How Does Your Garden Grow?

I ran into a fellow guild member the other day and we got to talking about our summer break and our quilting projects.  It seems that even the most dedicated of quilters, in spite of good intensions, can get distracted by the needs of their gardens and the lure of outdoor living.  Our local museum has just finished a year long run of all things related to quilting, both old and new, and some of us are getting ready for the 100th anniversary of the Ontario Plowing Match and upcoming fall fair.  But, typical of country life, the garden does make its demands on our time and the latest heat wave did make it difficult to think about getting under a quilting frame.

Obviously for some of our members, they can appreciate the joys of summer and get inspiration for their work from mother nature.  Our grandmothers certainly did, with patterns like Grandmother's Flower Garden, Garden Path or any of the numerous rose and lily patterns that have come down to us over the century.

Beautiful Applique

Every technique conceivable demonstrated how varied the Piecemakers 2012 garden grew.  From the realism provided by applique through the romantic touch of embroidery.  Native plants and flowers competed with hybrid roses, exotic poppies, romantic bouquets and spring bulbs.

Embroidery 

Fussy Cut Focal Fabric

Fussy cutting a piece of yardage made for a beautiful quilt.  The intricate sashing and border demonstrated the artistic talent and skills of the maker.  One of my favorite quilts in our last show.

A Solute to our Theme Flower

Since our very first show, we have used the motif of the tulip as our logo.  (Be sure to look for it on our posters).  Sometimes it is executed in a paper pieced technique, at others, an appliqued technique.  The colours here are as fresh as a spring garden and remind us of the tulips welcome after a long cold winter in Southwestern Ontario.

Show Stopper & Prize

I'm just left speechless on this one!  A ribbon was well deserved for its maker.

An Interpretation to the Baltimore Quilts

The Baltimore Album Quilt of the mid 19th century has been interpreted here with native plants and a tribute to the Amish and Mennonite communities we enjoy sharing the surrounding counties with.

Stained Glass Technique

I am sure that in our 2014 show, our members will continue to delight us with their floral creations. Unfortunately, my garden is full of weeds, but perhaps that would make for an interesting quilt next year.  After all, one man's weed is another man's exotic plant.  Don't miss our 2014 garden!