Highlights of the Road to California Quilt Show! part 4

Here are some more highlights from 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.

My Big Face by Cindy Stohn, Arizona

 Cindy explains, "As a study in color, I created this self-portrait inspired by the painting style of Chuck Close. I first created the image using paint chips on a 1/2 grid, then I transferred the concept onto fabric."

Cindy continues, "Free motion quilting using multiple layers of thread rings adhere the circles to the pieced square top. Over 120 colors of fabric and 56 colors of thread were used to create this illusion. No software, paint, or fusible products were used." We really admire the unique technique used to create this pixelated image.

Spring Harmony by Kathy McNeil, Washington

Kathy states,"[This quilt reflects] my love for Japanese gardens. The unusual border represents a Tori gate through which you enter the garden."

The artist's comments on the description card were very brief, but we think this fabulous project with beautiful colors and extensive quilting turned out to be gorgeous! Kathy is well known for her detailed and exquisite applique work, and her realistic fabric landscapes.

Plitvice by Elizabeth Eastmond, California. Quilted by Darby Myers

Elizabeth notes, " I was inspired by the array of color in Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia; the leafy greens and yellows of the meadows and trees, the jades, teals, and deep blues in the sixteen lakes and many waterfalls. This quilt is hand-pieced, using the English paper-piecing method."

Elizabeth continues, "While many rosettes are similar to the New Hexagon Millefoire Quilt by Katja Marek, I eventually took off on my own, creating and combining where I wanted." We admire Elizabeth's hand-piecing talent !

Urban Wheels by Inger Blood, California

Inger says, "On a fall walk in the forest, I liked the sun filtering through the trees onto the forest floor. Not wanting the composition to be literal, I applied filters to my photo to emphasize color and design."

Inger adds about her original design, "The composition was built from commercial batiks. [It was] free motion quilted on a sit-down machine. " We really like the fabric hues and the stained-glass effect of Inger's work.

Flower Power by Marilyn Badger  and the QUTI's , Utah. Quilted by Marilyn Badger and Linda Brown

Marilyn writes, "Our friendship group consisting of Linda Brown, Linda Finney, Teryl McKnight, Vickie Wardrop, Susan Recknagel, Sharon Freidman, Shirley Baptist, and Marilyn Badger are called QUTI, which stands for 'Quilting Under the Influence.' We decided to make a group quilt to enter in our local show, and Flower Power is the result."

Marilyn adds, " We spent many enjoyable hours together piecing, appliqueing, embellishing, and enjoying wine at the same time."  The original design for this fabulous work is by Claudia Clark Myers, who has often collaborated with Marilyn in the past.

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

Best of the Pacific International Quilt Festival 2019 (day 4)

Held annually in Santa Clara, California, the Pacific International Quilt Festival is the largest quilt show on the west coast of the U.S.A. It features a wonderful variety of beautiful quilts! Here are some of the highlights of the festival. Let us know which ones are your favorites!

P.S.  For quilt patterns, books, and vintage collectibles, please visit us on E-Bay quilt-inspiration !

Play With Me!, 90 x 90, by Inger Blood, California 

We are sure this dog will succeed in getting its owner to play... after all, who could resist that sweet face!  This original design quilt was created by Inger Blood from a photo, using commercial batiks for the motif and background piecing. In the lower border is a dog bone with the title of the quilt, Play With Me!  The quilting was done with a domestic sewing machine.

A Border of Flowers, 56.5 x 34", by Lois Evans, New Zealand

Lois Evans says, "This quilt is my personal response to the quote: "Art is like a border of flowers along the course of civilization." (Lincoln Steffens)  Like flowers, art comes in all shapes, sizes, and varieties, but hopefully all serve to make us stop, look and think... If only we would grow flowers and make art instead of creating borders."  This original design was machine appliqued and sewing machine quilted.

Transported, 56 x 55.5", by Ann Horton, California

Ann Horton says, "This quilt began immediately after wildfire swept across our property, leaving us without water, electricity, or neighbors.  We saved our home but it was a terrifying experience.  I reached for some  fabric in my smoke-filled house and began stitching by hand, knowing I would eventually use my machines to finish the piece. The colors, animals and exotic feel transported me from the blackened earth and shock to a world of color and joy." Transported was machine pieced, machine appliqued, and sewing machine quilted.

Baker Beach, 38.5 x 53.5", by Sandra Mollon, California

Featuring the Golden Gate Bridge, Baker Beach was derived from a photo by John Slot.  Sandra Mollon says, "This quilt was my attempt to interpret the movement and reflections of water of this very iconic Northern California landmark and beach." The fabric was mostly hand dyed, raw edge fused and sewing machine quilted.

Crazy In Love, 40 x 40", by Diana Vandeyar, South Africa

Diana Vandeyar says, "This flamboyant quilt was inspired by Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" song and music video featuring Jay Z.  It uses a vibrant selection of African wax prints, gold lame fabric and an improved minimalist wedding-ring pattern (a technique I developed and which I thought fitting for the theme of the quilt.)  It is machine quilted with orange thread in a freeform grid, and hand stitched with electric blue Perle cotton for texture and color juxtaposition."

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