Sliced Pineapple Wins at PIQF!

Joan and I had a reason to celebrate this past weekend. Our quilt, "Sliced Pineapple," won the "Best Interpretation of the Theme - Innovative" category at the Pacific International Quilt Festival last weekend.

As you can see, I was lucky enough to be there in person and see the show. The quilts were spectacular and inspiring and there was a nice array of vendors. Keri was there with her quilt and needlepoint designs (Keri Designs - www.keridesigns.com) and booth traffic was very good. Hula Kahiko was just behind the pineapple quilt, Joan's fish quilt was right at the entry door, and Shel's quilt was just around the corner from Keri's booth. I even ran into Shel's daughters, grand-daughter and daughter-in-law as I was leaving the show for the airport.

There were 176 quilts in the Innovative category, 115 in the Traditional category, and 115 in the Wall Quilt category. Here are a few notables from my perspective. I tried to keep track of the quilt's and maker's names, but I can't figure this one out. I just love the greens and the frame around the flower to give it focus. If anyone knows the maker, please let me know and I will post an update.

The next one, "Traveling Poppies," was made by Grace Errea and Joan Werner of Laguna Niguel, California. The liked the bright colors and movement of this quilt. You can almost picture the poppies swaying in the wind.

Debra Roby's "Eucalyptus #1" also caught my eye. It was right at the entrance of the show in an excellent "feature" spot, kind of by itself. This is one of my favorite color palettes. Maui has beautiful and stately eucalyptus groves and this quilt really captures the essence of those trees. Note: this picture was taken at an angle (as were most because of the crowds) - it actually hangs straight, square and smooth.

This quilt, "Canopy" by Gloria Loughman, was in the Australian quilts exhibit, "A Slize of Oz." I passed this quilt a couple of times and each time it was surrounded by admirers. The quilt positively glows with color and light.

I have to thank my new friends, Sharon and Daisy, for telling me to be sure to see the International quilts exhibit. We flew up together from Los Angeles on Southwest and their lively company and conversation made the flight pass quickly. One shared cab to the convention center and a few minutes together at the show just wasn't enough time. I'm sorry we didn't have more time together - hope you ladies enjoyed the entire show!

I flew up early Saturday, then back to LA on Sunday, where I had another fun seatmate. It was nice to chat with Martha, who was formerly of San Jose, but now lives in Irvine, and makes it to the show for the weekend with another quilting friend who is still in the Bay Area.

I'm glad to be home now, but brought home a bug with me and have been home sick all week. Hope to be back in top shape soon. Will post more quilt photos as time permits.