Amador Valley Quilt Show (California) : Day 3

We recently attended the annual quilt show of the Amador Valley Quilters in Livermore, California, with the theme "Colors of the Vineyard". This prolific guild had two big rooms full of fabulous quilts It's difficult to decide which quilts to feature, as they were all wonderful ! Let's continue with Day 3.
Happy Mother's Day on Sunday, May 14 !  😊

(We're featuring fun books, patterns, and fabrics at very low prices on Quilt Inspiration E-Bay !)

Labyrinth Walk by Donna Driver, et.al.,  quilted by Dianne Saugier

In sewing this intriguing quilt, Donna Driver was assisted by Elizabeth Taylor and Karen Loughrige. Donna says, [Labyrinth Walk] was made in June 2014 by the United Methodist Women's Quilt Group for Pastor Paul Harkness on his retirement. Paul had always said he wanted to build a labyrinth, so here it is in the eyes of a quilter. This is.... a work of fellowship and love given by the members of Castro Valley United Methodist Church. " The pattern is by Christopher Florence. 

Donna continues, "Christopher Florence's design was inspired by a gorgeous floor he discovered in Naples, Italy. He had the honor of Quilt Magazine publishing his pattern in the April/May issue of 2012."

Chanticleer by Jean Ann Luther

Jean Ann notes, "Chanticleer is the result of a class by Susan Carlson. I have always loved chickens and wanted him to have a real "presence".  Jean Ann was inspired to create Chanticleer from a cartoon drawing. We really like the lively personality with which Jean Ann imbued Chanticleer.

Here's you can see some of Chanticleer's gorgeous plumage, of which (we imagine) he is obviously very proud ! Jean adds, "He is made using many small raw-edged pieces, then covered with net and quilted."

Tea Pots for a Tea Party by Elizabeth F. Taylor, quilted by Darla Padilla

We really enjoyed viewing this charming quilt ! Elizabeth states, "[Tea Pots] was made from a kit from Keepsake Quilting. Three friends each bought a kit and challenged each other to complete it. Mine got finished in 2016. This quilt is a work of love. The fun is in making all the pieces go together." The Garden Tea Party pattern is by The Quilt Company.

The description card says, "There was piecing of the fabrics, applique on some of the prints, embroidery by machine and by hand, and a lot of patience by Elizabeth F. Taylor. The quilt was longarm machine quilted by Darla Padilla of "Wildflower Quilting."

Stars in the Garden by Elva Blackburn

Elva writes that she chose the "Stars in the Garden" pattern by Piece O' Cake Designs because she really liked this design. It's bright, very artistic, and a real eye-catcher.

Close-up, Stars in the Garden

Elva's embroidered embellishments on these tiny blue flowers add such a finished, pretty touch to this lovely quilt. In this close-up, you can see the precise, even hand-quilting that Elva did on this project.

Symphony in Sea by Susan Mangels, quilted by Lora Zmak

Susan states, "Growing up in California, I have always lived on the coast, currently I live near the coast. I love the sea and the life it contains. This design hit all my favorites, so I just had to make this."

It must have been such fun to applique these happy ocean creatures ! This pattern is by Karen Brow at Java House Quilts.

Susan continues, "Lora Zmak was recommended to me by a friend, and her work on my quilt has enhanced its theme beautifully."

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.

Fancy Folk Art Quilts

Within the world of quilting, an entire genre is thought of as folk art quilts (see Pinterest).  Sometimes these quilts have a primitive country style, featuring simple shapes, often done in wool (think:  penny rugs).  The quilts we're featuring today, however, are more of a fusion between new and old:  they have more stylized designs, fancy quilting, and contemporary colors.  We're liking this trend!

KFC at the Flea Market, 73 x 73", by Summer Truswell (Washington)

Summer Truswell says that bright colors make her happy, and the more the better.   The basis for this quilt is the Flea Market Treasure quilt pattern from Scrappy Firework Quilts: A Blast of Strips, Scraps and Triangles by Edyta Sitar. 

close up, KFC at the Flea Market by Summer Truswell

As she did the quilting, Summer pictured nighttime in a garden with a bright star overhead. The Kaffe Fassett Collective fabrics really stand out against the black background in this photo. 

Duncan's Garden Party, 64 x 70", by Karolyn "Nubin" Jensen

Inspired by a Sue Spargo class, Karolyn designed her own flowers and birds and used her own hand-dyed wools, silks, and velvets to create this piece.  The description says, "Karolyn no longer has her sweet dogs, so she made this quilt as a reminder of them."

close up, Duncan's Garden Party by Karolyn "Nubin" Jensen

In this photo you can see quail, coneflowers, thistles, and birdhouses along with the white dogs. We admired the great color scheme, beautiful applique and machine quilting.  It also was awarded Speaker's Choice by Laura Wasilowski at the 2013 Tucson Quilt Fiesta. 

After The Rain by  Janet Rupp

After The Rain was the winner of a blue ribbon in the Appliqued - Hand Quilted category at the 2014 Tucson (Arizona) Quilt Show.  Janet Rupp used hand applique, embroidery and hand quilting (see the photo below). The pattern is by Nancy Landon at Cactus Quilt Shop, and Janet modified the center and border. She says,  "Because the pumpkin background was so dark, it was fun exploring the same colors on a light background."

Close-up, After The Rain by Janet Rupp

Janet's beautiful hand embroidery outlines the applique shapes and decorates each of the elements in the quilt.  She says, "Please note the motifs outlined with embroidery suggesting back lighting."  

Floral Fantasy by Manya Powell

Linda explains, "I saw this pattern and fell in love with it. It is from the book Flowerbed by Sue Spargo.  She does most of her patterns in wool with lots of stitch work. I redrew the patterns in quilt block sizes and made it all with cotton quilting fabric, using hand applique. I am pleased with the results. Hope you like it too."

Close-up, Floral Fantasy by Manya Powell, quilted by Linda Powell

We really enjoyed this whimsical, magical pattern with the polka-dotted hearts and flowers. The sky is really the limit when deciding which fabrics to use with this highly imaginative design. 

We Plant the Seeds by Julia Spalla, quilted by Barbara Angerhofer

Julia explains, "This was the first quilt that I have made with wool applique. So much fun. Love all the beautiful colors and textures. Everyone who appliques should try it. You will be hooked." A lovely block-of-the-month pattern, this quilt has colors in it for everyone. Both springtime and autumn motifs are perfectly blended. What a great project to do while waiting for spring and summer to arrive.

Julia's design source is "A Primitive Garden" block of the month pattern by Primitive Gatherings. This really makes us want to go shopping for some fun flowers to plant in a pot by a sunny window, balcony railing, backyard patio, or just about anywhere.

Letter Carriers by Janet Stone

Here's a darling assortment of baskets, with all the letters of the alphabet spilling out of the eleven large baskets in the quilt's center. Some of the baskets were created by weaving bias strips.  These are surrounded by 26 pieced basket blocks in the border.

The scalloped border with blanket-stitched circles can be seen in this photo, along with triangular prairie points attached with hand-covered buttons.  Janet used colorful beads and buttons to create a look of cozy, homespun embellishment to her original design. The baskets on the right-hand-side of this photo were embellished with letter beads.  

For this charming creation, Janet used cotton fabrics, cotton, polyester, and silk threads, plus wood, metal, plastic, and glass embellishments. Her techniques include machine piecing and quilting, machine applique, hand sewn and hot fixed embellishments, and hand-covered buttons. We especially love the curly, fluffy sheep in this close-up. Letter Carriers was featured in the Award Winning Quilts 2015 Calendar (Martingale). 

Grandma Chapman's China Cupboard  by Karolyn "Nubin" Jensen

Second place winner in the Whimsical Quilts category at the 2014 Tucson (Arizona) Quilt show, Karolyn notes, "My maternal grandmother was a very determined and hardworking woman. She had an amazing teacup and saucer collection. Her beautiful cups were all different sizes, shapes, and colors. This is my original design. I hand dyed the wool."

Two cute pink teapots cheerfully adorn the upper corners of Karolyn's quilt and stand out well against the chocolate brown border and background. The color combination of lime green, mauve, periwinkle, and chocolate brown is an unusual one, but it works well here to highlight the teacups and teapots. The chartreuse trim is crocheted lace.

These pretty spring blossoms seem to playfully dance around on this cheerful teacup. From a distance, the placemats have an appearance of being braided together. However, close up you can see that  they are actually quilted in a single feather design, which gives them the braided appearance.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2014 AQS and the 2014 Tucson Quilt Show.  Letter Carriers was photographed at the 2013 Houston IQF.

Wine Country Quilt Show Day 5

Let's take a look at some more fun quilts at the Wine Country Quilt Show in Santa Rosa, California !

Fly Me to the Moon by Genelle Voorhees

Genelle writes that this quilt was made at a Bishop's Ranch quilting retreat sponsored by The Material Girl. The celestial effect of this quilt is enhanced by the background fabric which resembles the starry heavens as seen through a powerful telescope.

Sapphire Village by Donna Huckaby

 

Donna says, " I have always admired house block quilts. This year, I decided to make my own. I made most of the houses and the many trees at the Moonlight Quilters of Sonoma County retreat at Walker Creek Ranch. I had a marvelous time and love this quilt. "  We too, love quilts with house blocks, as they always seem so "homey" and cheerful.  Donna has done an excellent job of selecting monochromatic blue fabrics which provide a cohesive and organized look to this cute quilt. 

Double Wedding Ring by Sandra Wasson

Sandra Wasson says,  "This quilt was made with love for my son and daughter-in-law for their wedding day, June 10, 2011."  Sandra updated this traditional, popular design by adding a contemporary border of four-patch green, blue, and pink blocks. 

Four Teapots by Linda Morand

Linda writes, "From my Asian teapots series which was displayed at Moshin Vineyards Tasting Room." The four teapots each appear to be appliqued to a pieced background of muted colors. They provide a soothing, serene aspect to this quilt, much like a Japanese tea ceremony. 

Roxie by Carol Deards

Carol Deards says, "Raw edge applique portrait designed from a photograph. Created from commercial cotton fabrics. Satin stitched to add detail." Carol did a great job on this lifelike depiction of her dog's facial features, especially Roxie's eyes and ears.

Image credits:  photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.

Life is like a cup of tea

"A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Teapots make delightful collectibles. Plus, teapot quilts remind us of the joys of tea parties, tea ceremonies, and tea for two. We've been collecting tea-themed quilts and have been dying to share them with you. As they say, life is like a cup of tea... it's better when shared with friends!

China, 50 x 50, by Laurel Anderson, at Whisper Color


The "China" quilt by Laurel Anderson displays a complete tea set in Delft blues, surrounding a blue floral platter. Laurel explains that the quilt was made in honor of her grandmother, Charlotte, who loved beautiful things. The quilt is made on paper foundations except for the hand appliqued plate and platter.

TeaTime Floral III, by Holly Holderman, at LakeHouse Dry Goods


TeaTime Floral III is one of Holly Holderman's glorious designs; it has teacups in pale blue or ivory, hydrangeas, roses, and a songbird with speckled egg. The pattern for the Star Maker quilt, above, can be downloaded at the LakeHouse project page.

Cupsey Turvey, 45 x 56, by Karen Brow, at Java House Quilts




Can a quilt be both beautiful and whimsical, at the same time? If the quilt is "Cupsey Turvey", then the answer is 'yes'.  All fourteen cups are dancing, sliding and tumbling around the quilt, and some are even upside down! The cups are flanked by tossed spoons and the occasional flying teabag. "Cupsey Turvey" reminds us of this proverb: "A wise husband will buy his wife fine china, so she won't trust him to wash the dishes."

Tea With The Empress, 40 x 40, by the owners and staff of Always Quilting


We love "Tea with the Empress", above, which features 16 shapely teapots from Kay Mackenzie's bestselling and definitive book, Teapots 2 to Applique. The teapots are rendered in peacock feathers, lotus flowers and Japanese maple leaves in jewel tones of teal, purple, and garnet.  You can see the original quilt and read about the teapots at Kay Mackenzie's website, here.

Corner Tea Shop, 32.5 x 28.5, by Connie Cerdena at Jenny Creek Designs



Connie Cerdena's classic and classy "High Tea" designs are inspired by her own collection of teapots; she began collecting at age 15. "Corner Tea Shop", above, replicates the cheery windows of an English tea shop, with its chintzware-like background and checkered tablecloth... notice the steam rising from the spout of the teapot! For more inspiration, see High Tea, Sweet Violet Tea, and Tea with the Earl. All of the patterns are available at Jenny Creek Designs.

Teapots, as seen in Royal Dutch Tea, by Liz Schwartz and Stephen Seifert at eQuilt Patterns



If applique is not your cup of tea... (get it?) ...then you'll love this versatile collection of six different teapots designed by Liz Schwartz and Stephen Seifert. Use one, or mix and match them to create a teapot quilt with your own fabric stash.

Full Bloom Collection, and Garden Tea Party quilt, by Bari J™


We're smitten with the "Garden Tea Party" quilt, above, which has a border decorated with collaged teapots and flowers from Bari J's earlier fabric line.  The pattern is free at Bari J Online.

Dancin' Teapots II quilt by Virginia Anderson for In The Beginning Fabrics



"Dancin' Teapots II", above, is one of our all-time favorite teapot quilts. It won a blue ribbon in the small wall quilts category at the 2006 AQS show.  For a downloadable foundation piecing pattern, click here. Dancin' Teapots II has inspired many quilters... see the brightly colored Funky Teapot quilt with its piano keys border.

Oriental Teapot, 15 x 20, by Verona Flint and Kay Mackenzie; and Delicious Tea, 24 x 10, by Kay Mackenzie


"Oriental Teapot" reminds us of a Japanese tea house, with its hand-appliqued batik teapot, Asian-inspired fabric and decorative quilting stitches. To read about the quilt on Kay's site, click here and scroll down the page.


"Delicious Tea" features adorable apple teapots surrounded by apple fabric; it can be seen in Kay's quilt gallery. The teapots are based on the 2008 book, Teapots 2 to Applique. Kay also maintains a comprehensive site called All About Applique which is loaded with tips and tutorials.

Little Teapots by The Cloth Shop



The whimsical Little Teapots quilt, above, was an original Cloth Shop design that uses white and black fabrics for the background and lattice, and wonderful hand dyed Bali Batiks for the appliques. Teapots are shaped like a beehive, a house, and a strawberry, among others, and the teapots are surrounded by stacked teacups and little cupcakes !  A wool applique kit may be found at Out Of Hand.

Image credits and links: Quilt images are shown with the kind permission of the artists.