2017 PIQF Recap Part 3: Quilting Friends & Quilts on Display

Once my 2-Day Introduction to Quilt Judging Seminar was complete, I made sure to spend plenty of time checking out all the amazing quilts on display at Pacific International Quilt Festival (PIQF).  I am always in awe of the 800+ quilts that are on display and draw so much inspiration from the range of techniques, designs, color/fabric combinations and textures that catch my eye.  I especially enjoy visiting the last few rows which feature International Quilts.

As I wandered the aisles, I caught up with quite a few quilting friends--both from my local quilt guilds, as well as some of the Northern California guilds that I've visited this past year.  It was a real treat to see so many familiar faces and catch up for a bit while being surrounded by so many beautiful quilts!  Several had seen one or more of my quilts on display and would ask me how many quilts were at the show...to which I would confess that I had 6 quilts included!!

New Quilts of Northern California:  Fireworks (Left) and Spring Has Sprung (Right)

Two quilts were juried into the New Quilts of Northern California exhibit, sponsored by Northern California Quilt Council.  Each year they allow two quilt submissions per Northern California quilter, but typically only have space to include one quilt/artist.  I was pleasantly surprised to learn both of my quilts were accepted this year!!

RE$I$TAN¢E included in the Threads of Resistance Exhibit

My RE$I$TAN¢E quilt was juried into Threads of Resistance exhibit, which included PIQF as part of its Tour Schedule.

Lime Light, Star Bright (Top) and Peace of Mind (Bottom)

Peace of Mind & Spinning Stars were juried into the New Modern Quilt Competition and Lime Light, Star Bright was juried into PIQF's Quilt Competition Wall Category (as it did not meet the size requirements for the New Modern Quilt Competition).  A fellow SCVQA member tipped me off that Lime Light, Star Bright was featured on Quilt Inspiration Blog, along with some other fabulous quilts displayed at PIQF.  I appreciated their note next to a photo of the quiting detail:  "We really like the way these quilted loops and ovals complement the bold, angular geometric lines of this fascinating pattern.  Mel's very intriguing and contemporary original design is machine pieced and sewing machine quilted."

Imagine my delight when I found a 3rd Place Ribbon hanging next to my Spinning Stars quilt!!

Happy Ending for Spinning Stars (Photo Credit:  John Palmer)

In my Challenge Yourself! lecture/trunk show, I share the incredibly painful lesson learned while making Spinning Stars.  Not only am I very honored by this award, but now I can include another happy update when retelling this quilt's journey!!!