I don't know if I've told you before, but I learned how to quilt while I lived in Japan in 2002. Japanese housewife culture, including their approach to quilting, has always fascenated me. I should have been an anthropologist and studied that more intensely, I know, but I got caught up in trying to communicate and became an ESL teacher instead. Anyway.. I discovered flickr in 2006 and the quilts I saw there lead me to start blogging about quilting. Tonight I want to share a handful of my favorite quilt photos from the Tokyo International Quilt festivals held each year in January. One year I'll make it there myself, but until then, I will live vicariously through Jennifer and Jan. Be*mused Tokyo Quilt Fest 2011 Set Be*mused Tokyo Quilt Fest 2010 Set Be*mused Tokyo Quilt Fest 2009 Set Movinghands Tokyo Quilt Fest 2008 Set Movinghands Tokyo Quilt Fest 2007 Set Movinghands Tokyo Quilt Fest 2006 Set (one of my all-time favorites is the 9th quilt in the set-- the blue one) All photos in this post were taken by Jan of Be*mused, used with permission. (*I hate to post quilt photos without information about the makers, but sadly most of these pics don't include any. Apparently the quilter info is only printed in Japanese at the show. If you have any information for any of these quilts, please comment and I will give them proper credit.)
The modern quilt craze has hit Japan ! Here are some spectacular results from Japanese quilt artists. When the Sunset Crowns Mt. Fuji in ...
Imagine my excitement when I learned Renee Nanneman (fabric designer for Andover and publisher for Need'lLove) chose my Cotton Daisies pattern to create this beautiful quilt using her new fabric line, Beehive. And...it's hanging in the Andover booth at Quilt Festival in Houston! Cotton Daisies quilt pattern can be found on my website: Laughyourselfintostitches.com Digital Downloads and Mailed Patterns Renee was so gracious to take a couple photos for me and i asked her to make sure she was in each picture!! She is the kindest person! Renee added a gold flange to her Cotton Daisies quilt, which adds such a nice touch! The quilting is gorgeous too! I can't take any credit for it...but whoever quilted this for Renee...it's wonderful! Here is my Cotton Daisies quilt. I literally pulled fabrics from my stash to make this and when i saw Renee's quilt, oh my gosh!! I loooove the softness of her Beehive fabrics! And the pattern cover...showing an alternative colorway...i think this quilt has soooo many color options! Looking for the pattern? I have it available in instant pdf's or mailed copies. Find them in My Etsy Shop And if you wait a bit, (Renee is at market right now) I bet she'll be offering some Cotton Daisies kits using her Beehive fabrics/pattern included! Thanks for stopping by! Learn, Share, Quilt! ~karen
Happy Day After Easter to you all!!! My weekend started off with a horrible headache. I did everything, soaked in a hot bath, applied therapeutic oils, did my best to rest, all with no luck. I had a list a mile long of all I wanted to accomplish, but I gave in, rested and read a book that was quite inspirational. More on that at a later date. Although the headache was still with me yesterday, it was not as painful, so I was able to enjoy the afternoon with my niece, her fiance, and her parents. What an incredible lunch they made! Great food, and great conversation, just the perfect Easter Sunday :) So many of you were very generous with your suggestions last week when I put out a plea for help. Wow!!!, did you ever come through with some great ideas. Rather than allow them all to be buried in the comment section of last week's post, I thought I would share some of the ideas with all of you. First, I found this, Pretty amazing. It's from the same Schiaparelli collection that the coat below which I shared last week is from. I too thought that the coat below might be matelasse, but now I'm wondering if it really was quilted. Charade sent in this idea, a vintage Lilli Ann coat from the 1950's. The quilting is trapunto and the collar can be worn up or down. Beautiful piece. I am a huge fan of President Abraham Lincoln. If you have never read, Lincoln The Unknown, by all means, please do. It is probably the most inspirational book I have ever read. Craft Alchemy sent a link to the picture below. It's the coat that he was wearing the night he was killed. Yes, the coat represents a very sad period in the history of America, but the surprise of the incredible quilting is quite inspiring. Carol In Denver suggested incorporating a little fabric manipulating into the quilting of a garment. There are a number of books, all of which I'm sure are available at your local library. Here's a list of some at Amazon. I own the book below, so I'm off to a great start :) The Sewing Loft suggested some work with dragonflies. Just for the fun of it, I googled "dragonfly quilting," and found this picture of a piece in progress. Just the intricacy of the design is great inspiration. Sue from A Colorful Canvas shared her amazing coat that she recently finished. Be sure to pop over to her blog and see the rest of the coat. Ruth commented on the subtle but beautiful hem of the Ralph Rucci dress that I shared a few weeks ago. I really like the idea of quilting not only being an accent, or design aspect of a garment, but also serving a purpose as it does with this hem. A number of you suggested using Alabama Chanin as a source of inspiration. Cynthiacc also suggested Alabama Chanin, but using different fabrics, possibly boiled wool. Using the concept, but making it your own. Elizabeth K suggested getting some books that show fabrics and designs through the different decades. I do have a couple of books in my collection. A great idea. E McAfee talked about the picture below on the left being a fencing costume. I was making a joke about feeling tied in knots, but she really came up with a great idea. The piece on the right is really amazing. Martha said, "You have great instincts, you know." And Mary said, "You have all the skills and savvy that you need." A few others also offered some words of encouragement as well. Sometimes the best source of inspiration is being told that someone else believes in you. Thank you :) With new found inspiration, I wish you a wonderful week! Rhonda
Welcome back to my blog for another exciting pattern release! This week I’ve added the Sunrise quilt pattern back into the shop with the new and improved layout of a little narrower sashing and sashing squares plus the quilt now comes in FIVE size options!
On Saturday, June 2, we attended the Wine Country Quilt Show , sponsored by the local quilt guilds from Petaluma, Sonoma and Santa Rosa, C...
This is the Autumn Quilt, my first-ever attempt at quilting, made during a time when my sewing skills were even more abysmal than they are now. I knew I was coming at this project at a disadvantage, having never taken the time to properly learn how to sew, so I chose not to worry too much about maki
I am so excited about going to QuiltCon in Austin. I signed up so long ago and can’t believe it’s just around the corner. Texas….here I come.In antici...
Inspired by Indian architecture and art deco motifs, the Canopy Quilt Throw is a playful yet elegant piece of functional art. Hand-quilted using the softest organic cotton, this classically inspired quilt transcends expectations by connecting you to its journey with each textured stitch. Whether you choose to display this piece as a wall tapestry or draped over your sofa, it is sure to spark conversation and provide that much-needed comfort you deserve. PRODUCT DETAILS: Dimensions: 54" x 74" Materials: 6 Layers of 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Care: Dry Clean Recommended Made by an Artisan in Ajmer, India, this product is Fair Trade Verified and features a hand-stitched signature of the maker.
We were really excited to see this piece by artist Leslie Gabriëlse at the 2014 AQS show . Featured in the SAQA Masters II exhibit , Woma...
Explore Old Chum's 2804 photos on Flickr!
Before I start showing photos for today's quilt inspiration, I have a special photo to share. My mother-in-law is raising three baby goats in her living room. Three mother goats have had two kids apiece, but a few of the kids are not strong enough to stand up for nursing, so the in-laws are milking the mothers and bottle feeding the babies. As the babies get stronger, they go back to the mothers. I guess raising two sons and helping with four grandsons and 11 great grandchildren may have given her some insights on how to handle this. Either way, she's been wildly successful with these babies. Aren't they just too cute? Okay, so on to our inspiration for the day (or actually, night) which is vintage sewing because I happen to find a few great photos. Aren't these beautiful? I had no idea that Pfaff made sewing machines so early. I always thought that they were a more recent company. The center pole on this dressmaker's form can be removed so that everything collapses down into the bottom of the box. Add the top and you're ready to travel! Brilliant! Happy Quilting, Mary
Cristina Arcenegui Bono discovered that she preferred the machine quilting to piecing quilts that opened a world of art to her.
Opalescence - An Art Deco style quilt inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright stained glass works
While shopping at the antique mall, one of the things I’ve been noticing re-surge more and more are Victorian Crazy Quilts and all of their lovely styles and forms. Since I cannot begin to to…
This quilt started as a few leftover blocks from my previous fall quilts. I wasn’t loving it, but decided to dilute the very rust and blue color scheme by gradually adding more fabrics in other colou
Click to see some of my favorite modern quilts from QuiltCon 2023!
After taking a look at Art Deco last week, I became curious about Art Nouveau. "What's the difference?" kept entering my mind. So I did a little research. Flower border Turns out I'm addressing them backwards: Art Nouveau (new art) is the earlier style and is more naturalistic. That should have been last week's inspiration. Art Nouveau architecture My mnemonic: First, art is "nouveau," (pronounced new-voe) and natural; it includes shapes from nature such as leaves, arcs, ferns. Note the arcs, parabolas, and flower stamens Then, it decorates and styles a space, including sleek, geometric lines, chrome, zigzags. This is a broadly defining way of remembering the differences, but I need something. As you look at the modern quilts below, note the arcs, parabolas, flowers, and stylized, contrasting lines. Do you agree that these have some elements of Art Nouveau? Do you find that they also have elements of Art Deco as well? It gets a little confusing, doesn't it?
"The Dresden Quilt Vase," the first showstopper of my Quilt Project. This stunning hand-built oval vase stands approximately 10 inches tall, with an oval opening measuring approximately 5 x 6 inches. Crafted from layers of colored porcelain clay bound to stoneware, it showcases a mesmerizing fusion of techniques from nerikomi style and quilting. Each vase is a functional piece of art, adorned with a clear food-safe glaze for practicality. The Quilt Project has been a year-long endeavor to perfect this unique technique, inspired by the intriguing relationship between femininity and power. By exploring women's work and the breaking of gender norms, I pay homage to the historical significance of quilting. Quilting, traditionally seen as women's work, has always been far from powerless. It served as a means for building communities, amplifying voices, and even aiding the underground railroad and suffragist movement. Drawing inspiration from this rich tradition, I have meticulously recreated the essence of quilting on this exceptional vase, seamlessly blending the old and the new. The renowned Dresden quilt pattern, dating back to the early 1800s, adorns the vase with its distinct periwinkle blue and pink arrangement. This limited edition vase is a true collector's item, available to only a select few. Each piece is meticulously hand-built and uniquely adorned, ensuring that no two vases are alike. Whether displayed as a standalone work of art or paired with a beautiful bouquet, this hand-built ceramic vase with its periwinkle blue and pink quilt pattern is bound to captivate those who appreciate the beauty of craftsmanship and the allure of limited editions. Embrace the legacy of quilting, elevate your space, and revel in the functional and artistic beauty that this vase brings to your collection.
Today I have a special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast to share with you. I’m here at QuiltCon 2017 and I’m honored to have been able to sit for a few minutes with Katherine Jones who has won Best in Show for her quilt, “bling.” “bling” by Kat Jones Kat is from Tasmania, Australia […]
This modern, block-based quilt pattern is appropriate for quilters of all skill levels. The Wild Starflower design features alternating flowers and stars and can be made in two different colour variations to create a wide variety of looks. Available as a downloadable PDF, this beginner-friendly pattern includes instructions for the following sizes: Baby - 35" x 35" Small Throw - 53" x 70" Large Throw - 70" x 70" This is a PDF digital pattern. It will be emailed to you immediately after checkout. The pattern can be viewed on a device or printed at home on standard 8.5" x 11" printer paper. If you prefer paper patterns, you can order a paper copy of this pattern at www.prairiequiltco.com. Check the hashtag #wildstarflowerquilt for more inspiration! All photos taken by me, except for last quilt photo by @matantequilting.
The Everett Star Quilt Pattern is available now! And I am thrilled to be sharing the Cover Quilt with you today! Buckle up, we have LOTS of photos because this quilt was gorgeous to photograph and we took it to Canada! I shared the Everett Star Baby Quilt and in that blogpost I mention how this pattern had to be comple
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peggydolane: Carol Taylor, Moonglow
Wow those weeks just flew by! Our Daylesford Quilt Sewalong is now at an end and there have been some STUNNING quilts created! Some people even loved making them so much they have made two or even THREE in the time the rest of us have made one! So my...
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A modern take on a classic American heirloom, the Stillwater Floral Quilt’s bold color-blocking and symmetry pay homage to traditional applique, while its mirrored floral motif makes it easy to style in either direction. The perfect layering piece throughout the seasons, this jacquard woven textile’s cozy weight and lived-in texture are sure to be forever cherished. Made in Portugal from 100% cotton. A Schoolhouse Original. • A Schoolhouse Original • Handcrafted from 100% cotton • Cozy, jacquard woven textile
The quilts of Gee's Bend - a powerful example of impoverished, black women creating works of art from scraps of fabric. Their story and work are inspiring.
Skill Level: Beginner Helios was the Greek god of the sun who, twice a day, rode his chariot across the sky bringing about both day and night. This quilt is made up of alternating Day blocks (a bright sun radiating daylight) and Night blocks (the white moon in a dark sky). This pattern comes in: - Wall Hanging (28" x 28") - Table Runner (14" x 56") - Crib (48" x 48") - Throw (56” x 70”) In this pattern you can learn how to make half-square triangles (HSTs) 8-at-a-time. The pattern also comes with instructions for making a scrappy version. This a PDF download, which means the pattern will be instantly downloaded onto your computer or smartphone as soon as you purchase! At the end of this pattern, along with all The Athena Workshop patterns, there is information on domestic violence and how to get help. A portion of the sales of this pattern will go to support agencies and organizations working to support victims of domestic violence, as Athena was not only the goddess of the arts but also the goddess of justice.
A modern take on a classic American heirloom, the Stillwater Floral Quilt’s bold color-blocking and symmetry pay homage to traditional applique, while its mirrored floral motif makes it easy to style in either direction. The perfect layering piece throughout the seasons, this jacquard woven textile’s cozy weight and lived-in texture are sure to be forever cherished. Made in Portugal from 100% cotton. A Schoolhouse Original. • A Schoolhouse Original • Handcrafted from 100% cotton • Cozy, jacquard woven textile
The Campfire Glow Quilt Pattern by Meghan Buchanan of Then Came June. The Campfire Glow Quilt Pattern used two traditional blocks, the 9 Patch and Sawtooth Star, to create a fun modern quilt. The pattern includes a Modern Solid Design option and a Stash Buster option. This is the perfect pattern for a newer quilter or for a seasoned quilter trying to find inspiration again! This pattern requires beginner quilting knowledge. The pattern assumes quilter has knowledge of basic piecing and can use consistent 1/4" seam allowances. The pattern requires yardage for the Modern Solid version or for the stash buster, it provides multiple fabric cut options. Material requirements on second image. **This is a downloadable PDF, being instantly delivered to your email after your purchase is complete. Your download will only be available to download a limited amount of times. Please remember to save on the computer instead of opening on your phone. Feel free to print out as 8.5" x 11". Pattern is for one person use only. Do not copy, redistribute or sell. You may sell quilts made using this pattern on a small independent scale. Please credit the quilt pattern to Then Came June. Photos by Amy Wennerlind and Meghan Buchanan. Quilting by Mariposa Quilting.
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The section around M3's dragon on my Dragon Vest chloesplace.blogspot.com/2007/05/dragon-vest-continues.html
This is a PDF digital copy. After purchase, you can instantly view the pattern under your Etsy account. Click on Purchases, then Downloads. Viewing the pattern works best on a laptop or desktop. PLEASE NOTE: when printing templates, be sure your printer is set to "Actual Size" NOT "Scale to Fit". Mountain Horizon is inspired by the way the sun rises and falls over a mountain range, and the resulting colors of the horizon. Each block plays off the next with the sun coming between two mountain peaks. This is an intermediate pattern, which requires sewing curves and working with bias edges. This pattern assumes that the quilter has a basic knowledge of quilting. Paper templates for the curved pieces are provided and I recommend cutting them out and tracing them onto a sturdy surface such as cardboard or plastic template paper. This pattern is written for five sizes: Wall Hanging (16" x 33"), Baby (33" x 33"), Throw (49" x 65"), Full/Queen (81" x 114"), and King (114" x 114"). Since this pattern is block based, you can easily add or subtract blocks to customize size. This pattern is written for use of Fat Eighths/Quarters or Yardage. A Fat Eighth is considered a 9 x 21" cut of fabric and a Fat Quarter is considered a 18 x 21" cut of fabric. All yardage is assumed to be 42" wide. All seam allowances are 1/4". This pattern includes helpful diagrams and a coloring page to help you plan your fabric selection. Tip! Pattern requires cutting along bias edges, meaning fabric is prone to stretch. Handle fabric carefully and use starch as desired. Pattern is for one person use. Copying, redistributing or selling is strictly prohibited. You may sell quilts made using this pattern on a small independent scale. Please credit design to Lo & Behold Stitchery. Throw quilt with purple was created by Eliane Bergmann. Wall hanging quilt was made by Fran Gulick. Enjoy!
This post is the first in a series of three “Finish Line” posts featuring students who excel at fabric collage. The three I chose—Darlene Determan, Joanne Hannon Shaw, and Marilyn David…
This is where I share my photos of the quilts that I have made. Many of the quilts are inspired by my travels. Others are my version of someone else's patters.
Done!
