Here’s my entry for the 2016 Quilt Alliance contest, “Playing Favorites “. The design is inspired by Gwen Marston’s work, and the piece is titled “Gwen Visits the Farm”. The black fabric has animal sounds printed on it: “peep” etc.
“Gwen Visits the Farm”
The “Playing Favorites” theme of the 2016 Quilt Alliance contest is intended to capture a picture of quilting in 2016 by asking contestants to make quilts using their favorite techniques. I love improvisational quilting, and Gwen Marston was doing it long before anyone thought of the “modern” quilt movement!
In addition to making the quilt in Gwen Marston’s improvisational style, I quilted it using decorative stitches. I’ve used several of the decorative stitches on my machine for quilting for a long time now. However, I recently took a Craftsy class in which Jackie Gehring suggested using even more of the decorative stitches. I think the stitching reflects the state of the art of quilting in 2016, as well.
I’ve been thinking for YEARS of doing a series of quilts in the styles of my favorite quilt designers, so this is the first in that series. Please stay tuned!
Zippy Quilts 
Other favorites? I’d have a hard time naming names of designers, I think. Marston, certainly, though I don’t often work in a “liberated” style as the term has come to be understood. (If you read her comments on liberated quilting, I’m right in line with it…) Mary Lou Weidman is easily recognizable. But I’m not sure I could give you many more names, especially of people working a lot today. So I’ll look forward to your list and your pieces.
The idea actually started YEARS ago (I’m a little slow getting started) when I got a book by Mary Mashuta and wanted to make a quilt in her style–also not done yet, so she may be next. At present I think Maria Shell is my favorite quilt artist. Thanks for visiting!
Yes, I just thought of Maria Shell. She is distinct in a good way. 🙂
And not meaning to answer in dribs and drabs but Mashuta’s sister Roberta Horton is amazing, too.
Thanks! I don’t think I know Roberta Horton, but I’ll look her up.
I love “Gwen Visits the Farm”! What a cute block and a lovely title. Looking forward to seeing some more.
Thank you! I think it will be fun 😊
I like the series idea, the title, and the piece! I especially like the way the blue dances over it all.
Thanks so much!
It should be Mary visits with Gwen at the farm
Good point! Thanks for visiting 😊
so refreshing to read a like minded blogger/quilter! I mentally roll my eyes a lot at times about the “modern” quilt movement but end up being happy it has brought so many more younger people into quilting. I so love this quilt ! I look forward to seeing what you do next..
Thanks! And thanks for visiting 😊