Since I am home-based and often work alone, except on the days when Marcia helps out, it is easy to fall into a routine and forget that there is a whole world of inspiration out there.
My trip to California to attend the Road to California quilt show last week was just that. Inspiration. New friends and connections. Re-connecting with old friends. And of course, shopping therapy.
Road to California is a large quilt show and vender market held every year for the last 18 years in Ontario, California. Quilt entries are broken down by category and are on display throughout two exhibit halls. Knowledgeable docents are pleased to discuss the quilts on display.
As you scroll down, I'll bore you with a few photographs of my favorite entries in the show. The photos don't do the quilts proper justice. Isn't that always the case? The pictures never quite capture the full extent of the 'real thing.' This quilt, Red Feathers was the 'best in show' winner, made by Claudia Clark Myers and quilted by Marilyn Badger.
To back up a bit, Carol McLeod of Aunties Two patterns in Maine, was my travel buddy. She did some demonstrations at the Hoffman Warehouse in Mission Viejo. So this was our first stop before the show even opened. Here is Carols, next to some of her cool bag samples, made from Hoffman batiks.
With a short break between demos, we ventured out to a nearby quilt shop in Laguna Hills, Sewing Party. Fun shop with some really fun stuff!
Pretty . . .
Hey, look! Here's a pattern and sample from my friend Carolyn Freidlander, hanging in the shop!
On to Ontario, for the big show! Wanna see some of my favorite quilts? (I hope you said, "Yes!")
Before you even get into the show, there are lots of quilts to greet you in the entry way. Just look up for a quilty treat.
This one features hummingbirds!
Once inside, the center aisles of the large convention center are full of quilts.
Love the colors in this one. Very cheery! It's called McTangerine Rose, made by Lynn Droege, quilted by Lisa Sipes from a pattern by Sue Garman. Two versions of this quilt made it in the show. One with much more subdued colors.
Speaking of roses, this one is named Vintage Roses, made by Barbara Polston and Terri Doyle. Loved the use of stripes and the double layer scalloped border treatment.
This quilt was done from a photograph. The quilt was made in sections by different quilters, then the sections were assembled to complete the quilt. Exceptional!
Rare Birds by Rachel Wetzler was designed to reflect the different personalities of each member of a quilt critique group. I belong to a quilt group with members who seem just like these rare birds!
Streak of Mania was made by Stephanie Adams, and quilted by Sheryl Schleicher from an original design. Love the color! And really like the binding treatment. I could see that kind of thing in a future ScrapTherapy project, couldn't you?
Made by Denise Havlan, The Peaceful Ones is full of wonderful detail, as the docent is discussing. In particular, the hair, the flowers in the foreground and the furry cactus were beautifully done.
Nancy Busby made Stripes - Plaids - Polka Dots as part of a group challenge. There were only two rules, Rule #1, use stripes, plaids and polka dot fabrics, and Rule #2, if you break rule #1, you have to bring cookies to class! Upon close inspection, looks like she didn't have to bring cookies!
The black fabric used to make the zebra stripes for Respite by Linda Anderson, looks ordinary enough at first glance. Look closer, and you see that the black is actually made from hand-painted fabric representing predatory animal prints.
Wow. Carousel Stampede by Cathy Wiggins.
This one might be my favorite piece in the whole show. Spirit made by Georgia Pierce. What makes this one so interesting (to me, anyway) is the intricate quilting detail that carry the artistry beyond the appliqued blocks.
You can see some of the quilting detail in contrast to the backing material.
Around the perimeter of the exhibit hall, vendor booths presented a tempting selection of patterns, fabrics, notions and just about anything else you can imagine to use for your quilty craft. I will admit to being duly tempted, I will never admit to the extent. *Wink-wink!*
Many thanks to Linda and the crew at Ginger's Quilt Shoppe who allowed me to meet customers, sign books, and share a few laughs with show-goers.
Joan
No comments:
Post a Comment