Quilt Market Houston 2015-Final Look at Selections from the Quilt Exhibit

Posted on December 13, 2015 by Plaid Portico

Here are my final selections from the exhibits at Quilt Market Houston 2015.

The Plaid Portico is signing off for the holidays. Wish the best to you and yours.

Be back in 2016!

Ablaze by Helena Scheffer

Life Lessons: Playing with Blocks Can Be Perilous by Linda Engstrom

New Star Rising by Ben Darby

Technicolor Deco by Shirley Gisi

In Carrboro by Chawne Kimber

Rescue by Barbara Oliver Hartman

Piece #12 by Lissa Alexander

Peaks and Valleys 2 by Maren Johnston

Rio Rosie by Mary Ann Herndon

White Holes by Peter Hayward

To Tomorrow by Keiko Goke

Zonal Flow by Jean Grimes

Tuning Fork #22: Dark Waters by Heather Pregger

SW 5, Big Green Diptych by Norma Schlager

Sunset on Coyote Buttes by Kimberly Lacy

Scratching the Surface by Jane Lloyd

Ombre Lone Star by Vanessa Christenson

Birth of a Storm by Betty Hahn

Grand Prismatic Spring by Vicki Conley

Circles by Robbi Joy Elkow

Broodstairs/Kebt by Inge Hueber

Big Bang by Marlies Janssen

Berlin by Brigitte Morgenroth

Gebrochene Linien~Broken Lines by Brigitte Morgenroth

Geteiltes Rot-Divided red by Brigitte Morgenroth

In Grenzen: Grun by Brigitte Morgenroth

Landstriche~Swaths of Land by Brigitte Morgenroth

Tripoli by Brigitte Morgenroth

Goldener Oktober by Brigitte Morgenroth

Gluehwuermchen-Firefly by Brigitte Morgenroth

Quilt Market 2015 Houston-More Selections from the Quilt Exhibitions

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Plaid Portico

One more installment after this one of selected quilts from the exhibitions at Quilt Market Houston 2015. A wide variety of styles, I find them all either likable, interesting or intriguing.

Enjoy!

Tulip in Swing Style by Keiko Morita

Timelines by Betty Busby

Mysterious Letter by Noriko Nozawa

My Family by Nariko Kawashima

The Woman by Kyoko Ochiai

Spheres XLVII by Jane Frenke

River Stones by Karen Eckmeier

Ole by Hope Wilmarth

Out on a Limb by Thelma Bearden

Liberation by Rebecca Muir MacKellar

Kenophobia by Robbi Joy Elkow

Kan Oh Chi Rai-Prediction by Study the Past

Indigo in Years Go by Feng Meng

Grief by Barbara Jahn

Ghosts by Ruth Montalvo

Frustrated by Edith Bieri-Hanselmann

Farm Girl by Victori Findlay Wolfe and Karen McTavish

Discovery by Sally Collins

Challenge 9, Village Green by Alicia Merret

Challenge 9, Drawing by Misik Kim

Barbara’s Circle by Beth Nufer and Clem Buzick

Quilt Market 2015 Houston–Selections from the Quilt Exhibition

Posted on November 22, 2015 by Plaid Portico

Well, since we’ve already covered the Modern Quilt Guild’s exhibition at Quilt Market Houston 2015, here we have my picks from the rest of the exhibitions. There will be 2 more posts before we can cover them all, and these quilts span the spectrum. As usual you are subject to my curatorial eye which just means I take photos of ones that interest me for whatever reason.

We’ll backtrack after this to do some coverage of this year’s Pacific International Quilt Festival, as well as highlight some local quilt talent.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rooflines #10: Mountain Villages by Colleen Kole

Essence by Lyric Kinard

Challenge 8 Daily Routine by Misik Kim

Challenge 1 What Am I Doing Now? by Misik Kim

Affinity for Improv & Love of the Line by Leslie Tucker Jenison

Universal by Julie Schlueter

Sprocket 2 Me by Robbi Elkow

Sidetracked to Marrakesh by April Wicker

Selvage Star of Bethelem by Mayleen Vinson, quilted by Jan Hutchison

Rama Lama Ding Dong by Jamie Finga

Poppies of Mandalay by Connie Stark

Origami Stars by Carolina Asmussen

Old Red Door by Susan Brubaker Knapp

Modern Log Cabin by Kimberly Lapacek, quilted by Marcia Wachuta

Mission Accomplished by Rebecca Everett

Magnetic Attraction (Tuning Fork #26) by Heather Pregger

Half Crazy, All Lucky by Margaret Williams

Flying Geese Confusion by Lynda Krupka

Far Afield by Timna Tarr

Dot by Kathy York

Distortion by Roxane Lessa

Desitalart by Laura Armiraglio

Crystal Garden by Susan Stewart

Challenge 8 Intercellular by Betty Busby

Challenge 5 Happy Birthday by Hsin-Chen Lin

Challenge 5 Blue by Misik Kim

Blue Rose by Ann Ruthsdottir

Ad Libbing by Linda Hungerford and Lora Douglas

A Little Bit of This and That by Maia Hunt

Modern Quilt Guild Exhibition at Quilt Market 2015

Posted on November 14, 2015 by Plaid Portico

Next up we have the complete Modern Quilt Guild’s exhibition as part of the annual exhibitions at Quilt Market and Quilt Festival 2015 in Houston. No explanation needed, so enjoy!

Embers by Stephanie Ruyle

DMMQG Twisted Sisters Quilt by Stephanie Ruyle and the guild

Puddling by Amy Friend

Echoes by Leanne Chahley

Life in the ER Quilt by Hillary Goodwin, quilted by Emily Sessions

Kintsugi I (Medallion) by Alexis Deise

Corsage by Stacey Day

Rain by Christa Watson

5/325 by Hillary Goodwin

Bullseye by Vicki Ruebel

Diamonds in the Rough by Tina Guthmann

Huckleberry by Rebecca Bryan

Random Perfection by Wanda Dotson

Pineapple Variation by Alexis Deise

Line Study #1 by Andrew Steinbrecher

Paper Cranes by Sylvia Schaefer

Pointed Statement by Amy Friend

Pixels by Ashley Nickels

Wavelength by Rebecca Bryan

Spare Change by Betsy Vinegrad

When Oceans Rise by Amanda Hohnstreiter

Trimmings 2015-The Cog by Amy Gunson

Tidy Towns: Irish Houses by Andrew Steinbrecher

Modern Amish II by Mickey Beebe, quilted by Tony McAuliffe

Home by Jessica Skultety

Fruit Flavors by Mary Menzer

Balancing Act by Amanda Hohnstreiter

Double Wedding Ring Quilts by Victoria Findlay Wolfe, Quilt Market 2015 Exhibition

Posted on November 8, 2015 by Plaid Portico

Finally a moment to start to share the quilts from Quilt Market Houston’s exhibition 2015. I have the entire Modern Quilt Guild’s exhibition and selections from a multitude of others, but will start with selections (almost all the them) from Victoria Findlay Wolfe‘s wonderful special: Double Wedding Ring Quilts: Here Come the Brides! sponsored by Bridal extravaganza Show.

I imagine these are a few of at least related to the quilts in her book, Double Wedding Ring Quilts, Traditions Made Modern. Enjoy!

Big Red aka: The Farmer Takes a Wife by Victoria Findlay Wolfe

Deconstruction by Victoria Findlay Wolfe

Color Play by Victoria Findlay Wolfe

White Hot Mod by Victoria Findlay Wolfe

Something New in Blue by Victoria Findlay Wolfe, quilted by Shelly Pagliai

Lost and Found in Translation by Victoria Findlay Wolfe

Tulip (Double Wedding Ring Variation) by Victoria Findlay Wolfe

Reflect Upon Your Blessings by Victoria Findlay Wolfe

Polyester Blooming by Victoria Findlay Wolfe

Flowery Florid Blooms by Victoria Findlay Wolfe

A Thousand Fibers Connects Us by Victoria Findlay Wolfe, quilted by Mandy Leins

Some favorite booths from Quilt Market 2015

Posted on October 29, 2015 by Plaid Portico

Yes, I am back from Quilt Market 2015 with a tons of pics. Most are of the exhibition, but before we get to those, I thought I would show you just a few shots of some of my favorite booths, mostly by some marvelous fabric designers.

In the next few weeks have several quilt exhibitions to cover so stay tuned…

Kim Andersson of I Adore Pattern

Alison Glass

Cotton + Steel

Shannon Brinkley

Valorie Wells

Carolyn Friedlander

Heather Givens

Anna Marie Horner

Tula Pink

Josephine Kimberling

Jessica Swift

Maude Asbury

Amy Butler

Kaffe Fassett

Maureen Cracknell

Bari J

Patty Sloniger

Sew Kind of Wonderful

Aurifil

RJR

RJR

YoYos and Half Squares, Contemporary California Quilts

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Plaid Portico

The YoYos and Half Squares, Contemporary California Quilts exhibition at the Oakland Museum, are all quilts from Eli Leon‘s collection. This exhibition highlights the work of Angie Tobias, Arbie Williams, Mattie Pickett, Rosie Lee Tompkins, and Sherry Byrd.

Oakland based collector Eli Leon acquired many of their quilt tops and then turned to a network of local craftswomen including Irene Bankhead, Willia Ette Graham, and others to quilt the tops to backings. Leon’s relationship with these makers is central to the complicated and fascinating story of how these quilts came to be as objects and a collection.

“Looking at these 20 quilts is like entering a different world—one that is asymmetrical and tactile. We hope the exhibition alters your idea of what a quilt can be.” — Carin Adams, Associate Curator of Art and Material Culture

“Highlighting the stunning creations of five quilters from the Oakland-based Eli Leon collection, Yo-Yos & Half Squares: Contemporary California Quilts presents 20 quilts that defy standard expectations, dating from the late 1980s and early 2000s. Featuring complex asymmetrical patterns, unusual materials and an improvisational creation process, these quilts are unique artworks that expand the notions of craft through exuberant artistic expression…. Although the quilts are highly distinct from each other, the exhibition reflects the makers’ individual interests, skills and talents and Eli Leon’s vision and unique story as a collector, beginning in the early 1970s and with a large focus on African-American quilters”.

Enjoy!

Double Strip. Mattie Pickett, piecer, Willia Ette Graham and Irene Bankhead, quilters. Collection of Eli Leon

Detail of Double Strip. Mattie Pickett, piecer, Willia Ette Graham and Irene Bankhead, quilters. Collection of Eli Leon

Hit and Miss Strip, Rosie Lee Tompkins, piecer, Willia Ette Graham, quilter. Collection of Eli Leon

Detail of Hit and Miss Strip, Rosie Lee Tompkins, piecer, Willia Ette Graham, quilter. Collection of Eli Leon

Checker Board Green and Black. Rosie Lee Tompkins, piecer.Irene Bankhead, quilter. Collection of Eli Leon

Detail of Checker Board Green and Black. Rosie Lee Tompkins, piecer.Irene Bankhead, quilter. Collection of Eli Leon

Texas Star. Mattie Pickett, piecer, Willia Ette Graham, quilter. Collection of Eli Leon.

Detail of Texas Star. Mattie Pickett, piecer, Willia Ette Graham, quilter. Collection of Eli Leon.

Double Medallion, Sherry Byrd, piecer, Irene Bankhead, quilter. Collection of Eli Leon

Roman Stripe Variations. Pieced by Sherry Byrd, quilted by Willia Ette Graham and Jonnie Wade. Collection of Eli Leon

Detail of Roman Stripe Variations. Pieced by Sherry Byrd, quilted by Willia Ette Graham and Jonnie Wade.

Roman Stripe Variations. Pieced by Sherry Byrd, quilted by Willia Ette Graham and Jonnie Wade. Collection of Eli Leon

Pittsburgh Stealers. Angie Tobias, piecer and quilter. Collection of Eli Leon

Detail of Angie Tobias, piecer and quilter. Collection of Eli Leon

Detail of Pittsburgh Stealers, Angie Tobias, piecer and quilter. Collection of Eli Leon

Half-squares Put-together. Rosie Lee Tompkins, Piecer, Irene Bankhead. Collection of Eli Leon.

Detail of Half-squares Put-together. Rosie Lee Tompkins, Piecer, Irene Bankhead. Collection of Eli Leon

Brass Buttons. Arbie Williams, piecer, Irene Bankhead, quilter. Collection of Eli Leon

Detail of Brass Buttons. Arbie Williams, piecer, Irene Bankhead, quilter. Collection of Eli Leon

Mamaloo. Pieced by Arbie Williams, quilted by Willia Ette Graham and Johnnie Eade. Collection of Eli Leon

Detail of Mamaloo. Pieced by Arbie Williams, quilted by Willia Ette Graham and Johnnie Eade. Collection of Eli Leon

Swing Dinger. Pieced by Arbie Williams, quilted by Willia Ette Graham. Collection of Eli Leon

Detail of Swing Dinger. Pieced by Arbie Williams, quilted by Willia Ette Graham. Collection of Eli Leon

Four Patch Half Square Strip. Pieced by Rosie Lee Tompkins, quilted by Irene Bankhead.

A Memory by Angie Tobias. Collection of Eli Leon.

Detail of A Memory. by Angie Tobias. Collection of Eli Leon.

Black yo-yos on green hanging and 17 Patches. Pieced by Rosie Lee Tompkins, quilted by Irene Bankhead.Collection of Eli Leon.

Wall Piece, pieced by Rosie Lee Timpkins, quilted by Irene Bankhead. Colleciton of Eli Leon.

Strip. Pieced by Angie Tobias, quilted by Willia Ette Graham. Collection of Eli Leon

Detail of Strip. Pieced by Angie Tobias, quilted by Willia Ette Graham. Collection of Eli Leon

Chair with Embroidery and Applique. Pieced by Rosie Lee Tompkins. Collection of Eli Leon.

Unfinished by Rosie Lee Tompkins, Collection of Eli Leon.

Detail of Unfinished by Rosie Lee Tompkins, Collection of Eli Leon.

Benjamin Leon Commemorative Quilt. Eli Leon, designer and piecer, Esther Foss, piecer, Helen Brodfield, quilter. Collection of Eli Leon.

Detail of Benjamin Leon Commemorative Quilt. Eli Leon, designer and piecer, Esther Foss, piecer, Helen Brodfield, quilter. Collection of Eli Leon.

Freddy Moran, Quilting in the Garden Exhibition at Alden Lane Nursery

Posted on October 15, 2015 by Plaid Portico

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 Exhibition at Alden Lane Nursery 2015

What a Star by Freddy Moran

Flower Garden by Freddy Moran

Damask Log Cabin 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

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

Quilt Local: Finding Inspiration in the Everyday

Posted on October 12, 2015 by Plaid Portico

Heather Jones’ new book, Quilt Local: Finding Inspiration in the Everyday has delicious photography, modern quilts, and a unique look at the quilt design process.

Screen Shot 2015-10-11 at 10.16.56 PM

The book is divided into PROCESS and QUILTS. PROCESS is about finding inspiration around you, and shows how to go from inspiration to finished project. It covers working from inspiration, color theory, quilt design, and basic quilt construction. QUILTS has 40 original quilts with their variations and instructions. Many of the quilts are characterized by the use of negative space, minimalism and organic structure.

One of my favorite quilts is Red Lion (I also love the name). Though I’m usually an asymmetrical gal, I love the simplicity and versatility of this quilt design, and it can certainly be made asymmetrically with color placement.

Red Lion by Heather Jone

Red Lion by Heather Jones

Speaking of everyday inspiration, here at the Plaid Portico our motto is, “Don’t forgot to look for keep looking for things that inspire you!” And in that spirit, and in the spirit of Quilt Local, I will share some everyday inspiration from ’round this neck of the woods.

Find out more and follow along on the QUILT LOCAL BLOG TOUR!

10/6: STC Craft Blog
10/8: Robert Kaufman
10/9: Melanie Falick
10/10: Sew Mama Sew
10/11: Creative Bug
10/12: Plaid Portico
10/14: Modern Sewciety
10/16: Pellon
10/19: The Tattooed Quilter
10/21: Amy’s Creative Side
10/23: Diary of a Quilter
10/26: Film in the Fridge
10/28: Tall Grass Prairie Studio
10/29: Okan Arts
10/30: Kara Sews
11/2: Crimson Tate
11/4: Dainty Time
11/6: Nap Time Quilter
11/9: Spoonflower
11/11: Aurifil
11/13: A Gathering of Stitches

Coming up on The Plaid Portico, we will cover the Eli Leon Exhibition at the Oakland Museum of Art, my picks from Freddy Moran’s latest solo exhibition, the Found/Made exhibition at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and textiles, and my picks from The Pacific International Quilt Festival. We also have more books to highlight and some wonderful quilter profiles.

Stay tuned – after a long summer vacation, we’re back!

Kawandi Adventure: Quilts by Margaret Fabrizio

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Plaid Portico

A visit to the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles with some of my quilter friends was a treat, as there were several exhibitions on (plus the company was superb). Today we will cover one of the exhibitions, Kawandi Adventure: Quilts by Margaret Fabrizio.

Fabrizio was inspired by a 2011 exhibition of Kawandi at the Museum of African Diaspora in San Francisco. Kawandi is a hand sewing technique used by the Siddi women of Karnataka, India. She was intrigued enough to travel to India and spend two weeks with some Siddi women learning about their technique. They appeal to me because of my love for textiles, but as quilts, I love the improvisational aspect.

After this we will cover the A Common Thread exhibit, which I think was quite extraordinary and well curated. Though before that a little blogcation is in order…Hope you are enjoying your summer and enjoy the Kawandi Adventure!