This is the first in a series about the quilts that inspired me.
The Dallas Quilt Celebration show opened Friday, March 8, and I was there – and in line with hundreds of smiling faces! – shortly after the doors opened. I want to show you some of the quilts (and vendors) who were extraordinary. This article is not about the specifics of the show, or the award winners, or anything official. I am not an expert. I have never even entered a quilt show! But I do have opinions – LOTS of them! Although my opinions are well advised (by osmosis – hanging out with master quilters and brilliant educators), and influenced by many years of quilting and art making, they are still just my opinions. Enjoy the photographs (I am also NOT a photographer so the pictures are basically point and click with a good Canon camera). All photographs are used with permission of the artists. There are more quilts I want to show you, but am either waiting for permission to use – or trying to find the makers.
Please visit the artist’s websites, where they are available, and support them with your “Likes” and “Friendship” and comment here! Your support is well deserved. You’ll see…
First – I have two favorites from the show that I can not show you (yet!) because I have not found contact info for the makers (but when I do – I will show them off A LOT! They are FABULOUS!). Both get my highest praise for attention to detail, quality of craftsmanship, use of color, choice of quilting, and over-all inspired creativity! My favorites are Heidi’s Schlowers by Andrea Brokenshire of Round Rock, TX and Shocked by Vicki Conley of Ruidoso Downs, NM. If you know these ladies, ask them to contact me!!
These are displayed in the order in which I received permission to use.
OK – now for the reason you are here – to see the pictures!
Tears for Newtown – Carolyn Skei – McKinney TX
Tears for Newtown Detail
Outside of the obvious creativity and use of non-traditional elements, Tears for Newton caught my eye because of the twinkle effect of the objects.
Texas Bluebonnet by Shirley Cawyer; Quilted by Jan Hutchison, Pattern Design by Barbara McGraw.
Texas Bluebonnet Quilting Detail
Texas Bluebonnet caught my attention because of the value structure. The use of lights and darks in the applique and borders made the focal point “glow” from across the room. Fabric choices for this piece are beautifully executed, using warm background tones to enhance the blues of the flowers. As I approached the quilt, I was impressed by the quality quilting, and a design in the stitching that is not over-used. Plus the micro-stippling is impressive!
Balancing Act – Austin Art Bee
Balancing Act drew me right in and made me study the details! I stood in front of this quilt long enough to create a bit of a crowd around me because I was not MOVING from my front and center spot until I was satisfied I had seen every inch! It is a bit whimsical and yet very complex. I was intrigued from first sight – then saw the list of names of the creators and became fascinated. How can that many people collaborate on something this obviously complex? Check out the details on Austin Art Bee’s blog – and then you, too, will be intrigued…and IMPRESSED!
Creators: Frances Holliday Alford, Barb Forrister, Connie Hudson, Leslie Tucker Jenison, Sherri Lipman McCauley, Susan Lewis Storey, Kathy York.
Balancing Act – Austin Art Bee Detail
More to come! Stay tuned! You can click on the RSS button at the top of the page and “subscribe” to the blog. Or comment here, and I will let you know when the next post is published.