.  Marla Hattabaugh will be teaching hand quilting at the upcoming Quilt Camp.

Rainbow Twister by Andi Stanfield

Andi Stanfield used pure colors of the rainbow in this pinwheel quilt. She says: "Charms from an international swap combined with the Lil Twister ruler to make a rainbow." As shown below, each colored row contains a different quilting design.

close up, Rainbow Twister by Andi Stanfield

Fun free-motion squiggles, zig zags and swirls added a whole layer of texture to this bright, cheerful quilt.  To see how the the Lil' Twister ruler works, check out the tutorial by Jackie at Canton Village Quilt Works.

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

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

Quilt Show catch up: Part 3

One of the things we love about quilt shows is the chance to see a broad range of quilt styles and techniques, from traditional to modern.  For our impromptu Summer Quilt Show, here are some more intriguing quilts in a variety of styles! 

Autumn Wonders by Carolyn Morris

Autumn Wonders was created by Carolyn Morris to focus on the salmon. She says: Autumn is a favorite time with salmon spawning, larch trees, and colors”.  The quilt was embellished with real stone and fuzzy yarn to represent the river bed.  This quilt won honorable mention in its category at the 2013 Arizona Quilters Guild show.

close up, Autumn Wonders by Carolyn Morris

In the close up photo you can see the detail of the cutwork salmon, which were raw-edge appliqued with a straight stitch.  The batik diamonds create a perfect watery background for the fish.

Jo and Friends in the "Heartland" by Sue Maitre, quilted by Linda Hrcka

Sue Maitre is a lifelong quilter who has been featured in the Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame.  She says: “Wanting to learn to applique small pieces, I took a four-day workshop from Pearl Pereira. After four months, this is the final result.” The pattern is the American Sampler Quilt by Pearl Pereira. Sue won 1st place and a blue ribbon in her category, plus the Mayor's Award!  Details of several of the 12 blocks are shown below.

close up, Jo and Friends in the Heartland by Sue Maitre

Our favorite block was this charming gray cat.  He has an embroidered face and is surrounded by flowers and vines.

close up, Jo and Friends in the Heartland by Sue Maitre

Each of the blocks was quilted differently, but all of them featured some form of feathers. In addition, Linda Hrcka quilted in the ditch around each of the applique pieces.  Here is a lovely fruit basket with a pineapple, pears, oranges and cherries.

close up, Jo and Friends in the Heartland by Sue Maitre

Pearl Pereira is renowned for her Baltimore album-inspired quilts, and this heart-shaped block with two birds represents a lovely classical design.

close up, Jo and Friends in the Heartland by Sue Maitre

The border was particularly lovely; it was quilted with feathers that next under the scalloped banners.

Stars Over the Rockies by Lolly Platt, quilted by Sherry Jack

The greens and blues of this quilt, and the triangle design, really drew us in.  Lolly Platt says:  "This Judy Martin pattern is packed with interest, especially in the borders."

close up,  Stars Over the Rockies by Lolly Platt, quilted by Sherry Jack

Lolly Platt says that she made this quilt for her grandson, who was born in a Rocky Mountain state.  The pattern is "Mountain Vistas" as featured on page 42 of Judy Martin's 1994 Pieced Borders book.

Spirits of the Southwest by Judy Peters

"Spirits of the Southwest" features machine appliqued batik animals with metallic thread.  Judy Peters incorporated ultra suede material and embellished the quilt with copper nuggets and buttons from her collection.  She received honorable mention in her category at the 2013 Arizona quilt show.

close up, Spirits of the Southwest by Judy Peters

We recognize these animals as a variation of the Native Flair designs by Sindy Rodenmayer at Fat Cat Quilting. Judy Peters has created an authentic Southwestern wall hanging with her choice of colors, fabrics, quilting and embellishments.

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

Quilt Show catch up : Part 2

For our impromptu Summer Quilt Show, here are some more of the quilt show photos that were hiding in our camera.  We are so glad we found them before the disk was erased!

Memorial Lighthouse - Trinidad, California, by Patricia Bliss

Honorable Mention winner for Best Pictorial Small Quilt, Patricia notes, "This quilt was inspired by a picture I had taken of this lighthouse. [Used] a fusible applique method and inks for shadows." (Editor's note:  The Trinidad lighthouse, on the foggy coast of northern California was put into operation in 1871 to assist ships navigate their way along the rocky coastline. The large fog bell, actually 50 feet below the lighthouse, was regularly rung by striking it with a hammer).

Golden Pine Burr quilt by Nelly Richard-Lopes, quilted by Carol Collette

Nelly says, "This quilt is an old pattern with some personal modifications and done in flannel instead of cotton. As a consequence, I consider that it represents tradition [one of the themes of this show]."

close up, Golden Pine Burr quilt by Nelly Richard-Lopes, quilted by Carol Collette

Beautiful spiral quilting provides a graceful contrast to the geometric patchword of the stars and diamonds design.

Road Quilt III - The Shop Hop by Jane M. Rua, quilted by Jessica (Jones) Gamez

Second place winner in the Theme Category ( Arizona Trends and Traditions), Jane states, "My quilter is going on a shop hop in her Chevy truck to find the latest quilting trends. What will she find?"

Close up, Road Quilt III - The Shop Hop by Jane M. Rua, quilted by Jessica (Jones) Gamez

Jane's quilt contains an adorable collection of Arizona desert buildings, along with a miniature "Quilt Shoppe" whose windows are adorned with tiny patchwork. Also, take a look at the cute little schoolhouse on the left.

When Worlds Collide - One Completes the Other, by Jackie L. Smith

Jackie notes,  [This was] an anniversary quilt for my daughter and her husband symbolizing marriage and family. Large blocks are completed by the interruption and intersection of another block. "

Close up, When Worlds Collide - One Completes the Other, by Jackie L. Smith

Done in subdued and hushed neutral tones, the colors of this quilt provide a restful, serene effect, creating a subtle nuance between light and shadow.

Thoroughly Modern Dresden Plate by Darlene Thomas, quilted by Betty Rudd

Darlene writes, "I like traditional pieced quilts and the new fabrics, bright colors, and modern enhancements. I mixed colorful bright batiks and rick-rack with the traditional design.

Close up, Thoroughly Modern Dresden Plate by Darlene Thomas, quilted by Betty Rudd

Notice the very cheerful pieced sashing, which enhances the analogous color scheme of the plates, done in rose pinks, light burgundy tones, violets, and coral pinks.

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

Quilt Show catch up: Part 1

Are you ready for a Summer Quilt Show?  (Or a winter show, for those down under ?) Much to our surprise, we discovered a large cache of 2013 quilt show photos on our camera.  Let's catch up !

Midnight in the City by Linda Matteotti

This quilt won a ribbon and Honorable Mention, Pieced-Medium, at the 2013 Arizona Quilt Show.  Linda Matteotti, who is a professional longarm quilter, says:  "Inspired by Flavin Glover, this quilt is made up of 224 blocks. I designed it using EQ software. Each log cabin block is foundation pieced." You can see the original EQ design at Linda Matteotti's web gallery.

close up, Midnight in the City by Linda Matteotti

If you look carefully you can just pick out the monochromatic log cabin blocks surrounding the little black squares.  This close up photo shows that Linda quilted diagonal trapunto "ribbons" in a woven ribbons design with micro stippling in between. We think the quilting is fabulous.

The Golden Bluefish by Joan E. Salik

This realistic quilt caught our eye because of the lovely design and colors, and the beautiful batik fabrics. The border, which was cut in scallops along the printed design, complements the fish and the undersea theme. Joan Salik, who is also a quilt teacher, says: "I’m an Aquarian and have always loved the Sea, hence my Golden Bluefish! If you are really quiet, you can almost hear the surf."

close up, The Golden Bluefish by Joan E. Salik

This bluefish is done in really elegant blue and gold fabrics. The wavy quilting in the background adds a very realistic look to the watery blue sea.

Heaven and Earth by Carol Plath, quilted by Janice Bahrt

Carol Plath won a third place ribbon for this Pieced-Small quilt at the 2013 Arizona Quilt show.  She says: “I took a Bargello class at Amazing Quilts in Pinetop, Arizona; the class taught me the skills necessary to create this quilt.”

close up, Heaven and Earth by Carol Plath, quilted by Janice Bahrt

In this close-up you can see that Janice Bahrt enhanced the lines of the bargello design with her simple yet elegant quilting.

Scrappy Wrench Blocks by Carolyn Edwards, quilted by Sandy Holderness

For this fun quilt, Carolyn Edwards created four different sizes of churn dash (monkey wrench) blocks.  She says: “This is a Birthday Quilt in my favorite colors! Fourth in a series of pink and brown quilts."   She did a wonderful job in arranging and distributing the light and dark blocks across the surface of the quilt  (it looks more planned than scrappy!) 

 close up, Scrappy Wrench Blocks by Carolyn Edwards, quilted by Sandy Holderness

Here you can see some of the fun calico, paisley and polka dots fabrics in a range of pink and brown hues.  Sandy Holdernessquilted this quilt in large loops and swirls which add interest; the quilting also helps to soften the angular blocks.

Dirndl Dress Shop by Daniele Tanner

Dolly dresses are so much fun, and this three dimensional wall hanging features 16 traditional German and Austrian folk dresses.  Daniele Tanner says: “I saw [this pattern] at the Sewing Festival in January 2012 in Phoenix and I had to make it. The challenge was to find the different fabrics and trims."  Here are some close up photos of Daniele's cute blocks and trims:

close up, Dirndl Dress Shop by Daniele Tanner

Quilting around the dress and attaching the apron only at the waistband creates the charming 3-D effect.  Here is a classic Austrian-looking dirndl in forest green:

The "Dirndl Dress Shoppe" Pattern is by Alison Tichenor and Diane Carter at Cowgirl Quilt Designs.   You can be your own designer by choosing blouse, skirt, bodice and apron combinations; the pattern includes seven different bodice designs.

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

Free Pattern Day: Attic Windows Quilts

Attic Windows are a great way to showcase special blocks or large prints. They can be constructed with mitered corners or, the easy way, with half-square triangles at the corners. Download your favorite patterns today! To go to a pattern: Scroll down the page until you see the quilt you like, then click on the words "CLICK for PDF download" (or the hyperlinked website name) in the title above the quilt.

Also check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on quilt patterns, fabric, and collectibles!
For more free quilt patterns, please visit us on Twitter.

Up, Up and Away quilt, free pattern by Sue Penn for Free Spirit Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Curio Cabinet quilt, 64 x 72", free pattern at Maywood Studio (CLICK for PDF download)

Canyon View quilt, 64 x 71", free pattern at eQuilter (CLICK for PDF download)

Imperial Garden Windowpanes quilt, 62" square, free pattern by Lisa Swenson Ruble for Paintbrush Studios (CLICK for PDF download)

Fish Fest quilt, 65 x 78", free pattern by Cyndi Hershey for P&B Textiles (CLICK for PDF download)

Tranquil Views quilt, ~56 x 62", free pattern by Elise Lea for Robert Kaufman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Flora Fantasia quilt, 48 x 54", free pattern by Cyndi Hershey for P&B Textiles (CLICK for PDF download)

Positano quilt, 48 x 56", free pattern at Hoffman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Window Display quilt, 36 x 41", free pattern at Robert Kaufman (CLICK for PDF download)

Overlooking the Rose Arbor, 42 x 54", free pattern by Marinda Stewart for Michael Miller Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Star Blossoms quilt, 53 x 65”, free pattern by Kate Colleran for P&B Textiles (CLICK for PDF download)

Wicked Eve quilt, 70 x 89", free pattern by Osie Lebowitz for Timeless Treasures (CLICK for PDF download)

Gulf Breeze quilt, ~42 x 52", free pattern by Nan Baker for Timeless Treasures Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Spa Therapy quilt, 66 x 66", free pattern by Ellen Maxwell for Michael Miller (CLICK for PDF download)

Shadow Box quilt, 50 x 66", free pattern by Stitched Together Studios for Benartex (CLICK for PDF download)

Verity, free quilt pattern by Marinda Stewart at Michael Miller Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Lovey Buggy quilt, 48 x 57”, free pattern by Wendy Sheppard at Ivory Spring (CLICK for PDF download)

Snowman in the window quilt, 50 x 50", free pattern by Marinda Stewart for Michael Miller (CLICK for PDF download) 

Olive Rose, free quilt pattern by Valori Wells for Free Spirit Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Christmas Windows, 61 x 61”, free pattern by Diane Nagle for Benartex (CLICK for PDF download) 

Nature’s Windows quilt, 40" square, free pattern at Benartex (CLICK for PDF download)

Earth's Windows quilt, 60 x 60", free pattern by Diane Nagle for P&B Textiles (CLICK for PDF download)

Shadows quilt, 56 x 64", free pattern by Anne Sommerlad for Leutenegger (CLICK for PDF download)

Attic Windows quilt, free pattern in 6 sizes (crib to king) at Pellon Projects (CLICK for PDF download)

Playful Pistachio quilt, 45" square, free pattern by Nan Baker for Timeless Treasures Fabric (CLICK for PDF download)

For MORE optical illusions, please check out our Free Pattern Day for Optical Illusion Quilts (CLICK HERE) and our Free Pattern Day for Tumbling Blocks Quilts (CLICK HERE).

Image credits:  This post was updated on September 27, 2024. Individual images are copyrighted by their owners. Please respect their generosity in sharing their free patterns, and the restrictions they have placed on the use of these designs; complete information can be found at the designers' websites provided in the links. The photo montage shown on this page is a derivative work that is the property of Quilt Inspiration. If any links are broken, we'd love to know so we can fix it. Please email us at QuiltInspiration {at} gmail {dot} com.