California Fall Quilt Show: Part 6

Here's a variety of blocks, patterns, colors, and techniques from the talented artists at Diablo Valley Quilters 2013 show.  We're sure there's something for everyone; and hopefully, you'll enjoy all of these, as we did !

Patches, 32 x 26", by Ellen Brill

Ellen notes, "The creation of my little friend began in a class taught by Susan Carlson at the Empty Spools Seminars. I was inspired by a photo of a baby porcupine and created a pattern from enlarged photos.

Close up, Patches by Ellen Bill

We loved the wonderful sense of texture created by this combination of applique and quilting, which Ellen did herself. Notice how the dimensionality of this piece is enhanced by the use of darker fabrics beneath the porcupine to create a shadow illusion. 

30's Baskets, 26 x 30", a mini quilt by Bonnie Sherr 

Bonnie writes, "Handpieced blocks, paper pieced borders, and hand quilted. The pattern is from Those Fabulous 30's: Sweet Little Quilts to Brighten Your Day, by Gwen Hurlburt."  Basket blocks are one of our favorite designs, and Bonnie's choice of a flying geese border really provides visual interest to this cheerful, classic quilt.

Rainbow, 69 x 83", by Linda Probst

Linda says,  "Rainbow won 1st place in a four county quilt guild ( Mt. Airy, Maryland) mystery quilt competition."  We liked the brightly colored border, which looks like mosaic pieces or puzzle pieces all fitted together.

Close up, Rainbow by Linda Probst

Linda makes very effective use of strong contrasting hues, including a white background, to emphasize the interlocking diamonds of this intriguing quilt. If you look closely, you can see the cute dragonfly motif that is part of the pretty quilting pattern done by Linda herself.

1863 Dixie, 74 x 84", by Carroll Stephens, quilted by Sharon Graves

Carroll writes, "This pattern was called 'The Cotton Club' and was a block of the month project from Bonnie Blue Quilts.  Forty-five different blocks here are an excellent way to showcase America's heritage of folk arts, especially as shown in this work reminiscent of Civil War quilts. The quiet taupe background and muted cranberry red tones reflect colors from cloth often colored with plant dyes during the mid 19th century.

Generosity, 74 x 74", by Layne Rahbar

Layne says, "This circular pattern is from Bella Bella Quilts by Norah McMeeking. I challenged myself to make it from fabrics in my stash. Then I added my own borders and [the] Mariner's Compass pattern in the center." Layne's superior workmanship is evident in both the construction of the medallion and the inner and outer borders. Her careful selection of monochromatic warm autumn hues has resulted in a spectacular creation.

Close up, Generosity by Layne Rahbar

The continuity of this pattern is enhanced by the fact that each individual "spoke"of this design contains the same print fabric, as it radiates outward from the Mariners Compass. The creams and beiges of the background provide a sparkling contrast for the rich gold and umber tones of the spokes.

Image Credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.