Tag: #fabric

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The Festival of Quilts 2015 – Part Three – Art Quilts

My appreciation for art quilts has grown in recent years. When I first started quilting 22 years ago, my work was focused on the accuracy of the cutting and piecing, and in making sure all those points matched. My materials were 100% cotton everything – threads, wadding and fabric – and all I made were heirloom quilts. Since joining the Embroiderers Guild, I have been introduced to new materials, new ideas and a love of experimenting. I love creating texture in my work and adore mixing velvet and silk with cotton, then overlaying it with threads and even more stitch.
The Art Quilts this year were stunning.

Beyond the Black Hole by Natalia Manley
Here are my favourite Art Quilts from the Show. Enjoy.

Time by Sue De Vanny

 

Bike Boys by Lea McComas

 

Silence by Jean McLean

 

Scandinavian Jumpers by Gillian Travis

 

Jirickna’s Spiral by Kate Findlay

 

More posts from the Festival of Quilts to follow.
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The Festival of Quilts 2015 – Part Two – Traditional Quilts

The quilts in this category were beautiful and the standard was as high as ever. Traditional patchwork techniques were demonstrated in abundance on each quilt – applique, piecing, hand & machine quilting.  Being able to examine the quilts up close, I could see the skill and appreciate the hours of work that went into each and every single stitch. These are the kind of quilts I aspire to make. I am full of admiration for the dedicated needle women who made them. I stopped making large bed quilts in 2011. A change in job and a re-evaluation on life altered my creative journey. I stopped quilting and started embroidery. These wonderful quilts have inspired me to take up the rotary cutter and quarter inch sewing foot once more. I am looking forward to making my new quilt.
Here are my favourite pieces from this catagory. Enjoy.

Ladies of the Sea by Jacky Field
Another Sampler by Jean Ball
Dear Jane Seattle to Surrey by Victoria Eyers
Passacaglia in Blues by Asa Holmer
Billings Coverlet Reborn by Lynne Johnson
Madame Butterfly by Edna Marie Nylen

 

This stunning Quilt ‘Subtle Differences’ by Kay Bell was the Judges Choice – looks amazing from the back too.

 

 

The show was brilliant. I have lots more to share. More Festival of Quilts 2015 posts to follow.

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The Festival of Quilts 2015 – Part One – The Artists at the Show.

The Festival of Quilts 2015 was busier then ever. It never ceases to amaze me how many people visit the show – it reminds me of the quote ‘build it and they will come’, and they do.

Before arriving I’d made a list of the stands I wanted to see – Coolcrafting, Stone Creek Textiles , Empress Mills, Cowslips Workshops, The Warm Company (and receive their free gift!) and John James Needles. Some to buy goodies and others to check out their latest stock.
A two person quilt by Steve Richardson and The Bramble Patch

 

Sarah and Anthony of Coolcrafting
The fabulous free gift from The Warm Company
It was lovely to say hello to Janet Clare, Hilary Beattie, Stephanie Redfern, Christine Chester,  Ruth Singer and my dear friend Ferret and talk to the fabulous Stuart  Hilliard on the Cotton Patch stand – a man truly in love with fabrics and quilts.
Stuart Hillard
Hilary Beattie
Stephanie Redfern
Ruth Singer
Ferret
Christine Chester

By the end of the day my feet were aching – the sign of a good show. A short walk and I was on the train.  In previous years, the train has been chocker in economy, so the assurance of a seat and a two hour journey chatting with friends about the show (and a large coffee), was something to look forward to at the end of the day. Coming back in First Class was a real treat.

The goodies that came home with me

I came home with a large bag of goodies – less than in former shows – I was very restrained. I am thrilled with the khadi paper, the John James needles and my latest kits from Coolcrafting. I had a brilliant day.
More Festival of Quilts posts to follow.