Thursday, January 30, 2020

Highlights of the Road to California Quilt Show! part 2

Welcome to the Road to California Quilter's Conference and Showcase! The Road to California, as it is called, takes place in Ontario (Southern California), and features over 1,000 quilts by artists from all over the world. Around 40,000 people gather to see the show, take classes, and shop. Join us in admiring some of the stunning quilts from this year's show.

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

Cody's Cubes by Beth Nufer, Oregon. Quilted by Clem Buzick


Honorable Mention winner in the Abstract Quilts category, Beth remarks, "I wanted to make a modern design quilt with a 3-D effect to it. I love tumbling blocks, so that worked out for this quilt."


Because the different faces of these blocks are separated with dark background fabric, the three-dimensional effect is even more pronounced. We really admire this expertly designed and constructed geometric quilt with brilliant rainbow colors.

Sonoran Desert Sunset by Kathy Adams and Joanne Baeth, Arizona


Third place winners in the Naturescapes Quilts category, Kathy and Joanne explain, "Original design [is] inspired by several photos we took of the Sonoran Desert which were collaged to make our pattern. Bold colors and Southwestern sunsets inspired our fabric choices. We divided the pattern horizontally into 6 sections and each created and quilted an alternating section."


The quilters add, "Work was done independently, sharing progress via phone and email. When complete, sections were mailed back and forth to be joined, as we live several miles apart." With their use of vibrantly-hued fabrics and intricate thread work, Kathy and Joanne have created a gorgeous quilt which depicts the sunset illuminating mountains, the cacti, and the wildflower-strewn floor of the desert.

The Eggs of the Rainbow Serpent by Jenny Bowker,  Australia


Jenny writes, The Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve is a site in the Northern Territory of Australia, which is the subject of an Aboriginal legend, which explains how the Rainbow Serpent carried water across the Australizan desert from coast to coast and left its eggs in the desert.The Rainbow Serpent is the creator of all things in the Dreamtime stories."


Jenny continues, "I wanted a strong sense of our traditional owners in this piece, but Australians of European heritage are not permitted by use Aboriginal symbolism. To avoid offense, I used Aboriginal fabrics in some sections of the quilt. Still playing with the idea of extending a landscape with patchwork blocks, I used an altered Kaleidoscope block in the rest of the quilt. The heat of Australia's desert swirls through the sky."  This is an amazing creation by Jenny Bowker, whose circular images and quilting motif give a dynamic energy to her work.

Untitled by Lynn Czaban, Oregon


Blue ribbon winner in the category of Human Images, Lynn notes, "This 1936 photograph by Arthur Rothstein, a photographer for the Famr Securities Administration, depicts a laborer at the Chopawamsic Recreational Project in Virginia."


For her design inspiration, Lynn used a copyright-free photograph from the Library of Congress. Her ability to capture in cloth the distinct, clear, facial features and expressions of her subjects is amazing. She has done other portraits from the Great Depression, and they have all turned out beautifully.

Digital Interface by Zoe Williams, New York


Zoe comments, "The beautiful, intricate, dexterous, miraculous human hand never ceases to fill me with awe. So much of our interaction with the world and our connection to others is done through our hands."


Zoe continues, "This quilt is an enlarged tracing of the proportions of my own hand, which allows me to express myself and function in countless ways."


She concludes, "Quilted into this piece are 122 words, given to me by friends and loved ones, of the meaningful things we do with our hands." We really admire Zoe's excellent workmanship, elegant use of complementary colors, and innovation in selecting such an intriguing and original subject.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2020 Road to California show.

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Highlights of the Road to California Quilt Show! part 1

Welcome to the Road to California Quilter's Conference and Showcase! The Road to California, as it is called, takes place in Ontario (Southern California), and features over 1,000 quilts by artists from all over the world. Around 40,000 people gather to see the show, take classes, and shop. Join us in admiring some of the stunning quilts from this year's show.

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

Persephone by Deb Hyde (Michigan, USA)


This stunning piece drew in hordes of fascinated viewers at the show. The figure in the quilt is created with tiny (1") fabric squares while maintaining an underlying quilt block structure (sunshine and shadow, a traditional Amish pattern, set on point). Deb Hyde explains, "The quilt consists of one-inch fabric squares (many individually cut) that conform to both the demands of the human and landscape image as well as the embedded block pattern, forming concentric diamonds in specific color values."


Deb Hyde explains that all the pieces are placed and then sewn together with a quarter-inch seam allowance and quilted. The facial features, including the eyebrows and eyelashes, were defined by quilting with black thread, as shown in the closeup photo above.  You can read more about Deb Hyde's work at her Facebook page at Deb Hyde Fiber Art.

Little Artists by Hiroko Miyama and Masanobu Miyama (Azumino City, Japan)


One of the most charming and realistic portrait quilts we've seen (and winner of a Third Place ribbon at this show), Hiroko Miyama says this quilt was inspired by pictures of her granddaughters, Natsumi and Fuyuka. Just look at their happy, smiling faces, as they proudly display their artworks! Also check out the adorable dog peering over the sofa.


The girls' butterflies and flowers were also embroidered and popped into the wall paper behind the girls. Hiroko Miyama creates photorealistic quilts by starting with a computerized image (drawing), which is deconstructed into an applique diagram. For more information, see her Facebook page at Hiroko Miyama Quilt.

Triple Threat by Debra Crine (Florida, USA)


A gorgeous combination of fabric painting and thread painting, Triple Threat was inspired by a photograph by Nancy Joiner Harmon. Debra Crine says, "I saw a photograph of these three little faces and knew I had to paint them.  After getting permission from the photographer, I laid out my design, and decided to add some flowers to bring some color to the piece. What fun painting these tiny little faces and bringing them to life."


The precision thread painting on the faces really brings these furry creatures to life.  Check out more of Deb Crine's work at her Facebook page, Deb Crine - Artist.

The Value of Violet by Margaret Solomon Gunn (Maine, USA)


Winner of the $5000 award for Outstanding Wall Quilt, Margaret Solomon Gunn says, "All my life I have had a love affair with the color purple -- lavender, fuchsia, plum...love them all. This quilt explores creating depth, texture and design with just one color."


This beauty is made from commercial cottons and hand-dyed silk Radiance fabrics. It features turned-edge hand applique, embroidery, hand-guided longarm quilting and a scalloped edge created on the longarm. The edge scallops were quilted on the longarm, then finished on the domestic machine; they also were edged with a silk piping as shown below.


You can find more of Margaret Solomon Gunn's award-winning quilts at her website, Mainely Quilts of Love.

Boogie Brass Band by Sharon Casey (California, USA)


We loved this contemporary art quilt, with its bright solid colors and dramatic shapes. Winner of the Director's Choice Award of $5,000, Sharon Casey says, "Boogie Brass Band owes its creation to the big band music my parents played when I was a kid.  I also loved marching bands!  What a thrill it is when the light gleams off the trumpets, trombones, and sousaphones as they break from strict formation and sway into full-tilt boogie-woogie."


The musical instruments, keyboards, notes, and other elements in the quilt were cut in a freeform manner which adds to the improvisational contemporary feel of this quilt.  You can see more of Sharon's work at her website, Sharon Casey Quilts.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2020 Road to California show.

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Quilts of Australia

At the recent Pacific International Quilt Festival, we saw a beautiful display of quilts from Australia, a country of many talented quilt artists !  We hope you enjoy some of the highlights of this exhibit!

Self Portrait with Machine, 38 x 38, by Ronda Hazell


Ronda explains, "This is one version of myself, in my happy place with my favorite sewing machine. I am disupted and interrupted from my activity momentarily. The background is a Drunkard's Path [pattern] in a combination of commercial fabrics, hand dyed after quilting with applique as the main design."


We love the look of contentment and productivity on Ronda's face ! She reminds us that every day is a good day to quilt. Her original design is machine pieced, machine appliqued, and sewing machine quilted.

Teatime in Wonderland, 33 x 55,  by Jessica Dobson


Blue ribbon winner for Best of Country in the World Quilt Exhibition, Jessica notes, "I love the characters out of the movie "Alice in Wonderland", and I thought it would be fun to create a quilt with them. The background has been created with fabric dyes. The characters are all raw edge fabric collage. Lace has been added to sleeves and the binding. "


What a great expression on the face of the giant White Rabbit, one of the memorable characters in classic children's literature ! Jessica's original design is machine pieced, machine appliqued, free-motion embroidered, and sewing machine quilted.

Dragon Magic, 36 x 36, by Silke Steuxner


Silke writes, "Dragon Magic is a quilt that encourages tearing down the borders of rigid beliefs that things only exist which are visible to the naked eye. Let's build bridges that open and allow us entry into a magical world where fairies and dragons exist. Be brave and curious like the little fairy that builds a bridge by approaching the majestic dragon on the wings of a dragonfly."


Silke's lovely work has such an enchanted, fanciful touch to it ! Her original design is machine appliqued and longarm machine quilted.

Night Moves 36 x 36, by Sue de Vanny


Sue notes that the subject for her quilt  is the Tasmanian Masked Owl. It was first discovered in Tasmania, which is an isolated island state off Australia's south coast. Sue says, "I've depicted him coming in and ready to pick up its prey to feed its family."


Sue continues, " [This quilt has a ] pieced and painted background with the owl and tree trunk appliqued and thread sketched, then quilting and beading added."
We love these intricate embellishments which give such an expressive, soulful look to the owl's face.

Deceptive Markings, 65" x 53", by Sue de Vanny


Sue de Vanny says that the center of Deceptive Markings is a preprinted panel from Reece Scannell of trees and statues, done in symmetry.  "I saw an elephant head [within] the image.  Piecing the base and then appliqueing the ears, tusks, and trunk created the distortion to give more roundness."


The elephant's eyes were thread sketched to make them realistic.  Sue used metallic threads to quilt around the trees, and added tulle for value and depth on ears. This very creative piece is machine pieced, machine appliqued, and sewing machine quilted.


Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2019 Pacific International Quilt Festival.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Free Pattern Day! Asian Inspired Quilts

Here are wonderful free patterns for Asian Inspired quilts!  In the list below, you will see free patterns for quilts with kimonos, pagodas, or lanterns; quilts that highlight beautiful Asian fabric panels; and  stunning indigo quilts.  To go to a pattern: Scroll down the page until you see the quilt you like, then click on the words "CLICK for PDF download" (or the hyperlinked website name) in the title above the quilt.  

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


Shibori quilt, ~ 47 x 52", free pattern by Marsha Evans Moore for Anthology Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Kimono Girl pillow, free pattern at Tilda's World (CLICK for PDF download)


Kimono Girl quilt, 62 x 78", free pattern at Tilda's World (CLICK for PDF download)


Shibori quilt, 60 x 60", free pattern by Kim Eichler-Messner for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Serafino Kimono quilt, 50 x 50”, free pattern by Marinda Stewart for Michael Miller Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Angelina Fans quilt, 46 x 58”, free pattern by Heidi Pridemore for Michael Miller Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Shoji quilt, 82” square, free pattern at Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Magnolia Wall Hanging, 42 x 48", free pattern at Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Narumi Kimono wall hanging, 32 x 43”, free pattern by Mickey Charleston for Hoffman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Snapshots of Japan quilt (blue), 53 x 56”, free pattern by Natalie Crabtree for Michael Miller Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Snapshots of Japan quilt (pink), 53 x 56”, free pattern by Natalie Crabtree for Michael Miller Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Tranquility Quilt, 47 x 69”, free pattern by Jason Yenter for Kona Bay Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Kimono quilt, 37” square, free pattern by Hilary Gooding for Makower (CLICK for PDF download)


Kimono quilt, 74 x 74”, free pattern by Lynne Goldsworthy for Andover Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


China Doll quilt block, 9 x 12”, free pattern by Toni Smith for Michael Miller (CLICK for PDF download)


Masami quilt, 62 x 74”, free pattern by Toby Lischko for Hoffman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Matsuda-wa wall hanging, ~16 x 56”, free pattern by Bonnie Mitchell for Clothworks (CLICK for PDF download)


Meditation wall hanging, 21 x 32”, free pattern (including applique scene) by Helene Knott for American Quilter (CLICK for PDF download)


Zen Bubble quilt, 42 x 56”, free pattern by Jessica Levitt for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Glow Happy quilt, 48 x 56”, free pattern by Monica Solorio-Snow for Lecien (CLICK for PDF download),


Lanterns quilt, 62 x 71”, free pattern at Robert Kaufman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Illuminate quilt, 71 x 85”, free pattern by Wendy Sheppard for Hoffman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Hanami Lanterns quilt, 67 x 78”, free pattern by Toby Lischko for Hoffman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Pagoda Paradise quilt, 74 x 80”, free pattern by Wendy Sheppard for Benartex (CLICK for PDF download)


Little Lily Pond quilt, 30 x 38”, free pattern by Flaurie & Finch for RJR Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Kimono Garden quilt, 68 x 70”, free pattern by Megan Downer for Studio E Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Primitiva quilt, 63 x 70”, free pattern by Barbara Persing for Andover Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Sakura quilt, 60 x 70”, free pattern by June Pease for Red Rooster Studios (CLICK for PDF download)


Japanese Parasols quilt, 67 x 67”, free pattern by Lynne Goldsworthy for Andover Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Annabelle and Her Fans quilt, 46 x 58”, free pattern by Heidi Pridemore for Hoffman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Chinoiserie quilt, 68 x 85”, free pattern by Wendy Sheppard for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Zen Garden quilt, 66”square, free pattern by Natalie Crabtree for Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Crane Paradise quilt, 62 x 72”, free pattern by Denise Russart for Hoffman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Flight of the Geisha quilt, 50 x 55”, free pattern by Joyce Mullis for Free Spirit Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Izumi Pond quilt, 64 x 78”, free pattern by Toby Lischko for Hoffman Fabrics as seen at eQuilter (CLICK for PDF download)


Milady’s Mural quilt, ~38 x 47”, free pattern by Debbie Beaves for RJR Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Akahana quilt, 54 x 74”, free pattern by Gina Gempesaw for Red Rooster Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Akahana Table Topper, 24” square, free pattern by Gina Gempesaw for Red Rooster Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Akari Table Runner, 95 x 29”, free pattern at Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Michiko quilt, 47 x 64”, free pattern by Blank Quilting (CLICK for PDF download)


Chablis quilt, ~54 x 71”, free pattern by Lucy A. Fazely for Exclusively Quilters (CLICK for PDF download)


Greeting the Moon quilt, 58 x 78”, free pattern by June Pease for Red Rooster Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Imperial Garden (panel) quilt, 34 x 50”, free pattern by Gayle Camargo for Robert Kaufman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Imperial Terrace quilt, 43 x 60”, free pattern by Robert Kaufman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Mingei quilt, 48 x 62”, free pattern by Nancy Rink for Hoffman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Kotori Fans quilt, 68 x 85”, free pattern by Denise Russart for Hoffman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Mandalay Bay quilt, 48 x 64”, free pattern by Lacey J. Hill for Andover Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Arashiyama quilt, 76 x 74”, free pattern by Natalie Crabtree for Michael Miller Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Fantailed Goldfish quilt, ~18” square, free pattern at Connecting Threads (CLICK for PDF download)


Serenity II bed quilt, free pattern by Georgie Gerl (CLICK for PDF download)


Katagami quilt, 36 x 48”, free pattern by Cyndi Hershey for Red Rooster Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Asian Harmony quilt, 40 x 44”, free pattern by Lonni Rossi and Gail Kessler for Andover Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Twelve Moons quilt, 45 x 51”, free pattern by Kari Nichols for Robert Kaufman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Indigo Blues Braid quilt, 52 x 68”, free pattern by Henry Glass Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Indigo Dreams (Tumble) quilt, free pattern by Osie Lebowitz for Timeless Treasures (CLICK for PDF download)(scroll to end of pattern for Indigo version)


Bodoko (Life Cloth) quilt, 64 x 72”, free pattern at Moda Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Knick Knacks pillow, 20" square, free pattern at Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Image credits: This post was updated on September 30, 2023.  Individual images are copyrighted by their owners. Please respect their generosity in sharing their free patterns, and the restrictions they have placed on the use of these designs; complete information can be found at the designers' websites provided in the links. The photo montage shown on this page is a derivative work that is the property of Quilt Inspiration. If any links are broken, we'd love to know so we can fix it. Please email us at QuiltInspiration {at} gmail {dot} com.
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