Walking into the Exhibition Hall housing the quilts comprising the Association of Pacific Northwest Quilters (APNQ) Pacific Northwest Quiltfest, I was suddenly overwhelmed by the beauty, complexity, and art of the quilts before me. As I looked at each quilt more closely and realized the perfection of numerous techniques, I was awed and immensely proud to be a part of an association of quilters whose work rise to the highest standards in the world of quilting. The job of being a juror or judge for this event must have been a tremendously difficult task. The quality of the quilts is represented in the winning entries pictured below.

The Association of Pacific Northwest Quilters (APNQ) presents the Pacific Northwest Quiltfest every other year in Seattle, Washington. This year the Quiltfest was held on August 13, 14 and 15 at Seattle Center, the site of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. The Quiltfest is an immensely popular juried and judged regional show with quilts from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, USA, and Alberta, British Columbia, The Northwest Territories, and The Yukon, Canada. This year approximately three quilts for every one that hung were juried.

In addition to the approximately 250 quilts which were the main highlight of Quiltfest, there were two special exhibits: "Pieces of Paradise" from New Zealand and the traveling “International Alphabet Challenge” presented by quilt artists from Japan, France and USA. APNQ also presented its invitational exhibits "Accoutrements: A Selection of Handbags" and a traveling collection of 52 small quilts interpreting the theme "Telling Secrets" made by APNQ members.

The pieces from both invitational exhibits were auctioned at a gala event on Saturday evening to benefit APNQ. Additionally, a new traveling exhibit "Wish you were here..." was introduced. These 24 x 36 inch quilts will travel for the next two years and be auctioned at the 2006 Quiltfest.

To further add to the attendees’ enjoyment of the event, 50 vendors tempted the visitors with items from hand dyed quilt fabric to longarm quilting machines. Five Lectures a' la Carte were offered each day. These lectures were presented by outstanding quilters on many topics and were so popular several of them sold out. A certified quilt appraiser and a quilt restorationist were also available by appointment.

To learn more about APNQ and the Pacific Northwest Quiltfest, visit their website www.apnq.org.

All photos were taken by Janice Lee Baehr, APNQ Vice President & Publicity Chairman.

“Roses for Lillie” By Carol Barton

Roses for Lillie received Best Innovative. Its’ creator, Carol Barton Jerome of Clinton, Washington, said “I was inspired by the Art Nouveau style roses but I wanted to use them in a more contemporary way. As my design ideas progressed, they became bolder and more colorful.”

“It’s About Time” By Janet Steadman

The coveted Best of Show award was pinned on “It’s About Time” created by Janet Steadman, Clinton, Washington. Janet’s inspiring words: “I have always been aware of the passage of time and the need to use it wisely, but my appreciation was heightened when mid-way through this quilt I was diagnosed with a potentially life threatening illness. Despite surgery and debilitating treatment, I was determined to finish this quilt within three months.”

“From Baltimore to Boistfort” By Bonnie L. Keller

Bonnie L. Keller’s quilt, “From Baltimore to Boistfort” was judged as Best Traditional. This quilt was inspired by a class with Carol Wight Jones and a pattern from “Papercuts & Plenty” by Elly Sienkiewicz. Bonnie said: “One of the first places I lived as a young married adult was Baltimore. Now I live in the Boistfort Valley outside Chehalis, WA. The silhouette in the center block is me and the sentiments in each block are things I value.”

“A Girl’s Lace Blouse” By Cathy Erickson

Cathy Erickson’s quilt “A Girl’s Lace Blouse” captured the Best Small award. Cathy lives in Washougal, Washington, and said “this quilt is based on my chalk drawing of part of a lace blouse.”

“Northwest Autumn Breezes” By Heidi S. Lund

Heidi S. Lund of Kingston, Washington, captured the Best Wearable award with her “Northwest Autumn Breezes” which was inspired by Purrfection 1030 Jakarta jacket pattern. Heidi said: “Black Pimatex was painted with Lumiere metallics and covered with over 7500 yards of free motion threadwork to create this jacket. It is embellished with hand carded wool, ultra suede and metallic faille leaves.”

©2004 Ila F. McCallum
Ila’s Quilt Studio
www.ilasquiltstudio.com
www.thequiltercommunity.com