QuiltCon 2022: Highlights (1)

The outstanding QuiltCon show was held in Phoenix, Arizona this year! Presented by The Modern Quilt Guild, QuiltCon is the largest modern quilting show of its kind. Hundreds of modern quilts were on display, including a juried show with entries from MQG members around the world. Here are some of the remarkable quilts we enjoyed.

Also check out our E-Bay shop for great bargains on quilt patterns, fabric, and vintage jewelry!
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Dreaming of a Better Future by Leo Ransom (Texas)

Here is an outstanding quilted tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr., whose vision for America inspires so many of us to this day.  Leo Ransom is a master art quilter who specializes in portraiture.  He says, "This quilt was created to convey a serious message by such an important individual who was striving to make the world a better place for everyone.  His death ended too soon to finish the journey started.  So I did this peace in somber but serious colors, to try and convey what a serious person and purpose of his life's works." 

To learn more about Leo Ransom's quilts and his process, check out this interview by Urban Spools on YouTube.

High Anxiety by Heather Preggar

Heather Preggar created this improvisational quilt using cotton fabrics, which were dyed and batiked. The saturated colors and spiky points express the emotion of High Anxiety.  As Heather explains, "The past year has been one of terrifying lows and amazing highs.  The jagged triangles, and the cool blues and fiery reds of this piece, reflect that tension."

High Anxiety was machine quilted on a longarm using straight lines of orange-red thread which stand out nicely against both the dark and light pieces in the quilt.

'520' by Mickey McReynolds (Washington)

The name of this quilt, 520, was based on a view of the 520 Seattle freeway that Mickey McReynolds had in her memory. Mickey says, "It was a quilt begun in one of my first Zoom classes with Irene Roderick, called Dancing with the Wall, when the pandemic started in 2020. I began with a piece of fabric on my design wall, and then another, until it became clear this was THAT view in my memory in black and white.  I'm also a lover of architecture and found it addictive to make these structures."

Take The Stairs by Charles Cameron (North Carolina), quilted by Carrie Hauser

Take The Stairs was inspired by a black-and-white architectural poster by Bruno Morassutti and Enzo Mari, Comus 428, 1965. Although maybe not obvious at first glance, the colored stair maze starts at the top left and finishes at the bottom right. The quilt explores the undulation of dark negative space that is created by arranging squares of increasing, then decreasing size and color value into a maze of stairs. A progression of six different values of orange, green, and blue was used.

This wonderful graphic design really drew us in. About the name, Charles Cameron says: "To 'Take the Stairs' is an adage that suggests that there's no easy way of realizing one's goal.  That by focusing on the process of creating over the final product, one is more likely to question, learn, and discover."

Just Because by Lucy Engels (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Lucy Engels is a visual artist and quilter living in Edinburgh, Scotland. She says, "Sometimes you need to make a quilt 'Just Because.' This is one of those quilts.  No deep meaning behind it. I made it just because I wanted to see what a digitally manipulated image of one of my previous quilts, 'Strings', would look like in real life."

Lucy continues, "I am interested in the development of work, each stage of the process. And I enjoy revisiting past work to see where it can go." Just Because was machine pieced and quilted on a domestic machine.

Baptist Fan Redux by Hillary Goodwin (California)

This visually intriguing design was created by layering curved arcs over a log cabin framework! There's more to this quilt than meets the eye, as the 'fans' are made of multiple pieces of fabric that meet up with the log cabin squares, creating the illusion of transparency.  Hillary Goodwin says, "What do you get when you combine a log cabin quilt with a baptist fan applique motif? In my eyes you get a very modern take on traditional quilt standards."

Hillary Goodwin tied this color punch of a quilt together with a modern imperfect quilted grid. Baptist Fan Redux was machine pieced, hand appliqued, and machine quilted on a domestic machine (without a frame).

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2022 QuiltCon show in Phoenix, Arizona.

The 2022 Tucson Quilters Guild Fiesta (4)

Can you believe it... an in-person quilt show! We hope you enjoy these fabulous creations from the talented quilters of the Tucson Quilters Guild.  As you can see, they have been quilting up a storm for the last two years.  Here is Part 4 of our photos.

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

Geese Encircling the Stars by Ann Adams, quilted by Linda Cote'

Winner of 1st place in the Small-Pieced quilt category, here is a stunning rendition of Jacqueline de Jonge's Enchanting Stars pattern!  Ann Adams began this foundation paper-pieced quilt in a class with Jacqueline in February 2020. She notes that it was challenging to use so many different batiks to produce the color gradations. The end result is positively luminous and well-deserving of its blue ribbon.

What's Up Doc? by Suzanne Irving

Suzanne Irving designed and made this quilt for her son, Louis, who will be receiving his doctoral degree this year.  "Cow" became his childhood nickname, bestowed upon him by his big brother David. 

This delightful quilt was inspired by a painting titled "Maisie in Black and White" by Tucson artist Geri Bringman (one of Suzanne's favorite artists).  Suzanne included many features of the Sonoran Desert, including red rocks and a hillside dotted with saguaros!

Rain Forest by Ruth Sharp

Rain Forest began with a fabric panel that was added to, cut out, and thread painted, creating a lush tropical landscape of trees, bushes, flowers, butterflies and birds.  The waterfalls were added, and many different thread colors were used to enhance this scene.

You can see details of Ruth Sharp's expert thread painting of the parrot, as shown above. This quilt was awarded Honorable Mention in the Art-Pictorial/Whimsical category.

A Corgi for Every Season by Lynn Rubel

Here is a paper pieced quilt based on Lisa Fryxell's "Life's A Beach Corgi" pattern. Seven smiling Corgis adorn this cute wall quilt, which was made and quilted by Lynn Rubel as a gift for her cousin, who owns a pack of award-winning Corgis. Are you curious about the sashing fabric? It has printed corgi silhouettes with text that reads, "Corgi butts drive me nuts." (Who knew?)

Each cute Corgi has distinctive clothing, button eyes, and an embroidered smile!  (Winner of Honorable Mention at the Tucson show.)

Crystal - by Hoffman "Sew Into It", by Janice Graham

This sparkling star quilt, made and quilted by Janice Graham, was based on the Hoffman California Fabrics Crystal pattern.  Janice says that this quilt was a real challenge as each pre-cut piece was cut on the bias, so each seam had to be exact. "There were days that I put it away, and started on it again the next day." She notes that she loves the finished quilt. It was truly a showstopper (winner of Honorable Mention award.)

Daisy Chain by Peg Clampet

Daisy Chain is an original design based on the Kool Kaleidoscope technique, which was taught by Ricky Tims at the first virtual Quilt Luminarium (courtesy of the pandemic).  The large floral print fabrics were an inspired choice for this colorful quilt, adding dimension and interest to the overall design!  Some pieces were fussy cut to highlight the large flower prints. Peg Clampet used an overall quilting design, with leaves, to continue the floral theme.

 Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2022 Tucson Quilters Guild show.

The 2022 Tucson Quilters Guild Fiesta (3)

Can you believe it... an in-person quilt show! WOW! We hope you enjoy these fabulous creations from the talented quilters of the Tucson Quilters Guild.  As you can see, they have been quilting up a storm for the last two years.  Here is Part 3 of our photos.

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

Attention! by Lisa Fryxell

This stunning original design was made with 100% cotton, with black satin for the pupil of the cat's eye.  Lisa Fryxell used foundation paper piecing, with applique for the whiskers.  Her goal was to make his eye as lifelike as possible... The paper pieced detail, shown below, is amazing!

 Heavenly Bamboo by Stephanie Nordlin

This beautiful art quilt, with its stunning complementary colors, was designed and made by Stephanie Nordlin, a member of Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA).  She says, "This has been a labor of love during the pandemic, despite a few challenges along the way."  We admired her expert applique work! (Winner of Honorable Mention award in the Art - Pictorial/Whimsical category.)

The leaves and berries were trapunto'd, while the white buds were made of ultrasuede.  Stephanie says that she tried twelve background fabrics before choosing this black/gray one.

A Gathering by Becky Wallace

This charming, playful wall quilt features appliqued quails, utilizing an assortment of brightly colored batik fabrics.  Each quail is unique and stands out against the plain white background, which is extravagantly quilted in circles and swirls.  Made and quilted by Becky Wallace, the design is by Barbara Persing.

Corona to Aurora by Gloria Bifulk, quilted by Rachel Holznienkemper

Here is a brilliant lone star variation in all colors of the rainbow. The creator, Gloria Bifulk explains: "The white star is the sun, with a corona around it.  Covered by solar flares shooting out causing the natural light in the magnetic field, making beautiful colors in the sky as auroras. The gray represents the lunar landscape."

The original design is by Joyce Hartley, and the pattern is by Roxanne Carter (Quilting with Roxanne). Four shades of eight different color families make this a stunning quilt.

Patchwork Eclipse by Carol W. Carpenter

Gorgeous batiks make this log cabin variation come alive! Carol Carpenter says that she wanted to attempt this design for several years, and last year finally put it on her "must do" list.  

Carol explains, "I love these colors and the unusual visual presentation of the pattern."  She quilted it herself using an allover design.  The Patchwork Eclipse pattern is from the book, Log Cabin Rediscovered by Brenda Brayfield. 

Dinner with Tula by Melanie Harris, quilted by Virginia McCabe

Dinner Plate Dahlia is a Judy Niemeyer paper pieced quilt design. This quilt looks spectacular in an assortment of Tula Pink fabrics ! Melanie Harris says that the quilting took "4 joyful months." The closeup photos emphasize Melanie's precise piecing. (Winner of Honorable Mention at this outstanding show.)

 Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2022 Tucson Quilters Guild show.

The 2022 Tucson Quilters Guild Fiesta (2)

Can you believe it... an in-person quilt show! WOW! We hope you enjoy these fabulous creations from the talented quilters of the Tucson Quilters Guild.  As you can see, they have been quilting up a storm for the last two years.  Here is Part 2 of our photos.

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

Waiting to Dance by Millie Burgheimer

Millie notes that her quilt shows Native American sisters waiting to dance at a tribal powwow in the city of Prescott, Arizona, a medium-size town in the mountains, about three hours north of Phoenix, Arizona. Millie used thread and beads as embellishment of three layers of fabrics. 

 Millie quilted this very artistic work herself. Her work is known for its soft colors, texture, subtle depictions of light and shadow, and a very realistic depth of field.

Old Pueblo Stories by Cindi Huff

Second place winner for one person, machine quilted, applique quilts, Cindi writes, "This quilt depicts historically relevant places here in Tucson, including the University of Arizona and St. Augustine's Cathedral. Cindi took a class from artist Catherine Skow,  who supplied the pattern. Cindi's creation is a fascinating look at diverse architectural details found in this city.
 

In this close-up of the cathedral, you can see Cindi's careful attention to detail. Cindi quilted this work herself and says that she learned a lot about Tucson from Tucson native and quilt teacher Catherine Skow.
 

 Wait For Me by Jo Brickwell

First Place winner for Art Pictorial Quilts, Jo notes, "[This] original design was created in Ricky Tims' "Gridified Art Quilts" class. We see many quail families in our yard, and there is always a straggler trying to catch up with the group. So I am calling this "Wait for Me."

Jo quilted her amazing work herself and chose the perfect subject matter by portraying these cute birds against the backdrop of the desert, mountains, and sky. 

Alaska Rainbow by Meg Silvern, quilted by Linda Powell

Meg comments that during the Covid quarantine, she and her sister each made this quilt during an online quilting class. The pattern is by Edyta Sitar at Laundry Basket Quilts.  Meg made the quilt from a kit, which included all the top fabrics.

Vibrant cottons,  saturated with color, arranged in designs resembling snowflakes and stars,  make this quilt a real eye-catcher. We like the geometric lines of the blocks and the cheery bright fabrics. 

Jane's Wedding Ring by Jane Smith

 Here's the dynamic Diamond Wedding Ring pattern  designed by Judy Niemeyer from Quiltworx. Jane made a great choice when deciding to include this elegant pattern in the Tucson show. Jane explains, "I like paper piecing, batiks, and wedding ring quilts, so this pattern seemed like a good choice for me. "

Jane adds, " I don't like to do applique, so I simply left the applique off my quilt. I quilted it on a Gammel longarm machine using the Creative Studio Software.

Sea Side Sunset by Malcolm Neifeld, quilted by Kris Neifeld

Malcolm remarks, "On a Lone Star kick with my mother, I decided to make my first ever. Skimming through Helen Frost's  Lone Star book, I saw the design and had an idea to make it on my own. "

 Malcolm adds, "I really enjoyed sunset colors, and I thought my first Lone Star would fit the look."

This beautiful scheme of warm and cool hues with soft monochromatic shading, provides a lovely watercolor effect. Malcolm's work really sparkles against the dark background.

Image credits: Photos were taken at the 2022 Tucson Quilters Guild show.

The 2022 Tucson Quilters Guild Fiesta (1)

Can you believe it... an in-person quilt show! WOW! We hope you enjoy these fabulous creations from the talented quilters of the Tucson Quilters Guild.  As you can see, they have been quilting up a storm for the last two years.

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

Painted Ponies by Lisa Fryxell

Winner of a Quilt Show Chair's Choice award, Lisa Fryxell's original design was inspired by drawings of horses and design elements from Native American artists. We loved everything about this quilt including the design, colors, and masterful techniques! The horses tails are even adorned with ribbons and feathers.

Graphic patterns on the horses are found in rugs, pottery, jewelry and blankets. The border designs are dragonflies and “beadwork” patterns. The background quilting is based on Native American pottery decorations.  Check out all of Lisa Fryxell's patterns at the Prefurred Quilt Shop on Etsy.

Javelinas Rule by Lynn Parker

The pretty colors drew us to this original landscape quilt by Lynn Parker, who designed the quilt to celebrate the Arizona desert and its residents, the javelinas (peccaries) that roam among the cactus. Lynn says, "My Southwest desert scene started with my painting the sky. Then I put down the desert floor with eggshells and sand. There is lots of thread painting with Sulky Solvy, 3D cactus pads and a lot of hand embroidery to finish it off and give it depth."

In the closeup photo above you can see the thread-painted javelinas and the prickly pear pads done in cool batiks and print fabrics, artfully stitched to the background with cross-stitches resembling thorns. This piece won 3rd prize for its artful thread painting.

Down the Rabbit Hole by Manya Powell, quilted by Creative Lines Quilting

This stunning quilt was begun as an online quilt-along for the Down The Rabbit Hole block-of-the-month project by Sarah Fielke. We loved Manya Powell's beautiful jewel-tone hues, floral borders, and use of prints.  Manya says the project took several years to complete. It's no surprise that this masterpiece won a Quilt Show Chair's Choice award at the show.

Remembering Betty Jean by Jean Biddick

Quilt designer and teacher, Jean Biddick, is an Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame 2015 inductee.  She completed this magnificent quilt after eight years of work (!) The Arizona colors of turquoise and coral are beautifully presented against the neutral backdrop. The design was based on a picture of a quilt a friend’s mother made years ago, and a traditional quilt block (Indianapolis) skewed to change a square into a rectangle.

Her beautiful hand quilting can be seen in the photo above. Jean Biddick details the challenges as follows: "Plans for fancy floral hand-quilting that did not work. Years of hand-quilting, un-quilting, redesigning and re-quilting. Fabrics that bled (even after prewashing). After 8 years – a finished quilt!" This large quilt was hand-quilted, winning a red ribbon (2nd place) in the One-Person Pieced, Hand Quilted category.

Spiral Motion by Carol W. Carpenter, quilted by Quality Quilters

Expert shading of blues, from dark to light, make this optical illusion pop right off the surface of this eye-catching Spiral Motion quilt. Carol W. Carpenter says, "This difficult pattern by Kathleen Andrews was a challenge and at times frustrating, but I persevered! The end result is spectacular, and my favorite colors of blue are vibrantly displayed. I’m glad I accepted this quilting challenge"

Zuni Pots by Palma Davis

This is a fantastic rendition of 12 different pots, with designs from several New Mexican pueblos.  Each pot is displayed in its own ‘niche’ on this dramatic quilt. Palma Davis says, “I learned many spiritual things with each pot. [The] quilting is simplistic so as not to detract from the exquisite pots.” The quilt was based on the Bountiful Blessings machine embroidery designs is by Anna’s Awesome Applique.

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2022 Tucson Quilters Guild show.