Is it Art? A Coat? A Blanket?
- fabman556
- Mar 15, 2018
- 2 min read
It's a Quilt!
What Is A Quilt, Anyway?
A quilt is a multi-layered textile, traditionally composed of three layers of fiber: a woven cloth top, a layer of batting or wadding, and a woven back, combined using the technique of quilting, the process of sewing the three layers together.
---Wikipedia
Notice that the definition of a quilt does not specify end use, such as a bed cover, wall hanging or garment, because a quilt can be all of those things and more.
Carolina Lily Quilt Show
Recently I attended the Carolina Lily Quilt Show in Monroe, NC, which was organized by the Charlotte Quilters' Guild. There were hundreds of quilts on display and many vendors selling everything from thread and pre-cut fabrics to kits and computerized longarm quilting machines.
The Baxter Mill Archive from Rock Hill, SC also displayed a number of interesting vintage quilts, above.
The show featured every quilt size and configuration, and styles from traditional to whimsical to modern. I didn't always agree with the decision of the judges when they awarded ribbons, and sometimes wondered about their criteria.
Below are some of my favorite quilts from the show. (Thanks to Mrs. DTFM for taking the photos!)
Springs Creative's art director, Kathy Phillips, won two first place ribbons for her thread painting quilts: the cow and the Van Gogh-inspired floral, below.
The Patrick Lose booth displayed this interesting Black + White quilt, below.
Anyone Can Quilt
There are quilt patterns and techniques for every skill level from beginner to expert. The most challenging part of quilting is selecting the right fabrics, considering color values (lights and darks) and scale (range of print sizes). If you're a beginner, I suggest starting with a kit, which will have the fabrics pre-selected for you, until you build confidence to pull them together yourself. I have found the staff members at independent quilt shops to be very helpful to beginners in answering questions and selecting the right fabrics, so don't be afraid to reach out! Quilting is fun, and is definitely not limited to making a bed cover.
Resources
Where is an independent quilt shop near you? Here's a great resource!
Need inspiration? Find a quilt show near you!
Until next time, keep those sewing machines humming, and find some inspiration to start making your own quilt! (art, coat, blanket...)
DTFM
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