As usual, each quilt show I go to, I learn something, I get inspired, this time I spoke with a couple of artists who won honorable mention but I thought they should have gotten first prize! They were so proud of their jointly created and constructed quilt. They are artists in different ways, had rings on fingers so we deduced they are married. And they were so sweet talking with us, thanking us for the attention and appreciation. In the midst of hearing about their process, I didn’t get a close up of their AMAZING quilting patterns that changed in every small and large block. SOOOO beautiful! If anyone reading this has photos of that, please add them for this quilt.

These were also made collaboratively, by the guild members.

And then some of my favorites up close.

This was the featured artist. I’ll let her write ups speak her stories.

Following my last post, I bring these images in because so many of us across this country, whether we speak out or not, have feelings about what’s been going on. I know that some of you may not agree with this. I’m sorry to step on anyone’s toes. But we all matter!! Our words matter. Our actions matter. Lives who are endangered every day just because of the color of their skin, the country they come from (as we each and everyone one of us has come at some point except the people who were here first, and those brought as slaves), the language they speak, the traditions they have brought, what gender or who they love. None of us should feel threatened as we go about our daily lives, going to school, to work, coming from ravaged countries to seek asylum, or speaking out (unless it’s threatening the lives of anyone, that isn’t free speech, it’s hate!).

After all, this is San Francisco!! And here’s a project that many people across this country and Mexico are joining in together.

As soon as I can, I will post more of the quilts. Here’s a last one today to bring us back to what I hope we all want!

So big love to all!!! Keep being inspired, speaking your truth, and quilt!! Or any type of art.

Good Wednesday afternoon to you all.

Quiltcon is new to me, but many of you have followed it for years! I know you can go to the website to see some of the quilts, but thought I would highlight my favorites and the local to Bay Area quilters. https://www.quiltcon.com

Local winners: in the Youth category, from Social Justice Sewing Academy

1st Place: Activist ABC’s
20” x 83”
By Bianca Mercado
Individual Member
Antioch, California
Quilted by Nancy Williams

The photo on the Quiltcon website doesn’t do it justice, and the measurements are for each panel, 20″ wide, and some longer than others as you can see in their photo.

I took videos of these panels and don’t yet know how to bring in videos. Sorry, still learning!! But please go to SJSAcademy website, the icon is the top one above Hello Stitch on the home page of the Portico, and you can click on that, go to their gallery. Activist ABC’s is at the top, you can see the whole thing and each block by clicking on the photos below the large photo. The volunteer embroiderers and quilters do an amazing job on the youth’s designs! It’s beautiful and inclusive of many people’s needs for justice.

The 2nd place youth winner is just as beautiful and meaningful, again by Social Justice Sewing Academy youth artist.

2nd Place: Exit Wound
55” x 60”
By Audrey Bernier
Individual Member
Antioch, California
Quilted by Nancy Williams

I’m sure it will come into their gallery soon, I don’t seem to be able to copy it, but you can go to quilt con’s website to see it. Since I can’t bring in the photo here, I trust that you’ll go looking for it!

Sherri Lynn Wood of Oakland, CA had a special exhibit. An artist who shares my values of recycle, upcycle, reuse of fabrics, etc. Check out her website https://sherrilynnwood.com

Next post will have photos I promise!!

Also, I’m working on bringing the pages back on this site. I want to highlight links to videos I have used in my sewing/quilting. Another page for entrepreneurs. Any requests?

Have a great day! Lisa