A Good Quilt Show

As I write this post, I have just returned from 2 days of Judging before our local guild show. In these two days, we have been treated to 220 amazing quilts ranging from Novice to Expert, from Hand Applique to Machine Threadwork, and from Hand Quilted bed size quilts to majorly quilted minis.

In short, I am super excited about the show.

NOW….. when this blog posts, the show will be getting ready for our third and final day which means that I can share with you some fun things!!

I, personally, had a great time at judging because there were a number of ribbons awarded to my quilts.

“My Initials are FMA” was awarded a First Place ribbon in the “Initial Challenge” category…..

“Dresden Field” was also awarded a First Place ribbon in the “Pretty in Pink” challenge…..

I was pleased that the judge also awarded it with one of her Judge’s Choice ribbons. Her comment is that those ribbons are for the quilts that she most wants to take home with her!! That was a fun way to think about it!!

I was surprised and encouraged that “Catching A Dream” was awarded an Honorable Mention in the “Pieced Wall Hanging” category….

“Catching A Dream”

….. and “Windmill Chain” won an Honorable Mention in Lap Quilt (Large)…..

But, the biggest excitement was when “Catherine Wheel of Color”……

….was awarded a First Place ribbon in Bed Quilts and was then given the Best of Show Rosette!!

My husband sweetly reminded me that in 2021, I had set a plan to “up my game” with my quilting, and this is a good indicator that I have done exactly that!!

It has been GOOD SHOW!!

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Do you have a stack of scraps that you want to use in a fun design?

Check out this pattern for a quick and easy scrap quilt that will help empty your bins and bring a smile to your face!!

Full Color pattern includes step by step instructions for blocks and border.

Click HERE for more information.

IQF Entries are OPEN

This week I received an email announcing that the Entries are now open for the 2025 International Quilt Festival Judged Show.

And yes, I am planning to enter two of last year’s scrap quilts!!

BUT, I was extremely interested to see that the categories had changed.

They still have….

Abstract
Applique
Handmade
Pictorial
Pieced

BUT, they have added these exciting categories….

Alternative Techniques

Animal Kingdom

Balanced Piecing and Applique

Naturescape

People, Portraits. and Figures

Don’t those sound fun!!

Sadie, the Saddle-Billed Stork (finished in 2023) was refused last year, but I may try her again in the Animal Kingdom division!! Keep your fingers crossed!!

SO…..which category will YOU be entering???

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If you don’t want to miss my personal tour of the International Quilt Festival in Houston, be sure to subscribe…….

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Livestock Show Quilts

One of my favorite exhibits each year at the International Quilt Festival is the “Houston Livestock Show” quilts!! This year was no exception…..

“Drragon Star” by Stephanie Tarver, quilted by Cathy Tullos

These Judy Neimeyer quilts always shine, and I love the coloration of this one. She said that the colors reminded her of Texas!!

It is also beautifully quilted…..

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“Pixelated Spring Vase” by Anglea McKenzie, quilted by Ted & Cheryl Tessitore

I am not sure which is more impressive……the 2,300 2.5-inch squares precisely placed into the flower vase or the wonderful quilting that adds so much to the design!

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Flora & Friends” by Noreen Borys

This is from Emily Taylor’s collage pattern called “Garden Party”. The blocks are beautifully collaged and the quilting is the perfect accompaniment!!

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“Two Chicks” by Missy Klimitchek

This was the logo designed by two friends as they opened a quilt shop together, and it is SO DARN CUTE!!

I especially laugh at the expressions on their faces!!

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“Color My World” by Sally Robinson, quilted by Helen Rode

I love how people personalize this particular design. In this case, she added a NASA rocket because both she and her husband both worked there.

I also appreciated the center that she included…..

There are a few more to see, so come back tomorrow!!

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If you don’t want to miss my personal tour of the International Quilt Festival in Houston, be sure to subscribe…….

Type your email…

Build it and they will come!

Today let’s take a walk thru the “Tactile Architecture” exhibit from the International Quilt Festival.

This is one of my favorite exhibits because it was my first accepted entry into the IQF in 2017…..

It was such fun to see it hanging there!

The exhibit in 2024 was magnificent as well!!

“Winter Wonderland Wanderlust” by O.V. Brantley, quilted by Maxine Moore

We saw an exhibit of her quilts in 2023 and almost all include an angel!!

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This quilt was probably my favorite in the exhibit…..

“Smallville” by Cyndi Russell, quilted by Patty Wilson

It was made from a commercial pattern…. “Tiny Houses and Tiny Trees” by Janeen van Niekirk from Quilt Art Designs. You should DEFINITELY have a look at the website!!

Just look at these fun designs….

….or these….

…and the quilting adds so much…..

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From traditional and cute to sleek and modern…..

“St Regis: Chicago River View” by Rebecca Dickson

I am particularly enamored with the sky!!

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“College Hill” by Anna Chupa

This is a montage of photos taken during walks in Easton, PA. The center is professionally printed and then machine quilted. I love the border quilting….

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“Victoria San Francisco” by Marina Panzhinskaya

The picture came from a coloring book called “Victorian Buildings of San Francisco” by Shirley Salzman.

I love that she did the entire design in thread!!

THAT is right up my alley!!

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“The Cabin Door” by Margaret Noah

How many of us have tons of photos of interesting doors? I LOVE that she turned one of her photos into this gorgeous quilt!!

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What do you think of when you see this quilt…..

“Tang Martini” by AnnMarie Cowley

I immediately thought of a motel in the 1960’s, although the design is from a 1950’s diner!!

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“From Log Cabins to Skyscrapers” by Judy Beskow

Believe it or not, these are LOG CABIN blocks!! The challenge was to use Log Cabin blocks and Hoffman Skyscraper fabric!!

I am thinking that this quilt took a LOT of planning!

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“Cresstwood 1” by Maggie Vanderweit

The quilt is based on photos of the open framing in a basement studio as her house was being built. It is professional printed and machine quilted.

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“Amsterdam” by Marlene Fenoglietto

She did a wonderful job of recreating the colorful buildings.

The exhibit was so much fun and I long to have another quilt exhibited there in some future year.

Have you ever made a quilt based on architecture?

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If you don’t want to miss my personal tour of the International Quilt Festival in Houston, be sure to subscribe…….

Type your email…

Finally Finished

There was one exhibit from the International Quilt Festival that I found truly interesting. It was called “Finally finished”. Here is the description…..