Dallas Quilt Celebration 2015 - Finale

I remember watching post after post as Annelies van den Bergh made this quilt.  Honestly, its charm eluded me until I saw it in person.  Even these pictures do not do it justice, but Catherine Mathieu's "Sunbonnets at Play" by Reiko Kato is a really darling quilt.

It is not a very large quilt at all, but certainly a great deal went into its creation.  I love the mixture of Overall Sams with among the "Sues" - and they are all having such a good time together!

I believe this quilt started out as a mystery quilt.  I wonder if Ms. Matheiu followed the clues as they came out, or just bought the book later? From her artist's statement, it sounds as if she perhaps followed along with the mystery.  What fun!

Ms. Matheiu hand-quilted her version of the quilt.  I love that she has used multiple quilting patterns within each block instead of just doing an overall quilting motif.  I really like the little guy with the purple balloon that is wandering off into the sashing.  The setting for this quilt feels very modern, despite the ultra-traditional subject matter.

I am very glad that I got to appreciate seeing Sunbonnets at Play in person.  I congratulate Ms. Mathieu on her beautiful heirloom.

This sweet "Mini Baltimore Album" won third prize in the "Small Traditional - Open" division for Peggy Sympson .  It was hand-quilted by Ms. Sympson and is based on miniature Baltimore album designs by Jenifer Buechel.

 Ms. Sympson's workmanship is exquisite.  Just look at the sewing perfection on that heart.  I love it.

The teeny tiny little ship and the little wreaths are just gorgeous little jewels.  Each motif is more spectacular than the one that came before.

The embroidery in the border is really beautiful as well.  Now that had to be a major time-saver over appliqueing the border. Congratulations, Ms. Sympson on the latest heirloom in your collection.

Sharry Evans was a blue ribbon winner in the "Two Person Wall Quilt - Master" division for her wonderful rendition of "Good Fortune" quilted by Jackie Brown (who also quilted Linda Neal's Viewer's Choice winner "One Cake, Two Cake, Red Cake, Blue Cake". )

Ms. Evans gave design credit to Craft World - Wonderful Applique Quilts, but I had no luck in finding a link to them.  I was able to identify that "noshi" means ribbons in Japanese, and they are considered a symbol of good fortune.  I found many instances of quilted noshi in blogland, and I believe they are a relatively common Japanese design element.

I absolutely adore the quilting on this quilt.  Ms. Brown really outdid herself yet again.  I love how the quilting extends the ribbon design, then gets really carried away with fantastic feathering.  It is simply awesome.

The quilting is both very inventive and perfectly appropriate.  It really complements the rock-like background fabric, which itself contrasts very well with the bright noshi fabrics.  Both Ms. Evans and Ms. Brown made terrific design choice and richly deserve the blue ribbon they won.

Congratulations to both Ms. Evans and Ms. Brown for their wonderful achievement.  I look forward to seeing more of their collaborations in the future.

Well, that's it for the show.  I have posted all the quilts I can without getting permission from the quilters.  Dallas has relaxed its photography restrictions a good bit.  Perhaps I was not the only one to complain during the strict years.  

I determined which quilts to post about as follows:  I got permission when I could.  If permission was not readily attainable, I restricted myself to quilts with listed design credits, and also provided links to the designers whenever possible.  In all cases the designers had more and better images of the quilts on the web than the ones I was posting, so I was not giving anything away.  I definitely hope people will click on the links and buy their patterns! I did post two quilts that did not have design credits listed.  In the first case, I had seen images of the frog being eaten by the bird while strangling the bird in greeting cards - that image is in the popular domain.  In the second case, well, I believe Mr. T probably licenses his own image, and would not appreciate a quilter selling patterns with him on it, no matter how cute!  

In all cases, I have attempted to properly attribute every picture of every quilt.  If anyone identifies any attribution errors, please let me know and I will fix them promptly.

In the meantime, happy quilting!

Dallas Quilt Celebration 2015 - Classic and Artistic Quilts

You are probably thinking, Oh another whole cloth quilt.  Nice.  If you are familiar with the work of Kumiko Frydl of Houston you would know that this one was entered in the "Small Traditional Quilt" division and was only approximately 18 inches square.  Ms. Frydl won second place with "Mandala", you can see the top of the red ribbon to get an idea of the size.

Mandala, by Kumiko Frydl of Houston, TX

Ms. Frydl is well known for her tiny, zillion pointed Mariner's Compass quilts that have dominated the small quilt division in Dallas for several years.  I think her micro stippling is almost as impressive.  Unless this was done on an embroidery machine (I do not know) Ms. Frydl shows an almost super-human ability to not cross her stipples.  I looked and look and could not find a crossing.

Mandala, by Kumiko Frydl of Houston, TX

Look for yourself.  Can you find one?  Impressive.

Mandala, by Kumiko Frydl of Houston, TX

Not only is Ms. Frydl's workmanship exquisite, the overall quilt is very lovely and appealing.  It is just a darling little quilt!

Mandala, by Kumiko Frydl of Houston, TX

Can you believe this was the first quilt Sun Mee Seen of McKinney has ever entered in a quilt show?  It sure does not look like her first rodeo!  Ms. Seen won the "Open Division - First Quilt" with her "Santa Cruz Sampler" from "The Quilted Cross" by J. Michell Watts.

Santa Cruz Sampler, by Sun Mee Seen of McKinney, TX

Her applique is amazing, and the extra work it must have been to applique all the sashing just blows my mind.

Santa Cruz Sampler, by Sun Mee Seen of McKinney, TX

And then, Ms Seen did all the hand-quilting herself too!

Santa Cruz Sampler, by Sun Mee Seen of McKinney, TX

I really like her choice of  differently spaced parallel lines that form a white on white almost plaid effect.  I have never seen a quilt hang so perfectly straight either - now that is a sign of good workmanship (and one that can be SO elusive.)

Santa Cruz Sampler, by Sun Mee Seen of McKinney, TX

Congratulations on your big win, Ms. Seen.  I believe you have made many people happy with your quilt!

Santa Cruz Sampler, by Sun Mee Seen of McKinney, TX

It is hard to believe that Janice Bentley's "Baltimore Bouquets" (quilted by Richard Larson) only took third place in the "Open - Seniors" division, but this was a very tough division, since it also included "Audobon Christmas".

Baltimore Bouquets, by Janice Bentley of Dallas, TX

Ms. Bentley's interpretation of Mimi Dietrich's work is stunning.

Baltimore Bouquets, by Janice Bentley of Dallas, TX

The detail on this quilt is endless and her color choices are spot-on.

Baltimore Bouquets, by Janice Bentley of Dallas, TX

I think Mr. Larson's machine quilting is very impressive and really adds to the beauty and interest of the quilt.

Baltimore Bouquets, by Janice Bentley of Dallas, TX

Congratulations again on your wonderful new heirloom.  It is simply gorgeous!

Baltimore Bouquets, by Janice Bentley of Dallas, TX

And finally, here is Suzanne Cook's spectacular "Phebe"; quilted by  Deb Wendt, designed by the well-known Di Ford.

Phebe, by Suzanne Cook of Garland, TX

It was such a treat to see "Phebe" for the first time in person.  It is even more beautiful than it looked in blogland.  I particularly love the center square - so fine.

Phebe, by Suzanne Cook of Garland, TX

And then there are the endless details that make this quilt so special.

Phebe, by Suzanne Cook of Garland, TX

Ms. Cook's applique and piecing skills certainly got a workout - a challenge which she met, then exceeded.  So impressive.  Hard to believe that this did not win any award.

Phebe, by Suzanne Cook of Garland, TX

Congratulations on your wonderful achievement, Ms. Cook, and thank you for the privilege of viewing your precious Prebe.

Phebe, by Suzanne Cook of Garland, TX

Dallas Quilt Celebration 2015 - Funny Quilts

We really enjoyed "Never Give Up" by Judy Ullman of Irving, Texas, which won a "Judge's Choice" award in the "Open" division.  Personally that frog reminds me of Winston Churchill and the detail on him is fantastic.

Never Give Up, by Judy Ullman of Irving, TX

Ms. Ullman's raw edge applique was superb.  I just love the thread-painting on the pink feathers.  Very nice.

Never Give Up, by Judy Ullman of Irving, TX

Ms. Ullman had the shortest artist's statement I have ever seen, but her quilt gets her point across perfectly.

Never Give Up, by Judy Ullman of Irving, TX

Everyone who saw "Mr. T White Gloves at the Quilt Show" by Judy Kreihn laughed; it is SO clever.  The idea of Mr. T as the quilt police just tickled everyone's fancy. 

Mr T White Gloves at the Quilt Show, by Judy Kreihn of Garland, TX

The juxtaposition of Mr. T against the delicate pinwheel background is perfect.  This quilt may not have won a prize, but it was certainly a crowd-pleaser.

Mr T White Gloves at the Quilt Show, by Judy Kreihn of Garland, TX

Everyone had to go in for a closer look at Mr T's incredible "chatelaine".  Love love love the scissors and the sewing machine!

Mr T White Gloves at the Quilt Show, by Judy Kreihn of Garland, TX

There was much to admire on this quilt.  The appliqued camo is incredible, and, of course Mr. T would have QLTR on his belt buckle.  Check out those "rings"; what a clever idea to use gold buttons.

Mr T White Gloves at the Quilt Show, by Judy Kreihn of Garland, TX

Ms. Kriehn captured his implacable expression and distinctive Mohawk perfectly.

Mr T White Gloves at the Quilt Show, by Judy Kreihn of Garland, TX

I always loved the "A-Team" and their crazy heroics.  Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

Mr T White Gloves at the Quilt Show, by Judy Kreihn of Garland, TX

I am very pleased to announce that the people have spoken and Linda Neal won Viewer's Choice with her superlative "One Cake, Two Cake, Red Cake, Blue Cake".  Congratulations, Ms. Neal, on your well-deserved win.

Dallas Quilt Celebration 2015 - Christmas and Tennis Balls

Here are two more of our favorite quilts from the Dallas Quilt Celebration.  I particularly loved Mardy Cronister's rendition of "Audubon Christmas" by Kathy McNeil, quilted by Richard Larson.

Audubon Christmas, by Mardy Cronister of Fairview, TX

Ms. Cronister's Audobon Christmas took second place in the "Open - Seniors" division.  The quilt is breath-taking!

Audubon Christmas, by Mardy Cronister of Fairview, TX

I would say she completely achieved her stated goal of having very lifelike birds.  The red cardinals are wonderful.

Audubon Christmas, by Mardy Cronister of Fairview, TX

I cannot remember ever seeing better birds.  Just look at this charming family of quail!

Audubon Christmas, by Mardy Cronister of Fairview, TX

Mr. Larson's quilting really enhances the quilt, and gives the scene a sense of depth.

Audubon Christmas, by Mardy Cronister of Fairview, TX

Larry loves owls.  I had plenty of pictures to choose from of them.  These owls look very curious and wise.

Audubon Christmas, by Mardy Cronister of Fairview, TX

My Grandmother would have adored this quilt.  A lifetime native of northern Wisconsin, Grandma loved seeing the cardinals in winter.  Often they were the only color in the whole landscape.

Audubon Christmas, by Mardy Cronister of Fairview, TX

The links above will take you to Kathy McNeil's website, to the specific panels displayed.  The entire quilt pattern is available for purchase, with panels sold individually, in case the entire quilt is too much to imagine doing.  And congratulations again to Ms. Cronister for winning a ribbon with her delightful interpretation of this quilt. 

And here is the quilt that won over One Cake, Two Cake, Red Cake, Blue Cake.  It is called "Obsession" by Tonya Littmann of Denton, Texas.

Obsession, by Tonya Littmann of Denton, TX

As much as I love "One Cake, Two Cake", I have to admit this is a wonderfully inventive interpretation of the theme, "Funny Quilts".  Hasn't every pet owner captured this picture?  They will not sit still and have their picture taken, they have to come see what you are doing!  

Rusty apparently REALLY likes his tennis balls!  "Throw it again, Mom; throw it again!"  The border of tiny tennis balls really put this quilt over the top in my opinion.  Where do you even find miniature tennis balls.

Obsession, by Tonya Littmann of Denton, TX

Ms. Littmann did her own quilting, and she definitely gets extra credit in my book for all these tiny pebbles.

Obsession, by Tonya Littmann of Denton, TX

I do not think anyone will be stealing Ms. Littmann's creative design (if that would even be possible); however, I would not be surprised if many people grabbed their cameras and made similar photos/quilts of their own pets' obsessions.  Congratulations Ms. Littmann on your well-deserved blue ribbon.