Each time I go to "Maine Quilts" (which is the annual show of a statewide guild of over 2,000 members in 74 chapters) two of the things I most look forward to are the Guild Challenges and the Special Exhibits. This year there were two Special exhibits which blew our socks off. Okay, we weren't actually wearing socks, but if we had been, they'd have been gone, gone, gone!!
The first was called A Baker's Dozen App-Experts Interpret 14 Blocks. Now remember we're talkin' quilts here folks, so "App" refers to appliqué. Oh my!! Appliqué indeed!! This exhibit was beyond words! 15 quilters interpreted the designs from a new book titled App is for Appliqué by Dianne S. Hire. Dianne's designs are fun and funky (as is Dianne!) The participants were to keep the overall designs intact but to "do it their own way" and the results showed the use of many diverse techniques including hand and machine appliqué, whimsical fusions, both hand and machine embroidery, beaded embellishments and more. Every quilt was exceptional. What a fun challenge! Participants did not share their work while it was in progress but kept it all for a "grand reveal" at a champagne potluck (sounds like fun!) Shown here are a number of the pieces, which ranged in size from 18.5" square to 72" square.
The Quilt- A Life of Its Own and Mine by Patricia Burns, Stockton Springs, ME. This one was beautifully hand quilted.
Dancing with Dianne by Stephen L. Carr, Fairfax, VA.
Fantasy Flowers in the Forest by Arlaine Furcht, E. Meadow, NY.
Clamshell by Teresa M. Fusco,Valley Stream, NY.
Mainely Blue and Green by Gail Galloway-Nicholson, Camden, ME.
Audrey, Too by Susan Gerhardt, So. Thomaston, ME. I loved the colors in this one...
KN-APP for Hire by Janet E. Knapp, Spruce Head, ME. What an interesting setting of the blocks...
Ebullience by Alice Hobbs Parsons, Belmont, ME. This was one of my favourites!
Flower Baskets by Glenna Graves Quigley, Frankfort, ME.
High Anxiety by Roxanne Wells, Thomaston, ME.
So....what do you think? Funky designs, great techniques, fabulous colour, creative settings.... it was an awesome exhibit. But- there is ONE MORE..... I almost always go for colour over black and white, but this last quilt was incredible. It was getting lots of attention... You can see why....
Cirque Du Quilt by Ruth Ludwig Lind, Stockton Springs, ME.
Aren't they awesome? Can you choose a favourite in this amazing group?
Piece,
Linda
"Never go backward. Attempt, and do it with all your might. Determination is power." ~ Charles Simmons
7 comments:
I agree, these are amazing quilts - so good to see everyone's interpretation. Thank you for sharing.
Loving all the pictures Linda, and appreciate the time it takes to post them. It is so interesting to see the different interpretations of the appliqué blocks.
Give us more! :)
They are all amazing Linda and try as I might, I couldn't pick one over another for a favourite.
Personally, I'd like to feel the appliqués but I know this is a no-no and that often white gloves are worn to handle quilts.
Thanks for sharing, Linda! Nancy E and I decided to go to Vermont this year instead of Maine, so it is great to still get to see some of the Maine pieces.
My. favorite here is the black and white...it really allows that ultra busy pattern to shine.
This certainly looks like a show worth attending. I've always admired applique so think it may be about time to give it a go. Enjoy your weekend Linda.
Thank you for showing them to us. Any idea who the designer was for the flowers? I love the variety of settings - not just the variety in the colours chosen.
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