quilt show Archives - Handi Quilter
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My Australia, Helen Godden’s Masterpiece

There is an amazing, fabulous, HUGE quilt hanging at the Australasian Quilt Convention in Brisbane, Australia this weekend.  My Australia was created by our Handi Quilter Ambassador, Helen Godden.

She drew the design in 2018 but with her busy life of teaching, lecturing and traveling, she wondered when she would ever have time to actually make it into a quilt. Then along came 2020….

So, Helen gave herself a personal challenge, because she had the time. She began the quilt in July 2020 and finished in January 2021.

The Process

Helen generously shared the process of creating the quilt on her Facebook page, Helen Godden Quilts. You can see videos of her painting this massive project. It’s fascinating to watch! She spent 75 hours painting with dyes on muslin. If you are interested in learning her technique, you can take her online class Arty Farty Sunflowers. I took the class and had a blast!

This quilt really is massive!  It measures 220 feet wide by 5 feet high.

 

Helen quilted this on her HQ Sweet Sixteen stationary longarm machine. It took 110 hours total, about four hours per day over a six month period. Helen is an absolute wizard with her machine and quilting skills. You can watch her quilting on Facebook as well. (You’ll learn a few tricks and pro-tips as you watch her videos!)

The Images

The quilt is filled with iconic images of her beloved Australia.

From sea life,

 

to birds,

 

on to mammals,

 

to well-known, iconic buildings and bridges.

 

Not to mention lizards and snakes and insects and trees and flowers! All that is native to Australia is in her quilt.

 

The painting and quilting are fantastic to see, but if you’ve been down under or studied anything about Australia, you’ll enjoy just picking out and naming the images. It’s a “where’s waldo” of Straya. If you actually live in Australia, you’ll likely find hundreds of things familiar to you! Let us know in the comments what you see on these photos.

My Australia truly is an epic masterpiece by a master quilt artist. Congratulations, Helen! Well done. We are so proud of you.

 

 

by Mary Beth Krapil

 

 

2022-05-26T13:20:36-06:00May 28th, 2022|Categories: Handi Quilter Ambassadors, Inspiration, quilt show|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |1 Comment
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How Many Quilts?

I had the pleasure of being at the Quiltfest show in Greenville, SC. I was working with one of Handi Quilter‘s lovely retailers, Sew Suite Studios. There wasn’t much time to look at the many quilts on display, but one of the special exhibits really caught my interest. The Hoffman Challenge 2020, Garden State of Mind. As I walked up to the exhibit I wondered, “How many quilts could possibly be made using one fabric?”  That’s how little I knew about the Hoffman Challenge! I thought the participants made a quilt using the fabric of the year from Hoffman.  It turns out that it’s not just one fabric!

I googled the challenge to learn a little more about it. The 32nd Annual Hoffman Challenge for 2020, used the “Garden State of Mind” digital print collection.

For the first time ever, Hoffman Challenge participants were required to use a minimum of 3 out of 6 fabrics from the collection in their artwork entry.

The quilts are all beautiful and each one is unique. So I took lots of pix to share with you. Here they are. (my apologies, I was not able to get a photo of every one that was hanging at the show)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How many quilts?

So it turns out that the answer to the question “How many quilts?” is: as many as you have quilters.  Plus one.

Such variety! And each one is stunning! It made me marvel at the creativity in the quilting world.

 

But wait, there’s more!

The challenge is not only open to quilts, but also garments and accessories. Check these out:

 

 

 

 

 

 

How fun is that?  I thoroughly enjoyed this special exhibit at the show! Hope you enjoyed seeing the photos.

 

by Mary Beth Krapil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2022-05-06T14:15:52-06:00May 14th, 2022|Categories: quilt show, Quilting Fun|Tags: , , , , , , |1 Comment
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Beginner’s Guide to a Quilt Show

The Spring Quilt show season is gearing up. Quilters are ready (especially this year!) to get out and go. We start looking for that next project, with happy spring color after a long cold winter. A quilt show is the ideal place for getting inspiration, buying supplies and learning new techniques. Chances are you’ll find a show in your neck of the woods during the next few months. Here’s a handy guide to help you enjoy the show to its fullest.

Gather information

  • Visit a local quilt shop.  Most shows, whether local or national, will have informational fliers available at local shops. You can also ask the staff about any shows coming up in the area. These folks are plugged into the latest in the quilting world. They can guide you to the best shows.
  • Check out the show’s website.  This is where you’ll find information about the venue, hours, class offerings, admission, contests, vendors, safety, and more.
  • Sign up for a class. Shows are a great place to learn the latest techniques from the experts. Handi Quilter is proud to sponsor hands-on longarm classrooms at many major shows throughout the country and the world. We provide Avante, Simply Sixteen or Sweet Sixteen machines for students to use during class. It’s a great opportunity to really get to know a machine!

  • Come Prepared!

    • Comfortable walking shoes are a must. You will put quite a large number on that step counter! Get some that will make you comfortable even when standing for longer periods of time than usual. A lot of options here if you are looking for some.
    • Dress in layers. The temperature at shows can never be predicted, it might be very chilly or it might be warm. It is always good to have a sweater or light jacket, just in case.
    • Be ready for crowds. especially at larger national shows.
    • Speaking of crowds, check the show’s information about guidelines for pandemic safety measures. You’ll want to come prepared.
    •  Bring a tote. Do you have a roomy bag that is comfortable to carry? That’s the perfect thing for carting all the treasures you will find at the vendors. If you come to Houston Quilt Festival this year in the fall, the first booth you want to hit is the Handi Quilter booth. We give away bags, large enough to hold a king-sized quilt, every day of the show. Come early, they go fast!
      • Camera. You will want to take photos of the quilts that inspire you. Maybe you love the color palette, or the piecing or appliqué, or the QUILTING! You’ll want to add those ideas to your inspiration stash.  If you use your phone as your camera, be sure it is charged.
      • Taking a class? A notebook and pen are a must. Be sure to check the supply list for your class to be sure you have all the items you’ll need, to learn the most.
      • Snacks. You’ve got to keep up your energy. Chocolate is my recommendation.

Important to do’s

  • Time Give yourself the gift of enough time to fully enjoy all the show has to offer. This might mean planning to come to the show for 2 or more days.
  • Come by the HQ booth and say “hello”! We love to meet quilters. Not part of the family yet? Give a machine a test drive!
  • Don’t forget to look for the truck. Take a photo of yourself by the HQ truck and share on social media. #handiquilter @handiquilter on Instagram.

Happy Quilt show season!

 

by Mary Beth Krapil

2022-02-21T14:42:28-07:00February 25th, 2022|Categories: quilt show, Quilting Fun, Quilting life|Tags: , , , , , |2 Comments
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International Quilt Festival, Houston

Last week we were at International Quilt Festival in Houston, TX. It is the big show that we look forward to every year. (Except last year (2020)). But nothing could keep us back this year! We love connecting with old friends, making new friends, and introducing new products to help quilters finish more quilts. This year was no exception. Attendees were so glad to be at a show, to see quilts, shop, and take classes that they happily followed all safety measures in place.

birds eye view of the International Quilt Festival show floor Houston, TX

Handi Quilter Bags!

We start each day off by giving away our giant, iconic, quilt-sized tote bags. We have a different color each year and quilters look forward to seeing what the color will be for this year!  Since Moxie is the run-away hit this year, we had to go with Moxie green.

HQ empoyees handing out lime green tote bags to show goers

Introducing!

Pro-Stitcher Lite was the star of the show. This is the robotic quilting system specially designed for our smaller, lighter longarm machines on our smaller frame systems and we were so pleased to introduce it at the show.

Classrooms full of Handi Quilters

Two classrooms filled with Handi Quilter longarm machines featured world-renowned quilting instructors. The HQ Amara classroom and the HQ Capri classroom. Lucky students enjoyed hands-on quilting education at its finest.

Classroom filled with HQ Amara longarm machines at INternational Quilt Festival Classroom filled with HQ Capri longarm machines at International Quilt Festival

Best of Show Award

The International Quilt Festival Best of Show award, sponsored by Handi Quilter is a $12,500 prize. This year’s winner was stunning!  Sachiko Chiba of Japan created this lovely quilt using multiple techniques.

 

best of show award winning quilt at International Quilt Festival 2021

 

 

MY favorite quilt of the show was this heartwarming quilt by Handi Quilter Ambassador, David Taylor. David quilts on the HQ Capri stationary machine to create his amazing art quilts. He based the quilt on a photo from another Handi Quilter owner, Margo Clabo.

Welcome Home
by David Taylor
Ft Collins, CO

Apparently many show goers liked this quilt best as well. It won the Viewer’s Choice Award!

Join us next year!

Quilt Festival Houston

NOVEMBER 3 THRU 6 – 2022

George R. Brown Convention Center
1001 Avenida de las Americas
Houston, Texas 77010

by Mary Beth Krapil

 

2021-11-05T05:58:53-06:00November 6th, 2021|Categories: quilt show, Quilting Fun, Uncategorized|Tags: , , |0 Comments
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Quilt Show Inspiration

Quilt shows are an awesome place to get inspiration for all sorts of quilty topics. Color combinations, piecing, applique, borders, new techniques, and my favorite: quilting designs.

Quilt show inspiration for you

I was working in the Handi Quilter booth at the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo in Raleigh, NC at the beginning of August.

quilt show booth

It was wonderful to be at a quilt show again! I was able to snap some photos of quilts to share here, just so you could get some quilt show inspiration too. Click on any photo to see the full size image of any of the quilts.

Aloft

The show had a special exhibit, called Aloft. It is a collection of quilts from SAQA, Studio Art Quilt Associates.

The sign says:

“See the world from a new perspective! Birds, insects, and even some mammals are able to fly and soar. Plant seeds and kites are carried on the breeze, and the perfect pass can float through the air. Humankind has dreamt of ways to fly from Icarus’ attempt to create his own wings to the advent of airplanes, satellites, and space exploration. This exhibit provides new perspectives through which to see our world.”

I found it genuinely fascinating to see the unique perspective each of these artists chose. These quilts are delightful, so let’s just jump in.

Squirrel Aloft

Squirrel Aloft
by Carla A White
South Burlington, VT

Raw-edge appliqued, hand dyed, thread painted. Cotton and felt.

 

Hong Kong Taxi

Hong Kong Taxi
by Jean Renli Jurgenson
Walnut Creek CA

Painted, machine paper pieced, machine and hand appliqued, inked, machine quilted. Cotton upholstery fabric, paint, ink.

 

On the Wing

On the Wing
by Betty Busby
Albuquerque, NM

Digitally cut, machine stitched, fused applique. Silk, non-wovens.

This is a close up view of a cicada wing!

 

Take Off

Take Off
by Jan Soules
Elk Grove, CA

Fused, machine pieced, machine quilted. Commercial and hand dyed cotton.

The view from an airplane window during takeoff.

 

Flight from Portland

Flight from Portland
by Lisa M Thorpe
Healdsburg, CA

Digitally designed, free motion stitched. Cotton sateen.

 

Ekko

Ekko
by Sara Bradshaw
Spencer, TN

Fused fabric collage, machine quilted. Cotton.

Ekko, the dog, is totally focused on that treat that’s flying through the air.

 

Mapforms #7

Mapforms #7
by Michele Hardy
Silverthorne, CO

Dyed, painted, drawn, screen printed, machine stitched. Cotton and silk, fiber reactive dyes, acrylic paints, markers, paint sticks, assorted thread.

 

Steampunk Selfie

Steampunk Selfie
by Kestrel Michaud
West Melbourne, FL

Free motion quilted, fused applique, digitally printed. Cotton, ink, liquid sealant, glue sealant.

Bungee jumping off the side of a steampunk airship with pet owl!

 

Night Owl

Night Owl
by Judith Roderick
Placitas, NM

Hand painted, waxed, dyed, machine quilted, embellished. Silk, beads, buttons.

 

Icarus II

Icarus II
by Victoria Carley
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Cut, assembled, overstitched. Fashion and upholstery fabrics, embroidery floss.

The story of Icarus is the mythological story of man’s first flight with wings made from wax and feathers.

 

Dezi’s Joy

Dezi’s Joy
by Julie A. Bohnsack
Carbondale, IL

Fused applique, thread painted.  Variety of fabric, denim, cork.

This little boy is “aloft” in more ways than one.

 

Milkweed and Hummingbirds

Milkweed and Hummingbirds
by Sara Sharp
Austin, TX

Fused raw edge, machine applique, thread painted, digitally printed, free motion machine embroidered, quilted, inked.  Cotton prints and batiks, inks, inkjet printed cotton.

 

A Perch Above

A Perch Above
by Sue Colozzi
Reading, MA

Raw edge fused applique, thread sketched, free motion stitched. Printed cotton, interfacings, upholstery fabric, fleece, tulle, dupioni silk, acetate, cording, colored pencils, fabric markers, fabric paint, matte medium, fusibles.

 

The Wind Beneath His Wings

The Wind Beneath His Wings
by Diane Powers-Harris
Ocala, FL

Fused raw edge applique, turned edge applique, digitally printed, image transferred, painted, machine quilted, machine couched.  Commercial and hand dyed cotton, cheesecloth, textured glitzy and sheer fabrics, bubble crepe, satin, clear vinyl, transfer paper, paint, gloss coating, gel medium.

It was a fun collection full of inspiration with just the materials used alone. Have you been to a quilt show recently?

by Mary Beth Krapil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2021-09-03T14:57:31-06:00August 27th, 2021|Categories: Inspiration, quilt show, Quilting Fun, Quilting life, quilts, Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , |3 Comments
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Quilts of Melissa Sobotka at the Handi Quilter Gallery

We are so lucky at Handi Quilter to have a gallery that features collections from exceptional quilters from all around the world. And right now, our gallery is filled with the lovely quilts of Melissa Sobotka. Melissa achieves a photo-realistic style of quilting by appliqueing raw edge pieces of batik fabrics. Then she enhances with inks to give greater depth.

Our gallery is open to the public. If you live nearby and would like to visit our gallery, you are welcome. Covid precautions are in force to keep our employees (and you) safe.  But I will share photos with you here if you are not able to see them in person. Enjoy!

Chihuly’s Gondola

quilts of Melissa Sobatka

detail Chihuly’s Gondola The Quilts of Melissa Sobotka

detail Chihuly’s Gondola

 

End of the Spin

 

 

 

Ode to Inspiration

 

Darshan of the Deities

 

 

The Calm

 

Archangel Haniel

 

Angel Watching Over Me

 

The quilts of Melissa Sobotka are usually quite realistic. Some of Melissa’s quilts are less photo-like and more painterly.

Gorgeous

quilts of Melissa Sobatka

detail of Gorgeous

 

Natalia’s Russia

 

Santorini Sunset

 

Last but not least, a commentary on the times we are living in.

 

A Modern Pandemic

 

by Mary Beth Krapil

 

 

2020-12-14T13:25:43-07:00December 12th, 2020|Categories: Gallery, Inspiration, quilt show, quilts|Tags: , , |0 Comments
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Win a Moxie

Yes, you read that right. You can get a chance to win a Moxie longarm quilting machine of your very own! Just by attending a quilt show. It’s a win-win!

Houston International Quilt Festival is going virtual this year (thanks 2020). The biggest, and one of the best quilt shows of the year will host a virtual on-line show, so that we can get our fix of quilt viewing and vendor shopping and learning in classes. You can get the details here.

Win a Moxie™ Longarm Quilting Machine

Every person who purchases a ticket to Virtual Quilt Festival will automatically be entered into a drawing to win a FREE HQ Moxie™ Longarm Quilting Machine. One random lucky winner will be chosen from all the VQF attendees and class participants.

The show will run Dec 3 thru Dec 5, 2020. Classes begin Dec 3, 2020.  Ticket Sales and Class/Lecture/Forum Enrollment is open now. Tickets are $10.

Your show pass will include:

  • Quilts on Display – Hundreds of quilts in Special Exhibits and Quilt Contest
  • Vendor Mall – Shopping and special promotions in one venue
  • Open Studios™ – 15-minute product demos
  • Games, voting in the Quilt Contest Viewer’s Choice, and other events
  • Interaction among virtual show participants including attendees, instructors, and vendors
  • Special Live Lecture, December 3, 2020, 6:00– 7:00pm CST – Jenny Lyon’s Quilting is a Contact Sport

Classes, Lectures and Forums will be available for an extra fee.

Purchase your ticket today! Who knows? You might just win a Moxie.

Good Luck!

by Mary Beth Krapil

 

 

 

 

2020-11-20T17:16:51-07:00November 21st, 2020|Categories: HQ Moxie, News & Events, quilt show, Quilting Fun|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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