Out Livermore way here in Northern California, Alden Lane Nursery puts on an annual event called “Quilting in the Garden”. It really is spectacular, with quilts hanging from trees amidst all the nursery flora.
This year Freddy Moran was the guest artist with 100 of her quilts on display. No, that is not a typo. She had 100 quilts on display. A renowned quilt artist, teacher and author, Freddy is also known for her vibrant color palette, and “red is a neutral” mantra.
My favorite thing though is when Freddy grabs my arm, looks me straight in the eye and says “do whatever you want Carol”. I am not alone. I understand that for decades Freddy has been encouraging people to let go of anything standing in the way of their creative voices when making their quilts. “Just do it”!
Here we’ll share some shots of the event so you can get a feel for the quilts in the trees, and then I’ve zeroed in on a few of my favorite quilts of Freddy’s. Enjoy!
Freddy Moran, Quilting in the Garden at Alden Lane Nursery
Freddy Moran, Quilting in the Garden at Alden Lane Nursery
Freddy Moran, Quilting in the Garden Exhibition at Alden Lane Nursery 2015
What a Star by Freddy Moran
Flower Garden by Freddy Moran
Damask Log Cabin by Freddy Moran
Damask Log Cabin by Freddy Moran
Gwenny Wannabe by Freddy Moran
Gwenny Wannabe by Freddy Moran
Around the Block by Freddy Moran
Marzella’s Quilt by Freddy Moran
Modern I by Freddy Moran
Modern II by Freddy Moran
Round and Round by Freddy Moran
Gee’s Bend Log Cabin by Freddy Moran
Gee’s Bend Log Cabin by Freddy Moran
Matrimony II by Freddy Moran
Red Buttons by Freddy Moran
Pineapple by Freddy Moran
Pineapple III by Freddy Moran
Zig-Zag by Freddy Moran
Chinese Coins by Freddy Moran
Triangle Quilt by Freddy Moran
Jack and I really loved the backs of the quilts. Freddy tends to use mostly whole cloth backs of dynamite fabrics she’s collected.
Freddy Moran, Quilting in the Garden Exhibition at Alden Lane Nursery 2015
Freddy Moran, Quilting in the Garden Exhibition at Alden Lane Nursery 2015
Freddy Moran, Quilting in the Garden Exhibition at Alden Lane Nursery 2015
Freddy Moran, Quilting in the Garden Exhibition at Alden Lane Nursery 2015
Freddy Moran, Quilting in the Garden Exhibition at Alden Lane Nursery 2015
Freddy Moran, Quilting in the Garden Exhibition at Alden Lane Nursery 2015
The Plaid Portico 
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Stunning quilts so full of color and design. Thank you for sharing your photos and Freddy’s message. She has inspired me to get back into quilting!
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Glorious pure color….I just love, love, love Freddy and all of her quilts! Thank you for sharing this brilliant display of her work! 🙂 Long time fan….
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Uplifting display. I have admired her quilts for years….tried to make similar. …what a treasure she is. And thanks for sharing….and thanks Freddy for sharing with the world.
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Here here!
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Love these quilts! Thanks for sharing pictures!
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You’re welcome. I learn so much by taking pics at these exhibitions.
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Freddy’s quilts are so inspiring! Thanks for sharing them and your insight about Freddy, too.
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You’re welcome Kristen! It was a beautiful display.
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Nice! Thanks for the tour of this show!
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You’re welcome Zippyquilts!
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I knew I could count on you for pictures – thanks. They are great.
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Hey Capitola Quilter! Yes, long blogcation but covering lots of shows coming up. Off to Market Friday!
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Reblogged this on westlakethymes and commented:
Quilting in the Garden 2015. Quilts by Freddy Moran.
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I like that bit where Freddy said “do what ever you want” I think too many of us get caught up in making things that everyone else is making instead of following our hearts and making what we really want to make.
Thanks for sharing your photos of all those gorgeous quilts.
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We need to be reminded, don’t we!
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These are glory! They look like giant Tibetan prayer flags hanging in the sunlight. Thanks for sharing.
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Nice image Marilyn! They do look like that!
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