Virtual Quilt Show
The first-ever Virtual Quilt Show was held online from April 27 through to May 3. During this time of social distancing, the Virtual Quilt Show (VQS) was an opportunity for quilters from all over the world and all industry professionals to come together to showcase and celebrate quilting. The show brought together all the components of a traditional quilt show, in a brand-new experience. Approximately 50,000 people ‘attended’ the show by visiting VirtualQuiltShow.com throughout the week with thousands more interacting with the Virtual Quilt Show through social media and other platforms.
Event organizers said the idea for the show came from the desire to benefit the entire quilting community during this time of social distancing. With the help of technology, the quilting community was able to come together in a whole new way. Plus, the show was able to benefit quilters who might not otherwise be able to take part in large, traditional shows or educational opportunities due to location, travel, or other limitations. These attendees were able to still take part in viewing the quilts, taking classes from nationally-known educators and become more confident quilters through the experience.
Best of Show, Best Use of Appliqué – First
Crazy Four Ewe, 206cm x 220cm (81in x 86in), Janet Stone
Techniques: raw edge appliqué, embellished, couching, free-motion quilting on a domestic machine.
Artist’s statement: Original design inspired by wool appliqué and crazy quilts.
Viewer’s Choice: Overall Impact, Best Piecing – First
Jack’s Chain, 147cm x 178cm (58in x 70in), Lori Allison
Techniques: Hand and machine pieced. Quilted on a computerised quilting machine by Ann Zemke.
Artist’s statement: Showcasing large florals and classic prints from the Kaffe Fassett Collective.
Pattern design by Leesa Siegele.
Viewer’s Choice: Precision of Work
Andromeda Crossing, 210cm x 210cm (83in x 83in), Karen Marchetti
Techniques: Hand dyed mandalas, hand-dyed backing, machine appliqué, stitch in the ditch, ruler work, free-motion quilted on a hand-guided quilting machine.
Artist’s statement: An original pattern using my own ice-dyed mandalas. Background/border fabrics are commercial cottons. My friend said they looked like nebulas. I found a photo of Andromeda … which was spectacular and had the same purple and browns.
Quilters entered 239 pieces into the show. Using high quality photos, a panel of respected judges including Pat Harrison, Stevii Graves and Ricky Tims, judged the quilts. Show ‘attendees’ also had the chance to vote for their favourites using an online judging system. On May 1, prizes were awarded in 20 categories during a live awards show. Using Zoom, quilters from all over the world were able to accept their awards from host Linda V. Taylor.
In addition, the show featured more than 75 classes on a variety of subjects including piecing, quilting, design, thread painting, leather, and more. Students had the opportunity to select from pre-recorded classes or live sessions. And, of course, what is a quilt show without shopping opportunities? Through the VQS Vendor Mall, customers were able to interact with vendors in ‘live booths’ to learn more about products and view product demonstrations, plus shop the VQS store and take advantage of show specials.
For more information about the Virtual Quilt Show and future events, visit VirtualQuiltShow.com.
