Quilt Fiesta! Highlights of the Show (finale)

Here are more favorites from the Quilt Fiesta, the annual Tucson (Arizona) Quilters Guild show, including awrd winners. We hope you have enjoyed the photos!

p.s. Please see our E-Bay shop for great bargains on patterns and vintage collectibles. For continuous free quilt patterns and blog updates, please visit us on Twitter.

Four Ladies by Diana Strzok

Primarily appliqued and machine quilted, this piece was made and quilted by Diana Strzok.  It was inspired by a Monica Stewart Unity print.  Diana Strzok says, "A Monica Stewart unity print has hung over my fireplace for years, when my partner suggested that I use the design to create a quilted wall hanging." These dancing ladies even have earrings as embellishments.  The freeform quilting designs enhance the sense of movement within this quilt.

Joanna Canada's Last Gift entered by Catherine Mombourquette; top made by Joanna Stephenson, quilted by Joanna Stephenson, Sara Rumbaugh, Joyce Kaiser, & Ruth Martin

Joanna Stephenson, long-time Tucson Quilters Guild member and past Best of Show winner, nursing instructor, private pilot and Canadian wilderness homesteader, was a member of the Piecepatchers Bee.  After her passing, this original design quilt was bequeathed to the Bee to finish for Quilt for a Cause. 

The themes include flowers and birds, including a hummingbird and cardinal. The appliqued blocks and borders are beautifully hand appliqued and hand quilted.

 Perennial Favorites by Gloria Magee, quilted by Carolyn (Nubin) Minerd & Brenda Smitley

We enjoyed this beautifully appliqued quilt which highlights sashiko embroidery. The use of white thread on the black background really stands out! Gloria Magee says, "This pattern [Perennial Favorites by Sylvia Pippen] was supposed to have been done with wool appliqued flowers, but I felt the wool was too heavy for the black fabric so I chose batiks.  I found sashiko to be very addictive but fun!"

Circa 2024 Double Wedding Ring by Stephanie Nordlin, quilted by Athena Taylor

Here is a stunning double wedding ring quilt with great fabrics and some lovely quilting [by Athena Taylor]!  Stephanie Nordlin says, "Papers purchased for a three ring tablerunner and eight fat quarters grew on me! I wanted an updated version of my grandmother's quilt circa 1933.  [The] Hand pieced rings are machine appliqued to background."

The Goldie Richmond Project / Goldie's Rodeo by Kay Walen, quilted by Whisper Stitch Studio

Here is a fantastic sampler quilt with 25 appliqued blocks featuring rodeo and Southwest themes.  Kay Walen says, "This quilt is a combination of the Goldie Richmond Project and Goldie's Rodeo patterns with an original layout.  I chose this pattern to challenge my needle turn hand applique and embellishment skills."

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2024 Tucson Quilters Guild show.

Quilt Fiesta! Highlights of the Show (4)

Here are more photos from the Quilt Fiesta, the annual Tucson (Arizona) Quilters Guild show. We saw so many fabulous quilts and are sharing some highlights here.  We hope you enjoy the photos!

p.s. Please see our E-Bay shop for great bargains on patterns and vintage collectibles. For continuous free quilt patterns and blog updates, please visit us on Twitter.

Maty Colter: Builder on the Desert by Karen G. Fisher

This amazing original art quilt was made and quilted by Karen G. Fisher as a tribute to Mary Colter, the architect and on-site construction boss for the Fred Harvey Company, who designed many iconic buildings across the southwest, including several at the Grand Canyon.  In the middle of the quilt you can see the Four Corners at which Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado meet.

Karen G. Fisher notes, "Mary Colter pioneered using on-site building materials, and originated the style now called "National Parks Rustic"; many of these iconic buildings are depicted on the quilt.  Karen won multiple awards for her creation.

Cactus - Yes! by Manya Powell

Entered in the Modern Quilt category, this pieced quilt captures the beauty of the saguaro cactus which is native to the Sonoran Desert including Tucson.  The color and fabric choices and the design make this quilt really special.  [Note: The source of the cactus pattern was not listed.]

The Civil War Bride found her 'lost boy' in the old Pueblo, by Nancy Landon, quilted by Brenda Smitley

Here is a very creative adaptation of the Civil War Bride quilt, based on A Bountiful Life by Karen Mowery. Nancy says, "The design combines reproduction blocks from the famous "Civil War Bride" quilt made originally in about 1863 and original South West designs by me."   The quilt took 2 years to complete the outstanding hand applique.

The machine quilting was beautifully done by Brenda Smitley. Examples of the original elements include a hummingbird, placed below the "Bride" in the block shown below. Winner of Second Place in the Two Person, primarily appliqued, hand or machine quilted.

The block shown below depicts Mission San Xavier del Bac (The White Dove of the Desert) which is located south of Tucson.  Nancy also created a prickly pear cactus, and a pair of javelinas (collared peccary), which are native to many parts of the desert Southwest.

Jewel of the Reef by Melanie Harris, quilted by John Harris

This gorgeous quilt was based on a pattern by Quiltworx ("Glacier Star").  Melanie Harris says, "I fell in love with the blue border print.  I then selected white and gray to represent the coral reef. The jewel tones are the flashy fish, flowers and algae that populate the reef."  Winner of a 2nd place award in this show.

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2024 Tucson Quilters Guild show.

Quilt Fiesta! Highlights of the Show (3)

Here are more photos from the Quilt Fiesta, the annual Tucson (Arizona) Quilters Guild show. We saw so many fabulous quilts and are sharing some highlights here.  We hope you enjoy our photos!

p.s. Please see our E-Bay shop for great bargains on patterns and vintage collectibles. For continuous free quilt patterns and blog updates, please visit us on Twitter.

The Glow by Christine Nelson, quilted by Lynn Simon

Christine Nelson based this quilt on a classic Lone Star pattern, and the color and fabric choices were simply beautiful.  Christine says, "I used an ombre fabric for the main part of the star.  At the center and outer points I used fussy cut pieces from the [kaleidoscope print] border fabric. Getting the pattern lined up in the center was a challenge." The solid fabric areas allowed plenty of space for Lynn Simon's gorgeous quilting. Winner of Second Place in the Two Person - Small Pieced category. 

 Ghost by Barbara Polston

We love pet-inspired quilts, and this one is a beauty. Made and quilted by Barbara Polston, who created a portrait of her grand-dog, Ghost, using lace.  Barbara says, "Ghost is a Siberian Husky belonging to my daughter and son-in-law.  [This was] a gift for their 8th wedding anniversary which may be celebrated with lace gifts."  What a clever idea!

Aviary by Suzanne McLean, quilted by Linda Cote

Made by Suzanne McLean and quilted by Linda Cote, this beautiful wool applique quilt was based on a pattern by Bonnie Sullivan and Dawn Heese. We enjoyed seeing the many beautiful details!  Suzanne says, "[The] pattern [was] modified in several places to create a soft, vintage look that's uniquely mine."  Winner of Honorable Mention in the Two Person, Primarily Appliqued category.

It features hand appliqued wool with velvet accents on a cotton background, enhanced with embellishment stitching using a variety of stitches, thread and ribbon.

The Neighborhood by Jean Biddick

The Neighborhood was made and quilted by Jean Biddick.  It won First Place in the One Person, Small, Pieced category, plus a special award for Exemplary Piecing.

Jean says, "The Quilters Market Blockbusters theme in 2018 was 'There Goes the Neighborhood'.  I reduced the 12" to 3" blocks and added a couple of extras to make the setting work. The blocks are NOT paper pieced (!) The central block was made years ago in a Judi Blaydon workshop about light sources - it was a perfect center for my 'Neighborhood'. "

Cactus Rose by Lynne Saul

This stunning quilt, made and quilted by Lynne Saul, was based on a pattern by Judy Niemeyer.  Lynne says, "The top is paper pieced which I love to do.  After it was completed, it sat for 5 years before I quilted it.  But now it's done."  We love this design, colors, and expert workmanship.  The bright batik fabrics with their spiky points really pop against the dark background.

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2024 Tucson Quilters Guild show.

Quilt Fiesta! Highlights of the Show (2)

Welcome to the Quilt Fiesta, the annual Tucson (Arizona) Quilters Guild show! We saw hundreds of fantastic quilts, and will be sharing highlights here.  We hope you enjoy these photos!

p.s. Please see our E-Bay shop for great bargains on patterns and vintage collectibles. For continuous free quilt patterns and blog updates, please visit us on Twitter.

Awaiting Our Turn by Julie Hallquist

This original design by Julie Hallquist was beautifully made and quilted.  It won a blue ribbon for 1st Place - Art Portrait.  Julie says, "On a trip to St. Martin, my husband and I happened upon a neighborhood holiday party and were invited to join.  We were charmed by these young girls watching the older girls performing and waiting their turn to dance."

The intricate thread work and machine quilting add so much energy to the scene, along with the quilted musical notes, which were done in metallic thread.

 Desert Staircase by Saddlebrooke Friday Quilters, quilted by Athena Taylor

We love this quilt! Desert Staircase won First Place in the Group Quilt category.  Made by the Saddlebrooke Friday Quilters and includes 15 beautiful feathered star blocks in shades of gray and white. Many members took part, appliqueing and piecing feathered stars and painting pottery for their raffle quilt.  Note the quilting in the background replicates the feathered star blocks.

Homegrown by Lorraine Souza, quilted by Linda Cote

Winner of First Place in the Two Person - Applique Category, this beauty was made by Lorraine Souza, quilted by Linda Cote.  The pattern source was Homegrown by Sue Spargo. 

Lorraine says, "This joyful Sue Spargo designed wool applique captured my love of houses and community.  The quilt began as a teaching project and I completed it in tandem with my students.  Partnering with talented quilter, Linda Cote, it was completed June 2023." We loved seeing all the gorgeous applique and embroidery details.

Winding Ways by Helen Lessells

If you love optical illusions, "Winding Ways" is for you! This fascinating show stopper won First Place in the One Person, Medium, Pieced category. The pattern was designed by George Siciliano. Helen Lessells says, "The challenge of this quilt was fussy cutting solid fabrics to establish the shading." It was quilted by Helen herself.

Southwest Missions by Rhonda Borders, quilted by Sherrie Addis

 

 

We love this orignal design, which features lovely fabric panels of mission churches. It was designed and made by Rhonda Borders, and quilted by Sherrie Addis.  Rhonda says, "I found the panel of mission paintings at San Xavier del Bac [a beautiful mission south of Tucson] on my first visit.  The overall design is my own work." Check out the kaleidoscope which Rhonda made in the middle of the octagon block shown below.

Image credits: Photos by Quilt Inspiration were taken at the 2024 Tucson Quilters Guild show.

Quilt Fiesta! Highlights of the Show (1)

Welcome to the Quilt Fiesta, the annual Tucson (Arizona) Quilters Guild show! We enjoyed seeing  hundreds of fantastic quilts and will be sharing highlights here.  We hope you enjoy our photos.

p.s. Please see our E-Bay shop for great bargains on patterns and vintage collectibles. For continuous free quilt patterns and blog updates, please visit us on Twitter.

Montepulciano by Kathy Adams

This stunning original landscape quilt by Kathy Adams won Best of Show, along with 1st place in the Art Quilts - Scenic category.  Kathy says the quilt was "Inspired by a picture I took of Montepulciano from our lodge in Tuscany." Numerous advanced techniques were used, including making lots of parts for all the trees, bushes and grapevines, using wash away stabilizer, tulle, fabric and yarns."

There were so many admirers of this large quilt, it took us several minutes to get these photos! Check out the intricate details of the flowers, bushes and trees, including lavender in the foreground, below. 

Art Deco Meets Southwest by Paula Fulton, quilted by Athena Taylor

Gorgeous purple, teal, turquoise hues go together beautifully in this dramatic, original design! This quilt won First Place in the Two Person Primarily Pieced category, plus a special Award for Exemplary Machine Quilting (Computer/Digitized.)

Paula Fulton says, "I was inspired by several traditional southwest quilts but wanted to add a twist to it with art deco-style strips in the center. Purple, teal, turquoise and exquisite quilting [by Athena Taylor] give the quilt the 'wow' factor." We love the sun motifs shown below.

Indian Summer by Tami Graeber

This piece was a show-stopper with its strong contrasts and Southwestern feel.  Tami Graeber won a blue ribbon for 1st Place in the Other Techniques category.  She started with the Empire Place pattern from Sassafras lane Designs, but she decided to make the pattern her own.  "I only used a few blocks, changed [the] size to square, hand painted several Acoma tribal blocks, and added screen printed 3-D butterflies."

 Flower Lady by Millie Burgheimer

An incredibly artistic creation by Millie Burgheimer! She saw a flower lady in a market place and loved her face.  This piece was made with *lots* of thread, creating a realistic portrait of the flower seller, and the flowers themselves. Millie was awarded a ribbon in the Art Portraits category for this beautiful portrait.

 Athena's Infinity by Athena Taylor

 

Athena Taylor won First Place in the Modern Quilt category for this fantastic rainbow quilt, filled with stars, curves, flying geese, and New York Beauty blocks. It was based on the Infinity quilt pattern by Jacqueline de Jonge.

Athena says, "The quilt uses 25 different fabrics, all paper pieced. The quilting was done using free motion quilting and rulers.  No computer assistance on this one!" (Wow!)

 Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2024 Tucson Quilters Guild show.