QuiltCon is one of the world's largest and most prestigious quilt shows, showcasing the best of modern quilting. This year, QuiltCon 2023 did not disappoint with its stunning display of creativity and craftsmanship. Moreover, among the many impressive quilts on display, Sewing Parts Online has handpicked its eight favorite quilts that caught our eye. From bold designs to intricate stitching, these quilts inspire and impress any quilter or sewing enthusiast. This blog post will also showcase these stunning quilts and explore what makes them stand out.
#8 - "SKY TOP 2 QUILT" - NANCY LAMBERT
Category
Applique
Artist's Description
Sky Top 2 creates a stunning view of the hills, valleys, and everything in between. These hills and valleys are portrayed with a graphic 3-dimensionality to them. In addition, various circular and rectangular shapes fit into the landscape to depict the environment.
Techniques Used
Machine pieced, Machine Applique (Satin Stitch), Machine quilted without a frame (domestic).
Our Thoughts
We loved this quilt! What impressed us most was Lambert's use of optical illusion to create movement in the quilt's composition. In addition, her use of satin stitches around the quilt's geometric shapes added texture and dimension. Finally, we found stitching and binding relatively simple, contrasting Sky Top 2's complex design. This piece was a unique work of art that stood out in its category. We were thrilled to see this quilt at QuiltCon 2023.
#7 - "MASK #2 - RUPAUL" - SCOTT CULLEY
Category
Piecing
Artist's Description
"This quilt is part of a series of quilts called Masked Masculinity. This series investigates the different masks men wear. Her mask is his drag. Much like a luchador (a masked Mexican wrestler), the mother of drag, RuPaul Charles has talked about his power while being in his "mask" of drag and performing. Unlike a luchador, this sense of power is not coming from a place of hyper-masculinity. Additionally, the mask she wears releases his inner self. What do you wear to feel powerful or confident? "This piece was inspired by a photo taken by Mathu Andersen of RuPaul Charles and is wearing a gown designed by Zaldy Goco, a Filipino-American fashion designer."
Techniques Used
Machine pieced, Machine quilted without a frame (domestic), Foundation Paper Pieced.
Our Thoughts
We have one thing to say: you better work, Mr. Culley! This quilt is a wonderfully done portrait that accurately captured, in detail, the highlights and contours of the subject's face. We were also impressed by the intricate piecing the artist did to create RuPaul's wig. Similar to "Sky Top 2", we appreciate that the intricate piecing was paired with toned-down (mostly straight/parallel) stitching. "Mask #2" brought a smile to our faces.
#6 - "BANANICKLENATION QUILT" - STEPH SKARDAL
Category
Modern Traditionalism
Artist's Description
"This quilt was inspired by the shapes and bright colors of pop art combined with a present-day mashup of a banana and pickle! In addition, the shape was created digitally and pieces were appliqued on a traditional block layout structure as a nod to Andy Warhol's art. This quilt blends the "old" pop art with new techniques as well as a mix of construction. A quilting motif was created from a banana drawing by my then 8-year-old daughter and digitally modified to create a repeating banana motif."
Techniques Used
Machine pieced, Machine Applique, Machine quilted on a frame (longarm)
Our Thoughts
Okay, this quilt is bananas! On a serious note, we immediately recognized that this was a nod to Andy Warhol. We loved the nostalgia of this quilt. We also find the banana-pickle hybrid concept hilarious. Technique-wise, what we found most impressive about this quilt (if you look closely) was that the artist used a banana-shaped FMQ pattern. How cool is that? Furthermore, the stitching extended to cover the binding as well, which we found added interest. Overall, we found it to be a solid concept!
#5 - "LEGO CANDYLAND" - CAROLYN MCKIBBIN
Category
Improvisation
Artist's Description
"Made for my 9-year-old son's bed, I was inspired to make this quilt after reading Irene Roderick's "Improv Quilting" book. I started by creating one patchwork element, putting it up on the design wall, and allowing that element to inspire what came next. Several odd shapes and clusters of shapes - including traditional blocks like the hourglass - lead the eye around the quilt. Bold colors keep that energy flowing. The reds in the background helped add depth and offered a little something else to explore."
Techniques Used: Category
Machine pieced, Improvisational piecing, Machine quilted without a frame (domestic)
Our thoughts
Wow, I mean, what an impressive quilt! The composition itself is incredibly engaging, but what gets us is McKibbin's use of multi-tonal reds to give the background a subtle dimension. On this background, she does some of the most intricate FMQ work we saw throughout the day. We loved that this quilt was whimsical, graphic, and free-spirited. Of all the quilts, we were bummed the most about this one being listed as "not for sale."
#4 "VIVA FRIDA!" - MARY MABEN
Category
Applique
Artist's Description
"I am female, but I have talent" - Frida Kahlo. She aspired to do this piece after she went to The World of Frida exhibit (August 2022). She collected a variety of Frida-inspired collections from artists around the world in a variety of mediums. There was so much beauty in the pieces that were displayed and Frida is a symbol of multiple attributes. For instance, Frida represents female empowerment, beauty, determination, and life. She lived her life unapologetically; she was bold and passionate. I feel I was able to capture all of that and her essence in my piece. "
Techniques Used
improvisational piecing, Machine quilted on a frame (longarm)
Our thoughts
Maben is a thoughtful quilter who successfully captured the essence of Frida Kahlo in her piece. More than any of the portraits we saw during the convention, "Viva Frida!" reads initially like a painting. Impressively, the subject almost looks longing and reflective, her black eyes glistening with sadness. Additionally, the background is a traditionally Kahlo-esque blend of nature and chaos. We love that Maben paired this quilt with an equally chaotic FMQ pattern. Kahlo would have loved it.
#3 "I WOKE UP LIKE THIS" - TIMNA TARR
Category
Applique
Artist's Description
"This quilt is based on a photo I took of myself first thing in the morning. I literally woke up like this. The quilt was also constructed using my Stitched Mosaic technique which includes applique within each 2" square. The squares are then sewn together in rows. The applique is all turned under to avoid any raw fabric edges. The only pieces fused or glued down are tiny catchlights in the eyes."
Techniques Used
Machine pieced, Improvisational piecing, Machine Applique, Machine quilted on a frame (longarm)
Our thoughts
This was just a fun quilt that made us happy! Despite the contemporary nature of Tarr's design, we loved how traditional the lines and shapes in this piece felt. It's a perfect blend of the old and the new. Plus, it's also a reminder not to toss out scraps! The artist did this all will 2" squares!
#2 "JOAN OF ARK" - VERUSCHJA ZARATE AKA @PRIDEANDJOYQUILTING
Category
Piecing
Artist's Description
"'Joan of Arc' is foundation paper pieced using 20 colors and 1453 bits of fabric shapes. My aim was to capture her classical complexity through a modern, clean fabric color palette and minimalistic quilting with a focus on light. There is a juxtaposition of light sources: from behind, the "halo" of belief; from the front, the sword of justice & truth. The reflective light on the arm also embraces these two sources. All the while, her countenance is a fierce mix of calm fortitude. Backing & Binding: Stained-glass fabric is used as a wink to the classical influences, while the binding is a fabric that states, "Nevertheless she persisted" as a modern mirror of empowerment. To honor the women who continue to fight for equal standing within all aspects of society, Joan of Arc is a wonderful reminder that women are powerful vehicles for positive empowering change."
Techniques Used
Machine pieced, Machine quilted on a frame (longarm)
Our thoughts
As you can also see from the photo, this quilt was validly awarded the National Association of Certified Quilt Judges Award of Merit. Zarate is an incredibly talented artist with a large portfolio of masterfully crafted quilts. Joan of Arc is no exception. It is simple yet intricate, soft and yet bold, and, of course, empowering. Zarate communicated the message behind her work clearly, as evidenced by the persistent crowd of attendees swarming the display throughout the event. If you do not already, go follow Zarate on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram!
Honorable mentions (in no particular order)
Up Cake Down Cake by Ann Feitelson
My Stick Family by Jody Taylor
Sweet Tea Summer by Catherine Beemer
HYPERSPACE by Sam Hunter
Full Circle by Audrey Esarey
#1 - "MASK #3 - THE STOIC" - SCOTT CULLEY
Category
Piecing
Artist's Description
"This quilt is part of a series called Masked Masculinity that investigates the different masks men wear. Growing up in rural Washington State in the United States, there was very little room to show emotions or be different as a boy. You were called 'weak' or 'sissy' if you expressed your true emotions. In addition, the stoic (lowercase) mindset is defined in modern times as the capacity to tolerate suffering without expressing sympathy or whining. With this piece, I explore the idea of blending different repressed emotions and then pulling them apart. Viewing the quilt using colored lenses, you can separate and individually explore feelings that we bottled up inside. Additionally, viewing the quilt without the color senses, you feel the chaos that overlapping, unexpressed emotions produce. On the website quiltlens.com, you can find a colored lens app to view the different emotions."
Techniques Used
Machine pieced, Machine quilted without a frame (domestic), Foundation Paper piecing
Our Thoughts
This quilt is an absolute masterpiece! The Masked Masculinity series is a breathtaking exploration of the complex and often misunderstood emotional world of men. The artist's personal experiences growing up in rural Washington State add a layer of authenticity and depth to the work that is truly moving.
The way the artist uses different colors to represent various emotions is incredibly innovative and effective. With the help of the colored lens app on quiltlens.com (see our TikTok below), viewers can fully immerse themselves in the piece and explore the different emotions in a way that is both unique and deeply meaningful.
Even without the color lenses, the quilt is a stunning visual representation of the chaos that can result from repressed emotions. The overlapping shapes and patterns create a sense of turbulence and tension that is palpable and powerful.
Overall, this quilt is beautiful and vibrant. Anyone who is interested in exploring the complexities of masculinity and emotional expression would find this quilt mesmerizing. Furthermore, the artist's skillful execution and thoughtful exploration of this topic make this piece a true work of art that will leave a lasting impression on anyone at QuiltCon and beyond who views it.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, QuiltCon 2023 showcased some of the most impressive modern quilts in the world, featuring stunning creativity and craftsmanship. Sewing Parts Online selected and highlighted their top eight quilts that captured their attention. The blog post showcased these amazing quilts and what made them stand out. From intricate stitching to bold designs and applique work, each quilt brought something unique to the table. The artists' techniques ranged from machine quilting on a frame to improvisational piecing, machine piecing, and applique. The diverse range of quilts allowed for something for every taste and interest, and it was evident that each quilt was a masterpiece. The quilts displayed at QuiltCon 2023 were an inspiration for all quilters and sewing enthusiasts, showcasing the innovation and creativity that can be achieved through quilting.
