New Mexico State Fair 2018

New Mexico has a generous quantity of quilting talent. I'm always reminded of this when I attend local shows and the annual state fair in Albuquerque. I'd love to share a few of my personal favorites. I'd share the BBQ and pie too, except you weren't quite fast enough. Don't ask my husband; he'll tell you that's a lie. I'm really terrible at sharing dessert.

Anyhow, I better get to the quilts before I head to the kitchen. The following is the Best Miniature Quilt by Carol Johnson, and I'm going to hedge a bet that the Lil' Twister Pinwheel Ruler was involved. Ah yes, you can find the pattern for Twister Shimmer at the Quilt Moments website.

This is one doggone adorable quilt, and also Lori Box's Best of Show Machine Quilt.

Sandy Portlock received Best Wall Hanging for her version of Laura Heine's Perfect Form Dress Form.

So many ribbons were placed on Sandy Greenfield's Mariner's Compass designed by Judy Niemeyer, including Best of Show Machine Quilt and Best of Show Machine Quilt, that it's a good thing it's a very large quilt.

The quilting had very detailed motifs.

I appreciate how the quilting compliments the piecing, without detracting from the intricate foundation paper-pieced elements.

Here's more because it's just so pretty.

Keeping with the theme of circular designs, Kathrin Hain presented a Minimalist perspective with her Best Modern Quilt winner.

Now we're three for three in the realm of circular quilts with Deebee Risvold's Best Professional Quilt award for her Fandango.

 Vivian Phillips took home the best Novelty Quilt award.

 Jeannie Hurt received Best Art Quilt for her beautiful three-dimensional flowers.

Sally William's sharks chomped down a first in Mixed Technique. Her other first was for the Pieced and Machine Quilted category. I also had the pleasure of seeing some of her other work in an art exhibit at the New Mexico Natural History & Science Museum recently.

If there was an award for itty bittiest pebbles, I think she'd have that first locked down as well.

Shown in the middle, Debra Colonne Huser placed third with her Empire Place Quilt designed by Sassafras Lane.

Tori Ros made this Log Cabin, which led to a third place victory in the Pieced by Machine category. I love the tiny blocks and combination of low volume and scrappy fabrics.

I adore Lori Holt's designs, especially Farm Girl Vintage; and Susan Leach's was beautifully pieced and quilted. It placed second in Pieced by Machine.

Elizabeth Hartman's Nessie is taking on a new, humorous life thanks to Juliette Tafoya Leverette, who earned second in the Innovative category.

Alexiz Drager brought home the top honor among the youth for her Red Brolly Aloha Mermaid pillow. It's nice to see all ages participating in quilting.

That's all I managed to catch from the Fair, but I'll be back soon with some more inspiration.

Fun at the Fair: Part II

Welcome back to my New Mexico State Fair coverage. If you missed my last post, take a look if you'd like.
After several years of attempting to convinced the powers that be at the fair to change up their long-standing categories, a modern category has been added for the first time in forever.

Renee Hoffman of Quilts of a Feather, a good friend of mine, swept the competition, taking first on all four of the quilts she entered. Counterbalance won the Modern Pieced category.

In Memory of Jessica won first in the Non-Professional Fine Arts Mixed Media category.

Renee's Starry Night Over the Rhone brought home the Wholecloth category first place ribbon and the Best Novelty Quilt rosette, which is pulling her tiny piece a bit sideways since it's as large as the quilt.

Pythagorean Spiral won Innovative Pieced.

But First, Lama Take a Selfie! by Danyella Nava just makes me smile. The quilting adds to the piece, and I love her fabric choices. The first place Professional Pieced award is well-deserved. Block patterns are by Sew What, Sherlock?

Ann Peterson's version of Facets won second in the Modern Pieced category. Aren't her fabric choices wonderful? I love the texture provided by the low volume background.

Tisha Cavanaugh, my go-to longarmer and the President of ABQMQG, did very well. She earned the Best Modern Quilt award.

And if one rosette wasn't enough, she earned another for the Best Art Quilt.

She earned third for this piece, which is also beautifully quilted.

The fair entries have certainly reached a high level of workmanship and creativity. Congrats to all who entered!

Fun at the Fair: Part 1

I always enjoy seeing the quilts in the Home Arts section of the New Mexico State Fair. How about a look at some of the winners?

It's easy to see why Best of Show was awarded to Kathy Parker. Her machine quilting, appliqué, and precision piecing are impeccable.

The Best of Show for a Person Over 65 winner, Pat Vitale, shared her 2015 Craftsy Block of the Month quilt. The class is free, and kits are now on sale for under $80 for the 90" x 90" quilt. That's over half off!

Speaking of Craftsy, they're having a Farewell Summer Clearance Sale this weekend.

The Best Miniature Quilt award went to Lil Sprong, who was there when I photographed her tiny beauty. She is part of Creative Hands, a group that quilts together at Tramway Community Church in Albuquerque on Fridays.

Best Professional Quilt was earned by Rod Daniels.

The local traditional guild entered their raffle quilt, which was awarded the Group Quilt rosette.

While I've never attempted it myself, I do admire a vivid red background. This, adorable creatures, and embroidered wool appliqué make Paula Byrd's quilt really wonderful. The judge thought so too, and awarded it first in the Hand Appliqué division.

The proof is in the details.

Carla Beene was awarded first in the Innovative Machine Quilted division.

Her personalized details make this quilt really special.

Susan Leach earned a first place for her wall hanging.

First for Mixed Technique Wall Hanging was awarded to Heidi Busman. If there was a prize for best use of decorative stitches, I would have selected her.

Karen Shackleford's second place winner in the Machine Pieced category is a very fun alphabet quilt.

Did you enter anything at your local fair? If you shared it online, link in the comments below so we can check it out.