QuiltCon 2017

QuiltCon, presented by the Modern Quilt Guild, is a smaller show than other national shows like Mid-Atlantic that we are used to going to, with a different vibe.  It felt fresher, younger (though all ages were in attendance), energized.  The vendor section included booths for some fabric, notion and thread companies (though they weren't selling), adding a bit of a trade show feel.  Education was also a big part of the conference - there were workshops and lectures with over 40 instructors.  Topics seemed to be more technique than project oriented.  It was good to be exposed to another aspect of quilting and a new group of vendors.  We took in 2 lectures on Saturday, one on printing fabric and another on social media, both topics that probably would not be addressed at a traditional show. Another obvious difference was the use of technology - a podcast booth, live Facebook streaming, and electronic boards that showcased ongoing video of participants and twitter comments.  All very 21st century!  There were so many wonderful quilts, its very hard to choose which ones to share.  We hope you enjoy these selections!

Bling by Katherine Jones won Best of Show.  Katherine is from Tasmania, Australia.  Her foundation pieced quilt is based on a princess cut diamond.

Not Easy Being Green is by Mary Keasler of Chattanooga, Tennessee.  It won the Best Machine Quilting award.

Kathy York of Austin, Texas, created Boulder Field. It was entered in the pieced category.  Sue loved the retro feel of this quilt, it reminded her of the mid-century modern style.

Finding the One is by Miriam Coffey of Lake Junaluska, NC, also in the Piecing category.

This quilt called Blades is by Jessica Levitt of Bridgewater, NJ, another in the Piecing category.  Enlarge for a closer look at the quilting.

Smoke is another quilt by Katherine Jones, winner of the Best of Show quilt. (She was a busy lady!) This was in the Minimalist Design category.

Yoshiko II is an Improvisational quilt by Marilyn Farquhar of Heidelberg, Ontario, Canada.

Lincoln took 1st place in the Improvisational category.  It is by Kim Saper of Huntington, NY.

Still With Her is a Judge's Choice winner, made by Liz Harvatine of Burbank, CA.

Lindsey Neill of Chandler, Arizona, created Die Beem (Trees) in the Use of Negative Space category.

The first place winner in the Applique category was Susan Bleiweiss of Pepperell, MA with Inside Out.  This was a departure from her usual work which is very bright and colorful.

We encourage you to click on any of these pictures and enlarge them to get a closer look at the quilting.  Some are just spectacular!