detail of Quilt for the Latest Sexagenarian, by Mike McNamara
I’m not crazy. Really!
But there were some really crazy (in an awesome way) quilts at Pacific International Quilt Festival in Santa Clara this weekend.
I was excited to see so many dynamic and interesting quilts this year.
Three of the more compelling works were part of an exhibit titled I’m Not Crazy, compiled by the Studio Art Quilters Association, or SAQA.
Insane Asylum, by Silvia M. Weir
detail of Insane Asylum, by Silvia M. Weir
Held Together by a Thread, by Susan Lenz
detail of Held Together by a Thread, by Susan Lenz
Another Panic Attack, by Jane P. Broaddus
detail of Another Panic Attack, by Jane P. Broaddus
As many of you know, I have a real inability to sit through the creation and execution of any hand work at all. With that being the case, I am ever impressed and amazed at other’s ABILITY to do so. At PIQF there were so many quilts with an incredible amount of work completed by hand.
detail of Red Sunflower, by Susan Bianchi
Working on THIS would make me crazy! But I love it!
It won the ribbon for Best of Embellishment!
Red Sunflower, by Susan Bianchi
- Red Sunflower, by Susan Bianchi
- detail of Glorious Autumn, by Frieda Oxenham
So picture this. A bead at each corner and in between every half-inch wide quilt piece. Each block is made of four squares so that’s a lot of beads!
detail of Glorious Autumn, by Frieda Oxenham
Multiply that by ten blocks wide…
Glorious Autumn, by Frieda Oxenham
And twenty blocks long! Are you kidding me?
Speaking of hand work, these little circles were very intriguing!
detail of Three Views, by Carolyn Sullivan
I was able to get a view of the back of the quilt.
back detail of Three Views, by Carolyn Sullivan
Three Views, by Carolyn Sullivan
I wouldn’t survive!
detail of Quilt for the Latest Sexagenarian, by Mike McNamara
Now here’s my favorite (not) crazy part, these two remarkable large pieces made by San Francisco quilter Mike McNamara.
Quilt for the Latest Sexagenarian, by Mike McNamara
I’m enthralled by the fabrics used in these quilts and the exuberant way they were pieced together. I’ve got to meet this person!
Ashburnham, by Mike McNamara
Look at these detail photos.
detail of Ashburnham, by Mike McNamara
detail of Ashburnham, by Mike McNamara
detail of Ashburnham, by Mike McNamara
I love it!
More quilts to come…
October 15th, 2012 at 6:11 AM
These quilts are awesome! I wish I could have gone to that show. I hope you don’t mind, but I think tomorrow when I post, I’ll link to your post here. Your photos are wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
October 15th, 2012 at 11:11 AM
Thank you! The link would be fine. Last year I forgot the camera and only had my iphone. This year’s photos came out so much better! The lighting and the colors are really tricky in that venue, so I’m pleased overall. I have one more set to come!
November 4th, 2012 at 10:50 PM
Hi Caroll,
I finally had a minute to go to your blog. Wow! You are a busy little store and you make quilting look so fun! I loved reading about all the things you’re up to and I’ve joined your blog!
Alethea
October 15th, 2012 at 7:05 AM
OMG you are not going to believe this…too FREAKY!!!! Jane Broaddus was my biology professor in college. I. AM. NOT. EVEN. KIDDING. My mind is totally blown, which is fitting, considering the nature of this post. WOW!
October 15th, 2012 at 11:10 AM
She’s not crazy either – I hope. That quilt was AMAZING in person. There must be 100,000 beads.
Did you know she was a quilter when you took biology?
October 15th, 2012 at 9:49 AM
Awesome and inspirational! PIQF was awesome this year!
October 15th, 2012 at 11:14 AM
Yes, it really was! I’m so glad I went. And I had a great companion!
October 16th, 2012 at 2:00 AM
Wow, thanks for sharing a few close ups, some of these really inspire me.
October 18th, 2012 at 9:14 PM
You’re welcome! I love to share the things that inspire me!
October 19th, 2012 at 10:05 AM
Wow, thanks so much for featuring my quilt. I’m really honoured and I also love seeing all the other quilts in the show. As I live in the UK I sadly never managed to get to it so it’s great to get a glimpse of all the beautiful work on show. I was blown away by the button quilt!
November 4th, 2012 at 10:37 PM
I’m so glad you found this post!
Your quilts are amazing. I’m in awe of your patience! And the colors on both of hte quilts was fabulous!
I’m sure you have some great quilt shows in the UK, too! You have so many talented quilters!
I’ve added the next installment of the PIQF show, and I would love for you to check it out at…
https://maverickquilts.wordpress.com/
Stay in touch!
Alethea