Quilters of Trilogy

The Quilters of Trilogy (Gilbert, AZ) shared wonderful quilts during their annual show as they raise funds for 3 local charitable organizations.

Some of the quilts on display were vintage, like this intricately pieced Pickle Dish from Marylou B.

Marylou wrote that her brother-in-law found this quilt he believed was made by an aunt, and offered it to her as a gift.

Tiny little pieces about the size of a finger nail, and all hand quilted.

Ghosts by Susan Hega

I especially liked the fun spider web type border.

Kind of like a scallop in reverse.

Starburst by Vera Dougher

I spotted the Kaffe's from across the room.

Very striking as the large blocks are set against a small black sashing.

Grandmother's Flower Garden by Linda Coll

Linda put in a lot of love and patience as worked for 3 years hand piecing this GFG.

Many of the fabrics were vintage.

Linda shared with me her GFG technique.

Instead of the traditional paper piecing method, she used Stamps By Kate.

The rubber stamps provide both a cutting and sewing line, are quite accurate and can be less $$ than many other methods.

A "New" Way To Hang Quilts

I love to go to quilt shows, especially when I learn of a group who have collectively worked together to help those in need.

Quilters of Trilogy presented their 9th annual quilt show at their club house today, and I was impressed with the dedication of their quilters.

This group of 50 women hung over 140 quilts, with 70 for sale. All proceeds are donated to 3 organizations within the Phoenix area: Sunshine Acres Children's Home, Doves (Late-life victims of Domestic Violence), and AZ Blankets For Kids

I've been to a lot of quilt shows, but I've never seen quilts "hung" in this unique way.

Great idea!

If you look closely, you will see 6 quilts displayed in a round formation.

They are tall, so you get a good view of each quilt.

Peek even closer, and you will notice they are hung on 6 ft. folding tables that have been turned on end, with one leg out for balance.

Most centers and church's have stacks of these tables for use.

It saves having to gather and set up all the quilt racks when putting on a small event.

Another great display idea was to place the quilts over chairs sitting on top of round tables.

Perfectly set at eye view.

Many of the 70 quilts for sale were scrappy, and priced very reasonably in the $100 range.

The left over quilts that do not sell will be distributed to the 3 charitable groups.

In the next few posts I will show you more of the wonderful quilts and projects from the show.

The Quilt That Traveled To Arizona

Once upon a time there was a quilt made in 1896 by the women of the Congregational Church in the small town of Almena, Kansas.

Was it a fundraiser? We will never know.
Each block was signed by the women of the area.

Fast forward to 2012 when Lynn Miller (Quilts-Vintage and Antique) entered an antique store in Oregon, and saw this lovely 1896 quilt priced at $35.
Lynn, one who greatly appreciates and collects antique quilts said "I knew I had to buy it and bring it home. I couldn't walk away and leave it sitting there by itself. Sometimes a quilt feels like one of our children who needs to be picked up and held."

Once Lynn returned to her home in Arizona, she had a little more time to study the quilt and investigate it's origins. She felt impressed that she needed to return this 116 year old gem back to Almena, Kansas.

With a search on the Internet, Lynn read that Almena is located in the upper north part of the state of Kansas, in Prairie Dog Valley.
Current population: 408

The original Congregational Church still stands.
Lynn wrote a letter to the Pastor of the church, offering to donate the quilt back to the congregation.
And then she waited, and waited and waited.

Eventually Lynn heard back from the Pastor, who was quite excited to have a bit of the town's legacy returned.
He was raised in Almena, and many of the names signed on the quilt were familiar to him.
Lynn asked the Pastor to tell her a little bit about Almena. With a humorous voice he replied "Well, we are 80 miles from 6 Walmarts."

This is the story of the 1896 quilt that traveled to Oregon (and maybe to other places?) and then to Arizona, and eventually back to Almena, Kansas where it belongs.

Crocheted Ski Mask Hat

Just when I thought crocheted hats could not get any more hilarious!

This Crocheted Ski Mask Hat with Tentacles is available on etsy by knitnutbyJL for a mere $25 HERE.

Ready to ship!

I'm still trying to recover from the bearded Santa Hat!

See post 10/11/10

And the beard hats by taraduffstuff.

Especially the family shot.

Excuse me while I pick my self up off the floor, and leave to reapply my makeup all over again.

Quilted Wearable Art

Another really fun category at the Arizona Quilters Guild show was Wearable Art and Accessories.

Pastel Children's Jacket by Iris Lacey

What a great way to incorporate Dresdens that are so popular right now.

And I love the Bell sleeves.

A really nice grandma would be thinking about how to make one of these for her grand daughter :)

Canyon Jewel by Wanda Seale

It was really fun to see my friend Wanda, and to know she won a first place ribbon for her jacket.

Wanda wrote "Original organic shapes using Just Imaginations hand dyed fabrics with yarns and various textural embellishments."

Beautiful job Wanda!

I love the button, too.

The colors and design are perfect for here in Arizona.