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!

QuiltCon 2015: Improvisation category quilts Part 2!

Posted on March 14, 2015 by Plaid Portico

Here we have the second installment of the improvisation category of quilts from QuiltCon 2015, including the award winners in this category. Scroll down!

Juicy by Charlotte Newland. London, England, UK.

Northwest by Stacey Sharman. Berkeley, CA.

Tuning Fork #13 by Heather Pregger. Fort Worth, TX.

Fade into Gray by Stephanie Ruyle. Denver, Colorado.

Yin Yang by Serena Brooks. Los Angeles, CA.

Intersection by Neva Asinari. Hillsborough, NJ.

Improvisation by Patricia Lutteral. Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Infinite Whispers by Jennifer Chon. Shadow Hills, CA.

In Anniston by Chawne Kimber. Easton, PA.

Abby’s Abstract II by Amanda Jean Nyberg. Clearwater, MN.

Untitled (Improv Half-Log Cabin) by Heather Jones. Springboro, Ohio.

Fade into Black by Sarah Lowry. Carrborro, North Carolina.

Kelly Quilt by Maritza Soto. Cambridge, MA.

A Dance for Emily by Rossie Hutchinson. Manchester, Michigan.

From This Day Forward by Tina Michalik. Santa Cruz, CA.

Mosaic by Pamela Rocco. Santa Cruz, CA. Quilted by Susan Spencer.

Full Bloom by Latifah Saafir. Los Angeles, CA.

Face #1 by Melissa Averinos. West Barnstable, MA. Judge’s Choice, QuiltCon 2015.

For Tanya by Emily Coffey. Lane Junaluska, NC. Judge’s Choice, QuiltCon 2015

This Way by Tricia Royal. Chicago, IL. 3rd Place, Improvisation category, QuiltCon 2015

Aleph Bet by Serena Brooks. Los Angeles, CA. 2nd Place Improvisation category, QuiltCon 2015.

The Rabbit Hole by Nydia Kehnle. Monroe, NY. 1st Place Improvisation Category, QuiltCon 2015

The Modern Quilt Guild Showcase 2013 from Quilt Market Houston 2013

Posted on November 1, 2013 by Plaid Portico

Here are the quilts from the Modern Quilt Guild Showcase 2013 sponsored by Aurifil, one of the many quilt exhibits at Quilt Market International in Houston.