More Quilts from Taupo

As promised, here are some more lovely quilts that I admired from the Taupo Symposium Exhibition.  “The Coronation” was one of several in the Junior Next Generation category for quilters aged between 13 to 18.  Claire Folster was inspired by many hours of watching Dr Who.  As 2013 was the 50th Anniversary, she wanted to pay homage to the English show that she enjoys watching with her dad.

The Coronation, by Claire Folster

And staying with the English theme, “London 2012” was my pick of the Hoffman Challenge quilts.  This was made by the Barn Embroiders, of Matlock, Derbyshire, England.  They stated - “The Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the Olympic Games being staged in London brought a sense of wellbeing and excitement to the country”. 

London 2012 – by Barn Embroiderers

Simple string piecing, but don’t those colours just sing?  Sandra Clark made Rough Diamonds to reduce her pile of scrap fabrics.  It never quite works out like that, as she needed to go and buy more fabric to go in this quilt.

Rough Diamonds, by Sandra Clark

All quilters can relate to this statement, can’t we?  Ann Read stated:  I love fabric.  What’s my problem?  Not enough fabric!

I have a Fabric Problem, by Ann Read

“Memories of the Cotswolds” was such a very clever little appliqué wall-hanging.  Linda McCutcheon was inspired to make the quilt after a family holiday in England, taking inspiration from the many photos she had taken.  These photos were printed on fabric and used on the back of the quilt.  One of the friendly White Glove Ladies held it back so we could see the photos. 

Memories of the Cotswolds, by Linda McCutcheon

Sonya Prchal took a photo of her Schnauzer adrift in their boat, and created this wonderful little quilt from the photo.  The thread painting and free motion quilting in this work of art is amazing.

Set Adrift, by Sonya Prchal

Another interesting dog quilt was “Dixie Dingo Dreaming”,  by Susan Carlson.  This portrait of her dog is made with aboriginal designed fabrics and won first place in the 2011 Houston International Quilt Festival “Good For You” exhibition. 

Dixie Dingo Dreaming, by Susan Carlson

Last but not least, it was a thrill to see works by such famous quilters as Jenny Bowker and Gloria Loughman, who were tutors at the Symposium.  Jenny Bowker is well known for her wonderful pictorial quilts, and “Sandstorm over the White Desert” shows Bedouin guide Magdy Badrmany who became a good friend.

Sandstorm over the White Desert, by Jenny Bowker

Gloria Loughman creates beautiful quilts featuring Australian trees and landscapes.   In this quilt she aimed to contrast the darkness of the background with the play of light on the ferns and trees.  A mind boggling 2500 rectangles were fused and stitched in the background.

Fern Pool, by Gloria Loughman

Even the large tree by the car park was festooned with decorations, which looked rather like quilt blocks to me.  I had a lovely time looking through the exhibition, then visited the Merchants Mall.  Would you believe that I didn’t buy a single thing?  I don’t know whether to be pleased with myself for my self restraint, or sad because I didn’t find anything which screamed “Take me home”.