Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Fall Quilt Show

I ventured over to the Chicago Botanic Garden for their annual Fine Art of Fiber quilt show over the weekend. Always a great way to spend the afternoon. Two of my favorite things -  fall and quilts. 


The gardens are a lovely backdrop for this unique show. Because it's Illinois and November, the show is held indoors. It was quite cold but sunny at least. This was before the snow came (yesterday). 






The quilts that are featured in this show every year are usually very different from the type of quilts I make - modern, bright and non-traditional. There are always a few traditional quilts thrown into the mix, but only a few. I don't mind. The fun part is seeing just how creative some of the quilters get with color and fiber. It's always a glorious show of color indoors and out. And all the natural light makes it a great place for a show.  

Here are a few highlights - 



Made by Marsha Gordon



Made by Mary Meyers


In the midst of all the modern quilts, imagine my surprise when I spotted not one but THREE Dear Jane quilts! What a nice treat. Many of the fabrics used in these were more on the modern side but it all worked. 


Made by Cheryl Paras





Made by Chris Deering




Made by Barbara Wessel


I never get tired of seeing different DJ quilts. 


Made by Cathy Baker


Made by Suzanne Davis Killen



The Gift Boutique is always fun too.









Now that my next book is finished and the quilts and manuscript have been sent off to the publisher, I finally have some time to breathe and work on other things. I've decided I really need to make myself some larger quilts. I've got several that were started before the book project but they had to be set aside. And, of course, there's my own Dear Jane that still needs to be worked on. But, instead of finishing one of those (I will! I will!) I got the urge to start something new. So, as I was cleaning up my sewing room last week, I took frequent breaks and began to mindlessly sew a bunch of 3" half-square triangles for a simple antique-looking quilt I want to make someday. I've already made 100 HSTs from some of my favorite prints in just a few days. I think I'll probably need several hundred for a big quilt so we'll see what happens with this "someday" project. 











17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Can not wait to see it all finished! The quilt the BOOK and DJ. Have fun. Dita

Melinda mwcapozza@gmail.com said...

I go to quilt shows to see what other people are doing. Even if the finished product is completely alien to my own style, I can admire the talent-creativity-colors-use of fabrics.Every so often,I come across a "Why didn't I think of that?" so the experience can be humbling.More often,I'm energized to go home & play with my fabric stash.---Melinda

Mandy Currie said...

Hello there from a cold England, I so love the books I've bought from you. I still haven't made a small quilt yet but I still haven't finished my big quilt either. I'm a new quilter and working on an applique quilt at the moment. I enjoy your blog and can't wait to hear the news of your new book. Happy quilting, love to see your progress. Kind regards Mandy xx

marian said...

Kathy, your post brought back lovely memories of the day I spent with you & Karen in the beautiful surrounds of the Botanic Garden, last year. What a beautiful place for a quilt show!
I can only imagine how good it must feel to get your book finished and i'm sure the publisher will do you proud - I can't wait to see it in print.
We do share a love of scrappy... those HST's are the sweetest and fun to make, I know they will make a beautiful quilt :)) hugs, Marian

sue bennett said...

I love that pink quilt. I have that pattern and have been waiting to make it.

You had a great day looking at all of the quilts.

I see something special with all of the half square triangles.
SueB

Kathleen Tracy said...

Thank you, Dita! I will keep everyone posted.

Kathleen Tracy said...

Melinda - I get soo inspired at quilt shows too. They're good for my soul, even if I will never make any of the quilts I see and like.

Kathleen Tracy said...

Thank you, Mandy! We have a long wait. The book won't be out until this time next year. But I will keep everyone updated often.

Kathleen Tracy said...

Thank you, Marian! That was a fun day for sure. And then the beach, in October, LOL.

Kathleen Tracy said...

Sue - I LOVE that quilt. Even the colors. So bright and cool. Maybe I should make some modern quilts, what do you think?? Or, we can make this one together someday.

Karen said...

I always enjoy pictures from the quilt shows you attend. The Botanical Gardens is such a lovely place to be this time of year too! I love Marsha Gordon and Mary Meyers' quilts! Your new book will be something exciting to look forward to next year! Thank you so much for always sharing so much talent with us!

Lady Locust said...

Quilt shows are always fun! And I like your HSTs. That will be charming and cozy looking.

Mary Ann said...

Thank you for sharing the quilt show with us. I appreciate seeing all the talent expressed in quilts. Loving your new project.

quiltgrannie said...

I agree with Marian, brought back special memories of our day spent together. A wonderful setting. Your half squee triangle quilt will be lovely when finished.

Natalie said...

Oooh, love those scrappy triangles, I am a big fan of HST's I can see a lovely quilt happening there! Hope to see your project soon Kathleen. Kind regards Natalie from Western Australia.

Sandy said...

I can't wait to see what you make with all your triangle squares... !

QuiltGranma said...

I love it when I see fabrics that I have purchased also, in a quilters blog! You inspire me and so many others to branch out and DO!

.

Related Posts with Thumbnails