Quilts, quilts and more quilts!

Yes, it was the annual quilt show in New Braunfels, Texas, this weekend, so I had to check it out...especially since my sister-in-law, Caryl Gaubatz, is an avid quilter. Now I've quilted a couple of small wall-hangings before...one was by hand and one by sewing machine. I enjoyed doing them, but I will be the first to admit that I don't have the patience to do this...especially the hand quilting. But after my feeble attempts, I have a deep appreciation for the people that have a unique talent at this form of art.

Quilting has gone WAY beyond your grandmother throwing a few pieces of left-over fabric together to keep you warm at night. Although you have to appreciate the history of that, quilting has become an art in its own right, which I experienced today. Since Caryl is extremely talented at this, I will begin with the pieces she had displayed.

This is a small art quilt called "Redemption." It is hand-dyed and degummed silk organza, ink jet printed photos on silk habutai, hand-embroidered, machine-quilted, screen-printed. The hand-embroidered portrait of a mother and her new born is contrasted with photos of children encountered by the artist in Saudi Arabia and Iraq during the first Gulf War. "Redemption comes when we love our children more than we hate our enemies." Notice the obscure faces in the background...very haunting.

A close-up in which you can see the detail of the work. (You can click on the photo to see a larger image.)

This one is what is known as "wearable art." "Hundertwasser's Holiday" is a hand-painted vest with thickened dyes on silk broadcloth. Friedensreich Hundertwasser (born 1928 in Austria) is a painter, architect and visionary, who was "green" before his time. His work is characterized by bold bright colors and a profound respect for the environment. Caryl was inspired by his imagery and color schemes when she created this vest.

Another close-up of the details.

I wish I had the details to all the other quilts on display, but just had to satisfy myself with pictures. I've started out with the more contemporary displays, most of which were smaller wall hangings instead of full size quilts.

There were patriotic ones.


And those dedicated to Texas.

Holiday ones.


And the traditionals.

Here are some closeups to show you the detail that goes into these pieces. When you're talking a full size quilt, you can just imagine the time that it takes to complete.

This was the "Best of Show." You have to appreciate the time and work that goes into this when you can see all the little pieces of fabric that come together as a work of art.

Lots of pretty fabric for sale.

As well as some baskets made in Africa!

So next time you crawl under your grandma's quilt and get all comfy and cozy, think of the tender loving care that went into that piece of art. Thank God it hasn't become a "lost" art...in fact, it's alive and well.