Yesterday, Jim and I decided to head to North Chelmsford, Massachusetts to view the handiwork of the Chelmsford Quilter’s Guild. This event was set up at the Church of St. John the Evangelist on Middlesex St. and even though that street is a main street in the town, it was not marked so ended up doing a little creative detouring! More than 100 quilts of all sizes greeted us, as well as the friendly ladies who took our money, stamped our hands with hearts, and asked us each to choose a gift of a fabric Kleenex holder in various pretty prints – a lovely and unexpected touch!
“Accidental Peacock” by Melissa Jane Dawson was started a few years ago in a workshop by Karen Eckmeier called “Accidental Landscapes.” When this work was rotated 90 degrees, it was transformed into a peacock quilt!
Jim and I wandered around separately, he taking a few photos, and me lingering with the quilts that “spoke” to me. One quilt that I really liked was a small one composed of panels that depict Amish life. The fabric had been purchased by Jeanne Glenfield, one of the gals who started “A Quilter’s Gathering.” We lost her before she could do anything with those panels, so someone else has made them into a charming quilt. It made me smile to see Jeanne’s name again and to remember her generosity, as well as her delight in attending Elly Sienkiewicz’s appliqué academy!
When we arrived home, I looked at Jim’s photos that represent the quilts that we liked best. Color-wise, I was really drawn to “Blues Sampler” by Diane Loomis. The quilt was inspired by Jinny Beyer’s “Mirage” and has a wool batting. She used silk thread in both the machine needle and bobbin to quilt the piece. It is visually-stunning!
Another quilt I like is one from a “Regency Quilt” challenge among a group. The fabric squares are separated by narrow black sashings. I really like the larger-than-calico scale of the fabrics. Nancy Fabbri made this quilt as a Christmas gift to a friend.
“East Asian Studies” by Tina van Roggen is dedicated to her daughter who just completed a B.A. degree in the subject. I love all of the Japanese images: the flying cranes, the Koi fish, and the stylistic and artistic landscapes. Inspired by a design by Jane Barrett, owner of Quilter’s Way in West Concord, MA, this quilt was machine-quilted by Laurie LaConte.
“Tea and Friendship” is the result of friends getting together to each make a row. This quilt was put together by Nancy Fabbri. The quilt’s pastel colors are quintessentially “Spring,” and we liked the motifs embroidered in Outline Stitch embroidery.
The last quilt we will share here has an unusual and pleasant shape, and the corner pumpkins are wonderful! Beth Cardozo was inspired by the book, Pumpkins and Spice by Whimsicals. This quilt reminds us of autumn, our favorite time of year, here in New England.
There were many other worthy quilts in the show. This is just a Sample. Best wishes to all the ladies. Please keep up the great work. We really enjoyed your quilts!!!
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
