Quilts of South Africa

At the recent Pacific International Quilt Festival, we saw a beautiful exhibit of quilts from South Africa, a land of rich and diverse cultures. We hope you enjoy some of the highlights of this exhibit!

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An African Mandala,  47 x 47 by Leslie Pahl

Leslie says, " Living in Johannesburg as I do, a world of African textiles is available to purchase. A fascination with Mandala design led me to combine the two to make my "An African Mandala". I included a wax print from Mozambique and Bazin from West Africa."

Leslie adds, Schweschwe fabric from South AFrica is used proudly in traditional attire. Cotton bias binding and beads, especially white ones are the choice for embellishment. The silk was included to acknowledge the many Indian and Chinese communities living in our country."
We really admire Leslie's fascinating quilt with its gorgeous embellishments. It's machine pieced, machine appliqued, and sewing machine quilted.

The Secret Life of Carrots, 59 x 41, by Elaine Barnard

Elaine comments, "The idea of 'What lies beneath' fascinates me. We must not confine ourselves to the surface. We must learn to see what lies beneath. [This quilt is[ painted, stenciled, and printed cotton  (done by myself). Silk, velvet, silk waste, netting, surgical gauze, and organza fabric, with glass beads."

We love these vibrant colors and the textures achieved by this fantastic thread work! Elaine's original design includes the techniques of tying and beading, hand embroidery, hand quilting and couching, It is hand appliqued and sewing machine pieced. 

H2O - The New Gold, 41 x44, by The Arty Farty Quilt Group

Here's a series of 8 fantastic landscape and applique quilts on the topic of water conservation. The group writes, "South Africa is a water-scarce country and we must conserve this precious resource. It recently hit home just how fragile we are, when the city of Cape Town experience a severe drought and was almost left without water. We must learn to use water wisely and not waste a drop."

These original wonderful designs are machine pieced, machine appliqued, and sewing machine quilted. The group members are: Allison Moorcroft, Gill Lewis, Hanlie Burger, Lyn Gonzaga, Mary Foulia, Sarojani Naidoo, Sheila Nichol, and Zelda Martin.

Layers and Lizards, 70 x 41, by Lilian Myburgh

Blue ribbon winner for Best of Country ( South Africa), Lilian explains, "With my first visit to the
Augrabies Waterfall, I was amazed by the vibrant colors and the shapes and playfulness of the lizards, The layers of rock formation with holes carved by the brutal force of the water flow also fascinated me. I drew pictures, then made a background with layers sheer snippets of fabric."

Lilian continues, "I added threads and ribbons and covered it with tulle. I stitched these layers with monofilament thread. I drew pictures of the lizards and flowers onto fabric and painted them, using watercolor, acrylic paints, and color pencils. I cut them out and raw-edge appliqued them on the background. I contructed borders and added them, and thread painted the leaves, using Libby Lehman's ribbon technique."
The colors and workmanship on Lilian's quilt are spectacular, and we really admire her creative talents!

11:00 11.11 1918, 84, 83,  by Bettie VanZyl

Bettie notes, This quilt started from a Nancy Pearson pattern and took on a life of its own. It became the spirit of the fallen soldiers [of World War I] remembered on [November 11], Armistice Day, by the new life of the vibrant red poppies."

Bettie's lovely and very moving original design is hand appliqued, sewing machine quilted.
Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2019 Pacific International Quilt Festival.

Miniature Works of Art

Let's begin the week on a small scale! In a true miniature quilt, the blocks are often scaled down from 12" to only 1". Some of the pieced quilts have over 1,000 pieces of fabric, and many pieces are smaller than a centimeter!  To create your own miniature work of art, scroll down for a FREE miniature quilt pattern from AQS!

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In Flanders Fields by Robin Gausebeck

Winner of Best Miniature Quilt at AQS - Paducah in 2014 and other awards, Robin explains, "Honoring veterans of all wars - the survivors and the dead in Flanders fields and elsewhere - this miniature quilt celebrates the poppies of remembrance. The title pays homage to the extraordinarily moving poem by John McCrae  which was written in 1915."  These pale blues, greens, oranges, and light reds look beautiful against the dark background.

Closeup, In Flanders Fields 

Robin's quilt is machine-stitched and fused with raw-edge applique. It is also hand embroidered, hand couched, and machine quilted on a domestic machine. For this lovely original design, Robin used commercial and hand-dyed cotton, silk thread, and perle cotton embroidery thread.

Blocks and Blooms by Marjorie Imperatrice

We photographed Blocks and Blooms with a hand in front (not touching) to show the small scale of the blocks. Winner of an Honorable Mention Award at the Arizona Quilter's Guild 2015 show in Mesa, Arizona, Marjorie writes, "I hand-pieced the mini Tumbling Blocks with traditional piecing. I used pictures from a Helen Stevens book to build the [hand-embroidered] border." 

Closeup, Blocks and Blooms

We marveled at how these tiny little pieces were so accurately placed together. Marjorie did an outstanding job with her hand quilting and embroidery.

Here is Marjorie's mini-quilt shown with the award ribbon, so you can get additional perspective of the size of her quilt.

Forest Aglow by Julie Mossier

Another Honorable Mention Award winner at the Arizona Quilters' Guild show (in 2014), Julie notes, "I enjoy the challenge of working small. This little quilt is paper pieced and has over 1200 pieces." The inspiration for this quilt came from George Siciliano's Tree Dimensional pattern.

Closeup, Forest Aglow by Julie Mossier

Julie's elegant, precise motif reminds us of tiny pine needles reflecting the light of the morning sun. We can only imagine the patience that went into piecing this fabulous creation.

La Petite Chef D'Oeuvre by Helen Williams Butler

Winner of Award of Excellence at the 2016 Springville (Utah) quilt show, Helen Butler says: “La petite chef d óeuvre means “my little masterpiece.”  I have always wanted to make a true miniature and I have been amazed at the seemingly endless number of decisions necessary... just to complete the quilt." The tiny flowers are invisibly hand appliqued with a trapunto effect.

closeup, La Petite Chef D'Oeuvre

La Petite Chef D'Oeuvre is machine quilted. Helen says, "After completing this little challenge I now know there will never be another one."

Dutch Flower Pots by Lahala Phelps

Dutch Flower Pots won a Judge's Recognition Award at the 2014 AQS QuiltWeek in Paducah.  It was inspired by the full-sized Pots of Flowers from the book A Flowering of Quilts by Patricia Cox Crews. Lahala decided to make this miniature version using a cheddar-colored background seen in many Pennsylvania Dutch quilts. It is hand appliqued and hand quilted with stitches so tiny they appear to be pin pricks.

Some Assembly Required by George Siciliano (Pennsylvania)

George Siciliano is famous for his intricately-pieced miniature quilts.   This masterpiece is foundation pieced with 4,860 pieces of jewel tone Dupioni silk.  George explains that the name of the quilt came to him when all the silk pieces were laid out in order.  His family had once passed a flatbed tractor-trailer loaded with all the materials needed to build a house, and his then-young son whispered, “some assembly required.”

closeup, Some Assembly Required

We'd say that some precision is needed to piece these tiny bits of silk.  Here is another photo of Some Assembly Required (with a hand in front, not touching, to show the scale):

Dancing Ribbons, 12 x 12", by Cindy Rounds Richards, free pattern for AQS

Here is a classic that has inspired many quilters! Random colored swirls of hand-pieced shot silk from Thailand give the appearance of ribbons dancing across the surface. Dancing Ribbons was the winner of the First Place prize, ART-MINIATURE from “Quilts: A World of Beauty” at the 2008 fall show of the International Quilt Association.  The process of creating this quilt started with Richards drawing the pattern onto woven fusible interfacing, then numbering and lettering each patch according to her diagram.  You can download this *free* PDF quilt pattern at the American Quilters' Society website.


Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration. Dutch Flower Pots was photographed at the 2016 Brigham City Art Quilt Invitational exhibit. In Flanders Fields and Some Assembly Required were photographed at the 2013 Houston International Quilt Show.

Memorial Day

Tomorrow is Memorial Day in the U.S., a day to honor those who died in service to their country.  Each country has its own traditions of remembrance. In the Commonwealth countries, the poppy is used as an emblem of those who died in war, and Remembrance Day is celebrated in November. This striking quilt captured our attention in the 2014 World Quilt Competition at the Pacific International Quilt Festival.

Soldier On, 70 x 40", by Lucy Carroll (Australia)

Soldier On is fiber artist Lucy Carroll's interpretation of the Roll of Honor at the Australian War Memorial.   She says,  "The placing of a poppy is a poignant act which connects us with fallen soldiers through the generations."  Although the U.S. does not have the poppy tradition, this quilt speaks to us with its brilliant wall of poppies.

At the end of the hall you can see two comrades supporting each other as they walk through the archway.  This large wall piece is hand and machine pieced, and hand and machine appliqued.

Lucy is a contemporary Australian textile artist and the winner of numerous national and international awards for her work.  We hope these photos do justice to her stunning creation.  For more of her work, see Lucy Carroll Textiles.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2014 Pacific International Quilt Festival.  Soldier On won Honorable Mention in the Innovative category.

Best of the 2015 World Quilt Show in Florida Part 3

Florida's World Quilt Show in West Palm Beach is a great event to attend, amidst the warmth and sunshine,  while most of  the U.S.A. shivers under winter's blanket. We marveled at all the spectacular quilts from around the globe!  Planet Earth indeed holds a huge variety of wonderful quilting talent. We're happy to be sharing this series of photos from Florida.

In Flanders Fields by Catherine Millar, United Kingdom

Catherine states,"2014 is the centenary (100th anniversary) of the outbreak of the First World War. I was inspired by the last lines of a poem by John Macrae (who died of war-related illness in 1918), 'If ye break faith with us who die, We shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders Fields.' "  The poet was speaking of the red poppies which grew among the graveyards of soldiers in the Flanders area of Belgium.

The red poppies are a symbol for Remembrance Day which is celebrated each November 11 in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth Nations, as a tribute to members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty.

Close-up,In Flanders Fields by Catherine Millar
 

Catherine adds, "The symbolic poppy is made in circular bargello pattern on a background of patchwork fields, some growing crops, some mud as in the battlefields."  Catherine has created a heartfelt and radiant tribute in the form of a giant poppy, done in varied shades of red, orange, and rose.

ISabella by Rahel Elran, Israel

Rahel notes that ISabella (with first two letters deliberately capitalized) is machine pieced and machine quilted. It appears to be a modern, abstract art quilt of human face, in the style of painter Pablo Picasso. If you look closely for awhile, you'll be able to find ISabella's hair, eyes, nose, mouth, and perhaps her eyebrows.

Close-up, ISabella by Rahel Elran

We nicknamed this fun quilt "the red lips quilt", because ISabella's mouth is so prominent. Note the straight lines of quilting which provide structured contrast to the random curves and circles of this whimsical, lighthearted design.

Ena's Pink Waratahs by Denise Griffiths , Australia

Denise writes, "My inspiration comes from Australian native flowers and my beautiful Mum, as this is the last quilt she has seen before she went blind. I use a technique I call "Baglique", a very easy way to applique without having to turn edges... I use a mixture of hand dyed and commercial fabrics and shade the piece with Neocolor II watercolor pastels."

These giant flowers are so overwhelmingly cheerful, that they would brighten up even the darkest winter day. The beautiful pink and rose tones are a great  complement to the medium and dark green stems.

Close-up, Ena's Pink Waratahs by Denise Griffiths, Australia

Denise's original design is hand and machine appliqued, machine pieced, and machine quilted. We admired the pretty embroidered embellishment on the leaves and blossoms.

Sunset Over Africa, 69 x 79", by May-Gene Terblanche , South Africa

This quilt reminds us of a safari across the plains of  Africa, with its artistic animals  and its resplendent earth tones. May-Gene says, "The design was inspired by "Storm Over Africa" by Jenny Williamson from her book Quilt Africa, co-authored by Pat Parker. The quilt center was constructed from half-square triangles, with a machine appliqued border of African wild animal silhouettes. "Sunset Over Africa" was made.... to be auctioned off at a fund-raising event with a "Proudly South African" theme. My husband bought the quilt, he loved it so much!"

Diminishing Creatures by Hiroko Soeta, Japan

Hiroko explains, "I made this quilt to express my gratitude to my father-in-law, who was gentle, yet strong as a tiger. It is machine pieced and appliqued, hand quilted, embroidered, and painted." This is a strikingly interesting quilt, with a vibrant background.

Close up, Diminishing Creatures by Hiroko Soeta

Hiroko has created wonderfully realistic expressions on the faces of the tigers. She has embellished their faces with whiskers made from clear monofilament, which enhances their life-like countenances.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.

Highlights from the 2014 Tucson, Arizona Quilt Fiesta

We headed south through the sunny Arizona desert last weekend to the 2014 Tucson, Arizona "Quilt Fiesta". This week, we're showing some of the quilts that really impressed us. We hope you enjoy our selections !

Tucson, Heart of Arizona, 47 x 70", by Karen G. Fisher

Second place winner for Pictorial Art Quilt,  Karen has made a quilt in the shape of the state of Arizona. Karen's quilt celebrates 100 years of Arizona statehood, from 1912 to 2012.  Karen has appliqued different landmarks and symbols of Arizona. Karen notes, "My Tucson quilt is a collage of the city's history and culture. It inludes sections that have influenced my life; all the arts organizations, the University of Arizona, and all that it has to offer, and Davis Monthan Air Force Base, the reason my family came to Arizona fifty years ago."

Close- up, Tucson, Heart of Arizona by Karen G. Fisher

In this close-up, you can see Karen's applique of Tucson's beautiful San Xavier del Bac mission, one of the first European buildings in Arizona. This quilt also was exhibited in 100 Years 100 Quilts, a project to honor the Arizona Centennial in 2012.

The Quilt with the Dragon Tattoo by Nancy Arsenault

The Quilt with the Dragon Tattoo won three major awards at the Tucson show: Best Use of Color,  First Place in the Whimsical Quilt category, and Exemplary Machine Quilting, Non-Professional category. Nancy writes, "This image of a Chinese dragon tattoo was a collaboration with artist Stephanie Davis." Notice how the dragon's tail winds in and out of the quilt's border, which is a lovely and imaginative design feature.

Close up, The Quilt with the Dragon Tattoo by Nancy Arsenault

Nancy Arsenault adds, "A variety of threads were used for machine applique, embroidery, sashiko, and quilting."  The satin stitched applique and background quilting was beautifully done. 

Mayan Birds and Butterflies by Linda Laird, quilted by Betty Standiferd

Linda explains,  "I have been fascinated with the Mayan hand stamps since I was an anthropology major in the 1970's. [This quilt was] designed as the focal point of my Mayan hand stamp designed quilt line.  See www.lindalairddesigns.com  ."

Close-up, Mayan Birds & Butterflies by Linda Laird, quilted by Betty Standiferd

These bold, strong patterns are beautifully portrayed in black and white, which shows the designs in maximum contrast. Linda has also used a touch of aqua blue to provide  some very eye-catching color to the sashing and border.

The Sky is the Limit by Janice Hester and Alice LaRue, quilted by Mary Vaneecke

Third place award winners in the Group Quilt category, the artists say, "The Sky is the Limit seemed appropriate for this Alaska inspired original quilt. With a butterfly to guide us (see the butterfly in the center of the Ohio Star block, upper right), we chose coordinating batiks, adding contrasting color for depth. [We] created our favorite blocks, assembling them with filler strips."

Close-up, The Sky is the Limit by Janice Hester and Alice LaRue, quilted by Mary Vaneecke

A radiant, cheerful sun, shaped just like a New York Beauty block,  smiles down on the rest of the quilt, an original design created in very effective split-complimentary colors.

Silly Boys... Boots are for Girls by Kathleen McCulloch, quilted by Julie House

Second place winner in the category of Medium Sized Two-Person quilt, Kathleen notes, "I love boots, fabric, and quilting. What a fun way to combine all three for this "salute to the boots." The pattern source for this delightful quilt is Boot Roundup by Sondra Davison.

Close up, Silly Boys... Boots are for Girls by Kathleen McCulloch

Look closely at the red sashing, and you'll see the very innovative quilting design in the shape of barbed wire. In addition, see the tiny stars quilting pattern on the toe of the boot of this darling block.

Harmony by Katie Ammon and Vicki Kauth, quilted by Karolyn “Nubin” Jensen

Harmony is a wedding quilt made for Katie Ammons' daughter and son-in-law. Katie pieced, piped and bound the quilt, and her sister-in-law (Vicki Kauth) designed, appliqued and assembled the quilt top. Katie says:  "Karolyn [Jensen’s] extra-ordinary quilting made it a beautiful 3 part harmony."

close up, Harmony by Katie Ammon and Vicki Kauth, quilted by Karolyn “Nubin” Jensen 

 
The elegant center applique medallion, shown above, was based on the Good Fortune Poppy pattern by Geri Richardson of Grannie ‘G’ Applique.

The spiral pieced borders and overall design were inspired by Katie Fields' Oriental Fantasy Quilt taken from RaNae Merrill’s Simply Amazing Spiral Quilts.

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.