Quilt Arizona! The 2022 Show (3)

We could hardly wait for the 2022 Arizona Quilters Guild show, where the theme was Kaleidoscope of Quilts.  And what a fantastic show it was!  Due to the pandemic, the show was cancelled last year - so there was high anticipation for this year's event. There were many amazing quilts on display... here are some of our favorites!

p.s. 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.

Tumble-A-Round by Claire Victor

Claire Victor won a special award for Exemplary Non-Professional Machine Quilting, plus First Place (a blue ribbon) in the modern-solo category for her stunning quilt, titled Tumble-A-Round. She says, "My fascination with the tumbling block continues; this time my design takes the overall shape of a circle... This adds an additional challenge of a changing light source."

Notice how each cube is composed of a dark, medium, and light side, creating the optical illusion of blocks. Tumble-A-Round was English paper pieced and beautifully free motion quilted by Claire herself. The quilted swirls and spirals really stand out on the solid color fabrics.

Arizona Nights by Debbie Cole, quilted by Rose Maynes

Arizona Nights was intended to portray the desert nights in Arizona, with each block featuring a different creature - check out the javelina, coyote, bobcat, hummingbird, cardinal, oriole, and more!  We especially loved the handsome red cardinal, shown in the closeup photo below. Debbie Cole won Second Place (red ribbon) in the Applique, Small-Duet category for this outstanding wall quilt.

The design was a 2006 Block of the Month sponsored by the Quilt Basket shop in Tucson. The many elements were machine appliqued using blanket stitch, and additional details - such as the leaves in the above block - were embroidered.  Debbie says that this was her first attempt at machine applique, and that the quilt (which was a 2006-2007 BOM) did not get finished until 2021. All of her hard work definitely paid off!

Modern Honeycomb Hexie by Tori Benz-Hillstorm, quilted by Clara Borntreger

Modern Honeycomb Hexie utilizes modern print fabrics to form an intriguing honeycomb design.  Tori Benz-Hillstorm hand-stitched 1349 one-inch honeycomb hexies, using English Paper Piecing (EPP).  There are approximately 200,000 hand-piecing stitches in this quilt! The white and gray solids provide the perfect backdrop for all of the brightly colored prints.

Modern Honeycomb Hexie was quilted by a Mennonite quilter from Minnesota, and it won Third Place in the Hand Quilted category. We so admired the precise, tiny stitches done in straight lines to emphasize the diamond shapes of the quilt.

Vikki's Flutterby Flowers by Donna Moyer

This heirloom quilt was created by Donna Moyer, who won First Place in the Hand Quilted category.  Donna says, "When my daughter Vikki was little she said 'Flutterby' instead of 'Butterfly.'  This quilt will be hers someday... It will make her smile.  It has made me smile as I worked on it for many years." 

The applique designs were based on a class taught by Jeana Kimball.  Donna Moyers' many hours of effort and love truly show in the finished product, which features thousands of precise hand quilting stitches.

Haunted by Paducah by Barbara Polson, quilted by Laurie Tigner

Haunted by Paducah won a second place ribbon in the Mixed Technique Small-Duet category. Barbara Polston says she was haunted by this quilt pattern, first seen in Paducah, Kentucky in 2008. "I was finally able to make it when Nubin Jensen published her pattern" (Pickled Clams). The clams reflect the blue, pink and violet hues of Kaffe Fassett's 'Tree Fungi' border fabric.

The machine quilting (by Laurie Tigner) lend an art deco-style appearance to the clam shell shapes.  For even more elegance, the centers of the clams were quilted with gold thread in a filigree pattern.

Mountain Silhouettes by Christiane Ermke

We really enjoyed Mountain Silhouettes, an original design by Christiane Ermke, made with many different colorful Kaffe Fassett fabrics. This art quilt depicts the mountains in and around Scottsdale, Arizona: Tom's Thumb, Pinnacle Peak, Camelback Mountain, and Four Peaks. the center ring features the iconic saguaro cactus which reside throughout the Sonoran Desert. The spectacular piece was hand quilted by Christiane herself.

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2022 Quilt Arizona show.

Quilt Arizona! The 2022 Show (2)

We could hardly wait for the 2022 Arizona Quilters Guild show, where the theme was Kaleidoscope of Quilts.  And what a fantastic show it was!  Due to the pandemic, the show was cancelled last year - so there was high anticipation for this year's event. There were many amazing quilts on display... here are some of our favorites!

p.s. 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.

Prismatic by Maryanne Nowacki, quilted by Cindy Stohn

Second place winner for "Best Use of Theme" Marianne notes, "When I saw the booklet pattern    (Cadence Court by Sassafras Lane Designs), I just had to make it. I enjoyed the process of finding all the fabrics for it and doing the paper piecing. I see it every day hanging on the wall."

Marianne's well-chosen use of color-saturated rainbow fabrics makes her quilt really spectacular. It was professionally machine quilted and hand-guided by Cindy Stohn.

Main Street - Tonopah by LeAnn Hileman

 Best of Show and First Place winner for Pictorial Quilts, LeAnn writes about her original design, "My challenges in making Main Street Tonopah (Nevada) were twofold: first, how to depict a sunset in fabric; and second, how to depict artificial lights at twilight in fabric."
 

LeAnn's brilliant use of light and shadow is what makes her quilt such a show-stopper.  It creates a mood of the timelessness of the old west - the big, bright sky of the high desert, juxtaposed against  the faded, dark paint of the century-old buildings, which seem to have existed forever. LeAnn machine quilted and hand-guided this creation herself.

Read Me a Story by Bobbi Levy-Dodge, quilted by Jessica Dickinson

 Bobbi comments, "I enjoyed selecting the book covers from my considerable stash of fun focus fabric, then creating coordinating book titles. ( And yes, there IS a story behind the mouse/armadillo book." 

Bobbi used the quilt pattern "Book Nerd" by Angela Pintel to create her charming quilt. This reminds us of our childhood, where we spent quiet summer days in the children's room of our public library, searching for fun new books which we hadn't read yet.

Unfortunately, the titles on the spines of the books do not show up well in our photos, but Bobbi has very creatively matched the titles she selected with the motif of each fabric. Jessica Dickinson machine quilted "Read Me a Story" using computer-guided software.

My Hippy Kids by Linda Jenkins, quilted by Penny Boese

Second place winner in the Small/Medium Pieced Quilts category, Linda comments, " This pattern (Happy Together by Sew Kind of Wonderful) just spoke fun and color to me." We love the lively faces of the children on Linda's enchanting, vibrant quilt.

Linda adds, " Penny Boese just made the kids almost real with her [machine quilted, computer-guided] excellent creative quilting."

Jewel Patch by Wanda Seale, quilted by Cindy Stahl

Third place winner in the category of Small/ Medium Pieced Quilts, Wanda explains, "This is what happens when you mix colorful Kaffe Fasset fabrics with black and whites, all together in a fun pattern", ' Jewel Patch ' by Pleasant Valley Creations .

Wanda continues about her sparkling, dynamic quilt, " It was a challenge to execute, but I love it so much, that it hangs in my bedroom."  It was professionally machine quilted and hand-guided by Cindy Stahl.

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

Quilt Arizona! The 2022 Show (1)

We could hardly wait for the 2022 Arizona Quilters Guild show, where the theme was Kaleidoscope of Quilts.  And what a fantastic show it was!  Due to the pandemic, the show was cancelled last year - so there was high anticipation for this year's event. There were many amazing quilts on display... here are some of our favorites!

p.s. 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.

Angwushahai'i (Crow Bride): Hopitutuqaiki Opportunity Quilt. The Hopi School, Inc. (Kykotsmovi Village, Arizona)

A special highlight of the show was getting to see the Hopitutuqaiki opportunity quilt and to meet representatives of the community school, who traveled all the way from Kykotsmovi Village to the city of Mesa (a 5-hour trip!) While admiring this fabulous quilt we learned all about the school, which helps to preserve traditions by teaching the Hopi language, culture, and values to their children. 

The school's vision is, "when each seed is planted and nurtured, it will grow best in its own plot of earth." The quilt features the headdress of a very special kachina (spirit being): Angwushahai'i (Crow Bride):

The quilt drawing will occur on September 18, 2022, at the Prescott Indian Art Market, held at Sharlot Hall Museum (Prescott, Arizona). For information on the school and their wonderful programs, please visit the Hopitutuqaiki website.  For more information on the quilt, you can contact the school by email: hopitutuqaiki {at} icloud.com.

Lynx by Leilani Purvis

This remarkable art quilt, made by Leilani Purvis, was inspired by the art of Sophie Standing, who lives in Kenya. We admired the way in which Leilani depicted the lynx with raw edge applique and thread painting. The eyes seem to stare right out from the surface of the quilt!  Some of the fascinating details can be seen in the closeup photo, below.

Seminole Celebration by Karen G. Fisher

Honoring the patchwork designs of Florida's indigenous people, Seminole Celebration by Karen G. Fisher won three awards: Excellent Use of Color (top); The NACQJ Award of Merit (National Association of Certified Quilt Judges, middle); and a blue ribbon for First Place in the Pieced Small-Solo quilt category.

Karen G. Fisher's original design uses a strong diagonal layout, bold contrasts and bright colors. She used printed fabrics, including some 1800's reproductions, adding even more intricacy to the design.

Solitude by Judy Salb, quilted by Jessica Jones

This starry quilt was made by Judy Salb, who says: "Spending a year home alone gave me the time to sit and sew. Thus was born Solitude."  Judy chose luscious batiks in desert hues, including coral, turquoise, violet, blue, and neutrals. 

Judy was awarded a yellow ribbon for third place in the Paper Pieced category. Both the piecing (by Judy Salb) and the quilting (by Jessica Jones) were outstanding, as shown in the closeup photo below. (Note: This quilt was based on the Fourth of July design by Judy Niemeyer.)

The Eyes Have It by Mary Alsop

Mary Alsop won the President's Choice award for The Eyes Have It, which was expertly designed, pieced and free motion quilted by Mary herself.  The quilt is a study in color, and was created with several sizes of bullseye blocks and embellished with hundreds of Swarovski crystals. This masterpiece was inspired by the book, Bullseye Quilts from Vintage to Modern by Becky Goldsmith.

Mary Alsop's award-winning piecing and quilting can be seen in the closeup photo below.

Aboriginal Hoops by Nancy Whitton

We loved this eye catching quilt with its unique choice of fabrics! The appliqued arcs weave over and under to create dynamic hoops of many hues. Nancy Whitton says, "I wanted to use my Aboriginal fabrics in a modern design. This pattern fit my fabrics and love of hand applique and hand quilting." Yes- this beauty was hand quilted.  

Nancy won a red ribbon (2nd place) in the Medium/Large Solo applique category for this remarkable design, which was based on the Hoops pattern by Aardvark Quilts. More details of the beautiful fabrics and hand quilting can be seen in this closeup photo:

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

Made during the Pandemic: COVID quilts

Quilting was an outlet for many during the pandemic. Here is a collection of creations which express the feelings, hopes, and coping skills during this world event. We honor all the first responders who continue to work so hard,  those who lost their lives, and those whose lives were forever altered.

Pandemic 2020 by Lynn Parker

Honorable Mention winner at the 2022 Tucson, Arizona Quilt Fiesta, Lynn explains, "I included many areas of my pandemic life.  Upper right: White tufts of my husband's hair after first buzz cut, plus one of many mocking birds seen on our walks. Bottom right: Scene on golf course where we walk frequently. In the center: I'm quilting with lots of vaccine aura (fabric pieces) protecting me from the virus."

Detail,  Pandemic 2020

Excellent textural interest is provided by the center block of  attached strips of material in a random yet colorful arrangement. Lynn's design skills and fabric stash provided stress relief and comfort in the midst of an uncertain and perplexing time.

Close-up,  Pandemic 2020

Lynn's original, highly creative design includes many depictions of local wildlife in her area. In this block, you can see some of her thread painting and quilt stitching.

Covid Sucks by Charlene O'Connell

Charlene notes, "The quilt pretty much sums it up. But let me explain. My chapter (of the Arizona Quilters' Guild) had a challenge. We were given three pieces of fabric. We could add one extra piece of choice. We were right in the middle of the pandemic."

Close-up, Covid Sucks

Charlene's expressive original design is machine quilted and hand-guided. We think it's very thoughtful, candid, and poignantly eye-catching.

Isolated but Together by Diane Hartman

Third place winner in the Art Abstract category at the 2022 Tucson Quilt Fiesta, Diane writes, "Begun as a pandemic "embroidery doodling", the individual doodles became discrete squares, which grew into scattered constellations. By the end of the pandemic, this American Beauty Sunrise quilt seemed to mirror everyone's experience of being 'isolated but together.'

Close-up, Isolated But Together

Diane quilted her original  contemporary design herself. Here you can see some of the intriguing hand embroidery stitches that make her work so unique and imaginative.

Stress Relief by Maria Barr

Maria says, "Supposedly a raffle quilt; [but] the event was cancelled. So much going on, juggling so hard, keeping all those balls spinning not falling." On this quilt, you can see numerous smaller individuals, whose physical motions match the motion of the taller figure in the center. Maria's quilt exudes energy and vibrancy, which is in perfect keeping with her theme.

Close-up,  Stress Relief

Maria adds, "Special people help us through, and the little things make a difference. Quilt it out! That's stress relief."  Her design is an original applique over a variation of the Log Cabin pattern, which she quilted herself.

Corona Virus by Rhonda Borders

Rhonda started out to make a traditional eight-point star quilt. She did not intend to make a quilt with blocks that resembled a rounded ball with red spikes as the virus has been depicted. But her quilt turned out to look like images of the virus, so she gave it that name.

Detail, Corona Virus

We admire this quilt for the use of fabric and color, because the juxtaposition of light and dark fabrics really make the blocks sparkle. Rhonda's workmanship is beautiful and very accurate; plus she quilted this herself.  It's challenging to piece diamonds and add three point seams, and Rhonda has done that spectacularly in this work.

Image credits: Photos were taken at the 2022 Arizona Quilters Guild show ("Covid Sucks") and the 2022 Tucson Quilters Guild show (Pandemic 2020, Isolated But Together, Stress Relief, and Corona Virus.