QuiltCon 2018 in Review
The Modern Quilt Guild and the modern quilting movement continues to mature, producing technically skilled, beautiful quilts
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Good morning, Quilters!
It's high time I wrote about QuiltCon, don't you think?! Unfortunately, I didn't spend as much time with the quilts this year, so I don't know if my analysis will be as in-depth, but I have lots to report nonetheless.
Me, Kait Witte from Michael Miller, and our fabulous set-up helper, Hailey
First, after introducing myself and Quilts for Cure to Michael Miller at QuiltCon in Savannah last year, I was over.the.moon. to be working with them this year. We made 9 quilts for kids with cancer and are hoping for even more next year, and the #QuiltersVsCancerGiveaway raised over $700 for Quilts for Cure! THANK YOU, Michael Miller and to all of you!!
What about the quilts? you ask. Unfortunately, I didn't take very many pictures this year, so for full visual effect, I'd encourage you to play the video above while you sew tonight (I know it's long-- hence the "while you sew"). While I only walked about 1/3 of the show with my camera, I think it gives a great overview of the themes and energy at QuiltCon this year, and Kristin and I commented our way through the show. Here's some summarized thoughts:
1) THEMES: Mental health, politics, personal storytelling
2) TECHNIQUES: Micro-piecing (SO MUCH MICRO-PIECING); nontraditional fabrics; strong small quilts category; handwork (piecing and quilting); both out of this world quilting and attainable quilting; growth of free motion quilting-- lots of GORGEOUS feathers; optical illusion/ perspective/ depth; facings instead of bindings (especially on smaller, arty pieces); washing quilts before the show (hooray for crinkle!); upcycling/ repurposing fabrics
3) COLOR: Still lots of aqua, navy, black and white, minimal color palettes, more green than last year. Lot's more PRINTS than last year
On the whole, I think the whole Modern Quilting Movement is maturing. I especially love the increase of free motion quilting and increased use of prints since those are both near and dear to my heart. I saw noticeable growth in the free motion quilting, small quilts, and appliqué categories. Well done, everyone!!
The Here and Elsewhere Bee Quilt by Andrea Tsang Jackson, first place in the group/bee category
Thanks and love to everyone I was honored to meet at the show as well as to all of you who joined me for our little #QuiltConFromHome video tour! If you are totally new to free motion quilting or if you aren't sure how to grow and develop your skills, I'd love to share my Top Three Tips for Successful Free Motion Quilting! Click here, and I’ll pop it straight over to your inbox!
See you in Nashville!
HollyAnne
PS Check out this post and podcast by my friend Kristin Esser about the show, too! She and I did the Facebook live video together. :-)
