I spent Friday at the International Quilt Show at the Rosemont Convention Center out by O'Hare Airport. It's no secret I've been looking forward to this show for months -- mostly because it was going to be the end of Kate's Fabric Embargo (which, technically, it wasn't, but oh well), but also because it's the one time all year I can remind myself that I'm not the only goofy quilt-crazy person out there. The place was packed as soon as it opened at 10am, and didn't thin out until well after 4pm.
Hundreds of booths, thousands of quilters, millions of fat quarters...eight hours later I emerged, a little poorer (I'll get to my purchases later), somewhat overwhelmed, and totally inspired.
Quilts from Heritage Designs (Amana, IA)
Quilt from Embellishment Village 
Quilts from Superior Threads (St. George, UT)
Quilts from Superior Threads (St. George, UT)There was more fabric...
And thread...
And buttons...
And books than you'd ever be able to use in a lifetime.
I assured this woman she wasn't in the shot. Whoops!The juried exhibits are, in a word, spectacular. There were hundreds of quilts in the competition, it was hard to choose which ones to show here.
And in compliance with the show rules, I've posted the following pictures with full credits.
There were traditional quilts...
"Triple Four Patch" by Susie Andersen (Cos Cob, CT)
"Paisley Peacock" by Faith Wescom (Lebanon, MS)Contemporary quilts...
"Overcrowded World" by Irene MacWilliam (Dunmurry Belfast, Northern Ireland)And everything in between. The craftsmanship on all of them was extraordinary.
"Forest Floor" by Janet Bednarczyk (North Vancouver, BC)
"Leaf Motif" by Laura Wasilowski (Elgin, IL)
"Twist & Shout" by Diane Simancek (Bellaire, MI)
"Construction: Concrete and Stone" by Deborah Boschert (Lewisville, TX)
"Postcard from Ketchican" by Linda Beach (Chugiak, AK)
"A Year Under the Aspens" by David Taylor (Steamboat Springs, CO)
"A Year Under the Aspens" detail (leaves were loose, stitched down under tulle)
"Zodiac" by Martha Brown (Pickering, ON)
"Zodiac" detailThis was one of my favorites. Kathy York knocked my socks off with "Little Cities" a couple of years ago, and didn't disappoint with this one. It's overdyed and very closely quilted. Satin stitching separates the color fields.
"Winter to Spring" by Kathy York (Austin, TX)
"Winter to Spring" detailAnd as inspirational as all these pieces were, they were also a very humbling. As one woman said after walking through the exhibit, "I'm such a failure! This just makes me want to go home and throw all my quilting supplies away! There's no way I could do anything like these!"
I couldn't agree with her. I just kept thinking maybe, just maybe.
Someday.
Someday.
ADDED 4/23: The Quilt Show blog has a link to a little IQS slideshow. Check it out!
17 comments:
Oh my gosh. Those quilts are absolutely amazing! Thanks so much for sharing these.
Thanks for sharing. I went last year and was totally humbled as well (was out of town this weekend and couldn't make it). I recall seeing the Zodiac one last year. It was amazing. I even peeked at the other side, because the description said she had done it based on a little cross-stitch she had done. It was so cool.
Wow, what inspiration! All of the quilts are lovely. And as for the failure part, for me it just wants me to try different techniques and challenge myself more. Hmmm.... I wonder who that lady was, I would gladly adopt her quilting supplies if she is no longer in need.
I was there on Saturday, and I had the opposite response from the woman you spoke with. I know I can't even come close to the incredible quilts exhibited, but I wanted to run right home and start sewing, just so I could feel like I was creating SOMETHING. Thanks for posting these photos!
I love any quilt shows. I always leave inspired and ready to go home and sew and sew and sew. It's always interesting to see the new and creative techniques too.
Thanks for sharing the photos. Can't wait to see what you shopped for!
Loved pictures of the quilts. I always enjoy seeing what other people do. Although, I tend to go through both emotions after seeing them - overwhelmed and inspired by them.
I just posted about the IQF too! I was stunned by so much of the work there! Wow! I loved that Winter into Spring quilt too. That picture of the women browsing is priceless!
I was there Thursday night- I had the opposite reaction of that poor woman, though... I spent the entire rest of the weekend sewing and sketching new quilts! I was so inspired! I sincerely hope that woman does not continue to compare herself to others- what a terrible way to judge oneself! I am sure she is talented in her own way and I hope she learns to be content with that. ~ Jennie
Wow, I was there and I don't remember seeing some of the quilts you have posted. How fun to look at your take of the show.
Hi Kate!
Wish i had been there too :) Brilliant work!
Wow! Those quilts are amazing! and that thread... I can never get into a superior booth when I go to shows.
So Busy... Thanks for sharing your good time.
Wow, what a wonderful peek at the quilt show! I always think, I can do it! Someday, I will! I love seeing everyone's wonderful work so much, and if I never am that good, it is OK, I am richer for seeing their work!
Wow! These quilts are stunning (as is your photography). Thanks for posting this inspiration!
Amazing quilts! My first response is usually the same as that woman's--My work is SO not up to that! But then, I think, hey, what about this? Or this? And I am inspired.
what a bunch of amazing quilts!!! i would not be able to sleep for a week after attending a show like that, I think. :)
I was at the show on Saturday -- way too crowded but still so much fun! Love your photos. I've keep looking through mine and reliving it.
I love the Zodiac quilt! I saw it last year at PIQF.
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