Hoffman Exhibition at Thimbles and Threads

Several months ago I viewed the Hoffman Exhibition at Minerva, and sadly no photos were allowed at those premises.  After travelling around the country the exhibition has now arrived at my local quilt shop, Thimbles and Threads.  It is on show upstairs in the classroom, and although I noticed a sign warning not to touch the quilts, I could not see a sign prohibiting taking photos. 

A view of some of the Hoffman Exhibition quilts

I was pleased to get a second chance to look at these beauties.  The rules were that the entries were not allowed to be square or rectangular, and had to use a recognisable amount of the challenge fabric.  “High Five”, by Joanne Mitchel was quite different from the others.  Very cleverly constructed of angular zig zag folds, it was made up of two  different pictures, which could be seen when viewed at an angle.  The face of Sir Ed Hilary was on side, and a mountain scene on the other. 

“High Five” by Joanne Mitchel

The view from her bedroom window inspired Jenny Broadbent to make “Through the Cabbage Patch”.  Rows of cabbages all growing in straight lines, and was that an appliquéd rabbit I noticed nibbling on the cabbage leaves?  Hills and a lake fill the  background and I like how the  foliage frames the top edge of the quilt.

“Through the Cabbage Patch”, by Jenny Broadbent

Another scene which caught my eye was “Lake Ruataniwha”, by Marie Temple.  The challenge fabric reminded Marie of autumn in the McKenzie Country, and her quilt was inspired by one of her own photos.  She has done a wonderful job of stitching not only a lake scene but a lake reflection too.  I particularly like the clever way the she has done the borders.

“Lake Ruataniwha”, by Marie Temple

Lastly, I took a snap of one of the several cloaks exhibited.  This one is “The Cloak of Fire”, and is by Jenny Skudder.  Inspired by a Quilting Arts magazine, this certainly needed a close look to see the different techniques used.  The cloak was bargello, and the flames were double sided with organza overlay, and the hanging fine black threads added another dimension.  This was a very striking piece.

  “The Cloak of Fire”, by Jenny Skudder

As I had only popped in to the shop to buy some cord for a Christmas gift, it was a nice surprise the find this exhibition upstairs.  It is always interesting to see all the different ideas that come from using the same piece of fabric.  Do call in to Thimbles and Threads if you are passing through Upper Hutt.