William Morris for applique lovers

William Morris (1834 –1896) was an English textile designer associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement. During his lifetime, Morris produced over 600 designs for wallpaper, textiles, and embroideries. Some of these elaborate designs have been translated into applique patterns by Michele Hill (William Morris in Applique and More William Morris Applique) and Rosemary Makhan (Floral Abundance: Applique Designs Inspired by William Morris).  Here are some William Morris-inspired quilts!

A Matter of Morris by Mary Mix, quilted by Janice Skiles

Mary explains, "I have always been intrigued with the Arts and Crafts Movement and the fabrics that were a part of that time. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the quilt world as well as the availability of many wonderful William Morris fabrics. I found a lovely, yet challenging pattern in the Arts and Crafts style that was a perfect fit with the fabrics I love." We really admired the excellent workmanship and the gracious symmetry of Mary's quilt.
The pattern is from the book, Floral Abundance:  Applique Designs Inspired by William Morris, by Rosemary Makhan.

Close up, A Matter of Morris by Mary Mix

Mary continues, "I enjoy applique as well as piecing, and this pattern mixed the two so well with these fabrics. This quilt was a joy to create despite the time and challenges it presented." In this elegant center medallion, you can see how Mary's use of soft neutrals really enhances the elegant curved vase and  the sophisticated curve of the twining leaves.

Remembering William Morris by Catherine Vaught,  quilted by Carolyn Helvie

An Arizona Quilter Hall of Fame award winner, Catherine states, "Selecting fabrics for each block was a two-year quilting adventure. Hand embroidery gave the fused elements definition and brought this piece to life. " Catherine adds that her work was inspired by Picasso and DaVinci.The stunning center medallion is from the book More William Morris Applique by Michele Hill.

Catherine has expertly rendered these fanciful flowers in shades of soft purple, pink, and green. Playful bunnies and birds add a springtime feel to what appears to be an enchanted garden.

Nature's Treasures by Diane Abram, United Kingdom

Blue-ribbon winner for "Best of Country" at the 2015 World Quilt Show, Diane writes, "Three books of William Morris inspired designs were used for this original quilt. The center is from Rosemary Makhan's "Floral Abundance.". The other designs are taken from Michele Hill's books on Williams Morris applique."

Close up, Nature's Treasures by Diane Abram

Diane continues, "I didn't use all traditional Morris fabics, preferring instead to try to see if I could give the design a different feel with a more modern choice. Metallic thread has been used to edge the applique and to give it sparkle."

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.

California Fall Quilt Show: part 1

Welcome to the 2013 Diablo Valley Quilters Show ! We had a great time at this Northern California Bay Area event where there were so many gorgeous quilts on display.

All Because I Bought a New Rug, 68 x 68", by Kathy Quinn Arroyo

This quilt was featured on the cover of the August 2011 Quilters Newsletter. Kathy says,  "New rug for the dining room- therefore, new quilt for the table. "

Center Medallion, All Because I Bought a New Rug by Kathy Quinn Arroyo

The vivid contrasts of the warm and cool hues give this quilt a sparkling, dynamic appearance.

Close-up,  All Because I Bought a New Rug by Kathy Quinn Arroyo

For her background, Kathy used a solid chambray blue denim. We have never seen blue denim used as a neutral tone before, but in this case, the results are spectacular. The Bethlehem star pattern and the surrounding whimsical flowers really "pop" against the softly muted background.

Monet’s Garden, 53 x 37", by Barbara Brown

Barbara notes, "I was inspired to create this quilt after a trip with my niece to Monet's Garden in Giverny, France.  I took a class from Freddy Moran who taught us how to glue the pieces in place before quilting. "

Close- up, Monet’s Garden by Barbara Brown

Barbara did a wonderful job of creating a  very pretty three dimensional effect by loosely attaching the leaves and  tiny flowers to the exterior of the house.

Purple, 85 x 96", by Jerry Theobald

This design is Facet Diamonds by Kaffe Fassett, page 107 in the book Simple Shapes, Spectacular Quilts.

Close-up, Purple by Jerry Theobald

Jerry notes,  " [I was] inspired by a class of different blocks using Kaffe Fassett fabrics." Jerry has made excellent use of a split-complementary color scheme of greens, blues, and purples, contrasted with eye-catching clear, vivid orange.

A Matter of Morris, 80 x 80", by Mary Mix 

This is the "Flowering Urn Medallion Quilt" pattern by Rosemary Makhan from the book Floral Abundance: Applique Designs Inspired by William Morris.  The quilt artist writes, "I have always been intrigued by the Arts and Crafts Movement and the  fabrics that were a part of that time.  In recent years, there has a resurgence of interest in the quilt world,  as well as the availability of many wonderful Willliam Morris fabrics. I found a lovely, yet challenging pattern ...  that was a perfect fit with the fabrics I love. I enjoy applique as well as piecing; and this pattern mixed the two so well with these fabrics. This quilt was a joy to create despite the time and challenges it presented."

Close- up, A Matter of Morris by Mary Mix 

In the center medallion, it's easy to see the graceful and lovely symmetry of  this well-balanced design,  enhanced by echo quilting on the pure white background. We especially enjoyed the cheerful and sprightly bluebirds.

Meet Ellie, 59 x 76" by Debbie Pryor

The "Ellie" stained glass elephant pattern is by Barbara Jones at BJ Designs and Patterns. Debbie Pryor added colorful print borders to turn the wall hanging into a quilt.

Center Medallion, Meet Ellie by Debbie Pryor

The quilting design, which enhanced the African theme, reflects the rays of the sun.

Close- up, Meet Ellie by Debbie Pryor

Batik fabrics with a silky patina and varied foregrounds of both larger and smaller prints give Ellie's creative face both personality and dignity.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration