Quilts of Denmark

Okay.

Let's do a quick review of the greatest quilt show experiences I've had in the last couple of years:

• The red and white quilts in New York City. 
• The Gee's Bend quilts in London, Ontario. 
• The molas in Toronto. 
• The International Quilt Festival in Houston. 
• And, while not actually quilts, The Louis Comfort Tiffany exhibition in Montreal. 

All amazing and life-changing. Turns out, I would place the Quilts of Denmark show into this category.

Heartbeat by Linnea Hassing Nielsen

Iris by
Lisbet Borggreen

I did not want to miss the opportunity to see these quilts. You may recall, I first wrote about the Quilts of Denmark in February. You may read it here. Seeing that preview only whetted my appetite for the whole show, and what a treat that show was. There was a palpable quilt excitement there, very enjoyable to walk into and absorb. Part of that energy is the community of Ailsa Craig, which pulls together to put on a very well organized show.  Combined with another pleasant country drive, complete with seeing assorted farm babies along the way, and you have the makings of a great quilt expedition.

Double Wedding Ring
by Else Mikkelsen

The thing most striking thing these about these quilts of Denmark is the artistic and contemporary interpretation of this traditional craft and art form. A double wedding ring quilt portrayed in "wild" colours. A heart quilt styled into log cabin blocks. Appliqued flowers mixed with pinwheel blocks.  I was thinking, "Where did they get these fabrics?" These are not the fabrics we usually see at quilt stores around here. And how do they come up with these ideas? It is fascinating to see the divergence from North American quiltmaking.

In speaking with the Danish quilt makers, I have the impression that they are interested in making quilts, but have evolved away from the bed quilts that we know in North America, and have focused more on the artistic representation of the craft/art, with only a very small influence of the traditional patterns of quiltmaking. I know some of them saw the Huron Perth Quilters Guild show last weekend, and believe they were as amazed by the quilts made here, as we are amazed by the quilts made in Denmark.

These photos that follow show details of some of the fabulous quilts, since I think in these cases, the details tell much more of the story than the whole quilt picture does. As always, you may click on a photo for a better look.

Gear Wheel by Else Mickelsen

Iris in a Row by Dorte Gjelstrup

The Whisper Project
by Lene Koch Simonsen

All Dressed Up by Dorte Gjelstrup

Order & Chaos by Ulla Valnert

Summer by Aase Pedersen

Angler's Dream by Gurli Gregersen 

Spring I by Karin Ostergard

Family Rings by Mona Paulsen

Spring Field, Winter Field
by Charlotte Yde

Piecemakers Quilt Show, St. Mary's

Another road trip on Friday took me into very pleasant farm country to St. Mary's, near Woodstock, to a most excellent quilt show. This is the biannual show of the Huron Perth Quilter's Guild and the Stone Towne Quilter's Guild. I greatly enjoyed this show. This show is now housed in the Pyramid Recreation Centre, a terrific venue for quilts.

As there usually is at these guild shows, there were a contingent of large quilts all hung together, for quite a spectacular effect. It's always wonderful to see a number of quilts hanging. It makes a real visual impact.  Many of these were pieced quilts, with some applique sprinkled in. All were fabulous quilts, surrounded by vendors. What could be better!?

Sunset by Gerie Nordman

Located in another room were the smaller quilts. These also were great pieces. One in particular caught my attention. Sunset, by Gerrie Nordman.  I believe this one is an original design. There were many other small items, all beautiful.

10 Tulip Challenge
Betty Murray

10 Tulip Challenge
Memories by Donna Waterman

And the Ten Tulip challenge produced some real gems. Check out these photos. Betty Murray's used 3D flowers and great quilting stitches. Donna Waterman's was created from her own original photograph.

Another cute item I really enjoyed, while not actually quilted, was a related display.  Kelley Richardson had a display of her handcrafted teddy bears. Very cute. I once made a wobbly bear named Benjamin, and collected many others, so I paid particular attention to these very captivating creatures.

Another treasure at this show was the presence of some of the quilters from Denmark, to whom I spoke about quilts in Canada, and whose quilts are showing at Ailsa Craig May 1 to 5, 2012. I'll write about that when I go there.

One last thing I would like to mention, after seeing a number of recent quilt shows in the area, is that I've seen small regional influences amongst quilt guilds. I think this is because guild member influence each other, and teach each other. When they see their friends' quilts, they want to make something similar. So I believe I've been seeing these influences in the shows I've been visiting. I would like to explore this concept further. Stay tuned.

Quilt Guild Presentation - Ailsa Craig Quilt Festival

Wednesday night was my Waterloo County Quilter's Guild meeting, and there were two treats in store for us. Well, there are always many treats, like member show and tell, a well-stocked library, a featured quilt store, and a fabric bank. There is always an excellent presentation by a known quilter, but for this meeting there was an added bonus.

The first presentation we saw was by a volunteer group from Ailsa Craig, which is near London, Ontario. Jane Walker spoke about how the group came to fruition when they wanted to continue bringing in international quilters to the London area. This year, May 1st to 5th, 2012, they are presenting Quilts of Denmark, and had some examples to show. They have been travelling to many quilt guilds to drum up interest in their show. What a fabulous way to promote their show: the audience gets to see some of the quilts, hear from other quilters, (and their husbands!), all before the actual show itself. I greatly enjoyed this presentation, and now must see the entire show. There are workshops as well, and I'll have to see if I can schedule in at least one.

This photo is of Jane Walker, with four of the Quilts of Denmark. From left to right, we see Starry Starry Night by Maria Harrits, Out of the Box by Merethe Soeby, Travelling Scrap Quilt by Lena Cristensen, and Ladybirds in Shadow by Britta Stade.

Later that evening, the main presentation was by Cathy Miller, the singing quilter. She is somewhat world famous, having been singing about quilts for some years now, and in many locations around the world. She tours with her husband, and was in the Waterloo area this week for our guild meeting. What a wonderful show she does. If you've ever seen her quilts, or heard her sing, you'll know what I mean. She talks about her quilts, sings about her quilts, and weaves stories about her life into her songs and her quilts. What a beautiful example of an artist living her passion. I'm very inspired. Check her website here.