Dallas Quilt Celebration 2015 - Two Dear Janes and a Just Takes Two

Larry and I attended the 2015 Dallas Quilt Celebration this past weekend.  It was a wonderful show with terrific vendors; we had a great time.  I really enjoyed seeing the two Dear Janes that were entered in the show.  The first Dear Jane we saw was made by Eun Yeon Kim of Flower Mound, Texas.  It won an honorable mention ribbon in the "Large Pieced" category.  Ms. Kim hand-quilted her Jane, and her workmanship was exquisite.  She called her Jane "A Fresh Start"; we call her "Goddess Eun-Jane".  Congratulations on your wonderful quilt!

A Fresh Start - Dear Jane, by Eun Yeon Kim of Flower Mound, TX

I had Larry take lots of close-ups, because I know everyone wants to see details.  I have just finished Tinker Toy and Jud's Trophy pictured below on my own DJ.  It is fun to see how someone else did them after just struggling with them myself.

A Fresh Start - Dear Jane, by Eun Yeon Kim of Flower Mound, TX

I have not gotten to any of these blocks yet.  

A Fresh Start - Dear Jane, by Eun Yeon Kim of Flower Mound, TX

I made sure Larry captured Papa's Star.  That is a "make or break" block for many of us, with all those teeny tiny pieces.  This Papa's Star is fantastic.

A Fresh Start - Dear Jane, by Eun Yeon Kim of Flower Mound, TX

I love the color choices on  this quilt.  It is very traditional, but still has a modern stamp to it.  The black sashing really makes each block pop.

A Fresh Start - Dear Jane, by Eun Yeon Kim of Flower Mound, TX

Her workmanship is really fine.  I can only dream of appliqueing this well.  Look at how perfect her circles are in row two; I thought they were supposed to have little lumps around the edges (I think the mother quilt does.)

A Fresh Start - Dear Jane, by Eun Yeon Kim of Flower Mound, TX

I love her choice of darker muslin for the kites.  I do not believe I have ever seen them given this treatment.  It is very effective at making the center squares and triangles pop.

A Fresh Start - Dear Jane, by Eun Yeon Kim of Flower Mound, TX

I love her pink choices as well.  It really makes the trip around the world pattern stand out.

A Fresh Start - Dear Jane, by Eun Yeon Kim of Flower Mound, TX

I think having the basket stand upright means Ms. Kim is planning to hang this quilt on the wall, not put it on a bed, right?

A Fresh Start - Dear Jane, by Eun Yeon Kim of Flower Mound, TX

There is not a weak block in this whole quilt.  Very impressive.  I, on the other hand, have all those blocks that I might redo someday... sure I will, not!

A Fresh Start - Dear Jane, by Eun Yeon Kim of Flower Mound, TX

I was not entirely sure I understood the artist's statement.  It sounds as if she is leaving the traditional world for modern quilting.  I am sure Ms. Kim will make a success at any type of quilt she chooses to create.  Congratulations again on your Dear Jane masterpiece.

A Fresh Start - Dear Jane, by Eun Yeon Kim of Flower Mound, TX

I had to pull Larry back to get a picture of this one.  "It's a 'Just Takes 2', Larry"!  "Huh?  What's that?"  "It is IMPORTANT!"  "OK, OK, I'll get it."  This "Just Takes 2" is by Martha Lindberg of Mesquite, TX, and was quilted by Janet Nelson; it is a very beautiful, much admired quilt.  Ms Lindberg's workmanship is just wonderful.

Just Takes 2, by Martha Lindberg of Mesquite, TX

Ms. Lindberg appears to have had her doubts about finishing this quilt, just like us mere mortals.  Well, we are certainly glad she did.  Congratulations on your wonderful quilt; it is really beautiful.

Just Takes 2, by Martha Lindberg of Mesquite, TX

I am not smart enough about quilt shows to completely understand how two Dear Janes appeared in separate categories in the show, but it is probably just as well they did not have to face off against each other.  I believe this Dear Jane was entered in the "Open" category because it was the first quilt ever entered in a show by the maker... I think.  In any event, this fabulous Dear Jane was made by Jo Wilkerson of Waxahachie, Texas, and was quilted by Richard Larson.

Jo's Journey, by Jo Wilkerson of Waxahachie, TX

The quilting was very interesting on this Dear Jane.  Mr. Larson quilted a small wreath in each block using gold thread.  Sometimes it was highly visible in the block, at other times it faded into the background.

Jo's Journey, by Jo Wilkerson of Waxahachie, TX

Ms. Wilkerson's abilities are clearly first-rate.  Every block is perfectly and wonderfully made.  This would be an impressive accomplishment on its own, but combined with the fact that it only took her 162 days to complete the quilt, it is almost superhuman!

Jo's Journey, by Jo Wilkerson of Waxahachie, TX

One hundred-sixty-two days.  Wow.  Did you get out of the house much during that time?  I am guessing not!  

Jo's Journey, by Jo Wilkerson of Waxahachie, TX

The specialized gold quilting gave this Dear Jane treatment a more modern feel than it would otherwise have had; I think it is a very interesting and unique choice.  Ms. Wilkerson also claims that, except for the background, this is a scrap quilt, with no two blocks using the same fabric.

Jo's Journey, by Jo Wilkerson of Waxahachie, TX

You are one speedy goddess, Ms. Wilkerson.  I wonder what the record is for fastest completion of a Dear Jane?  Does anyone know? 

Jo's Journey, by Jo Wilkerson of Waxahachie, TX

Her workmanship on the more difficult blocks is so exacting and precise.  This might be her first quilt show, but it is definitely not her first quilt - I would bet money on that!  After all, she had to have been quilting a long while to accumulate 200+ different fabric scraps.

Jo's Journey, by Jo Wilkerson of Waxahachie, TX

Congratulations Goddess Jo, your "Jo's Journey" is an amazing quilt and you are one terrific, speedy quilter!

Jo's Journey, by Jo Wilkerson of Waxahachie, TX

I wish the Dear Janes had won more than a single Honorable Mention between them, but this year, based on their ribbons, the Judges seemed to really appreciate unique design over workmanship. More on that in the days to come.

Happy quilting!