Yes, once again, the Northwest Quilters’ Guild had Eastside Distilling among their vendors at the quilt show this weekend held at the Expo. I had to buy the Marionberry Whiskey for my partner Mike, because it was such a big hit last year. I also bought the cherry-flavored whiskey, which has just a hint of the fruit in it. Eastside Distilling has four locations in the Portland area and I’ve seen them at the Portland Farmers’ Market, if you are interested. They offer free tastes, so you can try before you buy.
But on a more serious note, I judged with Helene Knott again this year. The judging is not the traditional way that I usually do it, as we don’t give written feedback. Nor is there a Best of Show. Instead, there is a Viewers’ Choice. This is only the second year the Northwest Quilters’ Guild has judged the show in any way. We are slowly easing into it. Nonetheless, I still look for the same things, and I still follow the judging pathway: design followed by workmanship.
This quilt by Karen Esterholdt won first place in the applique category. The piece has great color gradation using prints, with the quilting and judicious use of beads contributing to the overall effect.
“Nautilus Japonicum” by Karen Esterholdt
“Nautilus” detail
Linda Becker’s quilt received Best Use of Color. I find this award frustrating, because quite often the award goes to the quilts with the brightest colors or the greatest variety of colors, neither which is hard to do. I find value to be more critical to a successful design, and Helene and I felt Linda had masterfully executed value gradation in this Double Wedding Ring.
“Love in the Garden” by Linda Becker
“Love in the Garden” detail
Here are two more quilts showing how value gradation plays an important role in executing a striking design. I don’t know Michael, but he did a great job. When I stood back from this quilt, the center really glowed.
“Striped Surprise II” by Michael Scott, quilted by Sherri Wallaert
This is a great use of value in a monochromatic color way.
“Fire Island Hosta” by Dianne Denhem, quilted by K. Peterson Quilting
Now for something different in neutrals. Bob Eldred has been making quilts in wood, which I didn’t know. Here are three examples of what he calls “Barn Door Quilts.” Bob is a very active guild member. While we were judging, he was working on a variety of set-up tasks.
“Mariner’s Compass” by Robert Eldred
“Nine-Patch” by Robert Eldred
“Greek Cross” by Robert Eldred
