Warm. Comfy. Cozy. All good words to describe the average quilt.
But if you’ve seen any of the 500 creations on view at the Chattanooga Convention Center for AQS QuiltWeek, you’ve probably reached two conclusions: These are not average quilts, and you’ll need to dig deeper into your vocabulary to describe them.
We’ll spell it out with these five words:
Quintessential. Unusual. Intricate. Lavish. Timeless.
You’d be hard-pressed to find more sterling examples of the quilter’s craft. From a distance, you wouldn’t guess that these artworks are made of fabric – that such designs even could be made of fabric. You’ll be amazed by quilters’ imaginations and the innovations in devices that make the works possible.
For example, Marilyn Badger of Utah was last year’s Best in Show winner in Chattanooga for “Exuberance.” Two years in the making, the original design featured hand and machine applique, machine piecing and longarm quilting.
The four-day expo by the American Quilter’s Society continues today through Saturday, Sept. 17-19. Quilters of all skill levels can learn new techniques at workshops and stock the sewing kit at a massive merchants market.
But this show is not just for quilters. It’s for anyone ready to marvel at the handiwork of some of the world’s best fiber artists.
Special exhibits at the Chattanooga show
‘ Authors’ Showcase, publications ranging from how-to quilt books to quilt-based fiction.
‘ “Living Colour,” a challenge exhibition of 32 vibrant works curated by Australian fiber artist Brenda Gael Smith.
‘ “New Quilts From an Old Favorite – Nine Patch,” 18 finalist and winning quilts from a National Quilt Museum challenge to create an innovative quilt based on a specific traditional pattern.
‘ “Red, White & Quilted,” featuring six antique quilts and numerous newly constructed beauties in red and white.
‘ “SAQA Wide Horizons IV,” a Studio Art Quilt Associates showcase of small works by artists from Europe and the Middle East. The exhibit appears in the United States only at AQS QuiltWeek events in 2015.
‘ “Stitch Like an Egyptian,” a collection of applique art for show and sale by the Tentmakers of Cairo. Patterns are based on geometry, sacred texts and ancient artwork.
‘ The Wicked Cherrywood Challenge,” a traveling exhibit of 20-inch square quilts influenced by the Broadway musical “Wicked.”
SCHEDULE
(Full schedule at www.quiltweek.com.)
TODAY, SEPT. 17
‘ Piecing
8:30-11:30 a.m. “Hexagons for the Beginner” with Sandi Suggs
8:30-11:30 a.m. “Turnstile” with Debbie Grifka
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. “Frog Legs and Key Limes” with Cathy Busch
‘ Quilting and Finishing – Home Machine
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. “Meet Me at the Bar” with Pat Delaney
‘ Quilting and Finishing – Longarm
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. “Art and Stitch: Basics and Beyond” with Mary Beth Krapil
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. “Fearless Beginnings to Free Motion Quilting” with Pam Clarke
‘ Creative Crafts
1-4 p.m. “Coasting Into Leather” with Sherry Rogers-Harrison
‘ Lectures
10-11 a.m. “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” with Sandy Fitzpatrick
Noon-1 p.m. “Pieces of the Prairie” with Lori Triplett
2-3 p.m. “What Do They Mean by Modern Quilting?” with Debbie Grifka
‘ Special events
4:30-6 p.m. “Design, Write, Print” with Kimberly Tetrev
7-8:30 p.m. A Special Evening With Charlotte Angotti
FRIDAY, SEPT. 18
‘ Color and Design
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. “Danglers: Curvies and Wedgies (Linear Tails)” with Dianne S. Hire
‘ Piecing
8:30-11 a.m. “Floral Table Runner” with Cathy Busch
8:30 a.m-4 p.m. “Cherry Fizz” with Pat Delaney
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. “Let Me Surprise You” with Charlotte Angotti
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. “Pineapples on Point” with Sandi Suggs
1-4 p.m. “3-6-9-12 Sew” with Cathy Busch
‘ Lecture
10-11 a.m. “Quilts From the South” with Connie Brown
Noon-1 p.m. “Celebrating the Blues Trunk Show: From Africa to America” with Lori Triplett
2-3 p.m. “Crystals Make a Quilt Go Pop” with Linda Barrett
‘ Special event
7-8:30 p.m. “An Evening With Pat Delaney: What Is Under Her Bedclothes?”
SATURDAY, SEPT. 19
‘ Color and Design
8:30-11:30 a.m. “Catch the Mug Rug” with Sherry Rogers-Harrison
‘ Piecing
8:30-11:30 a.m. “Elegant Slender Curvies” with Dianne S. Hire
8:30-11:30 a.m. “Material Girl” with Charlotte Angotti
8:30-11:30 a.m. “Which Way Is Up”with Sandi Suggs
‘ Quilting/Finishing – Home Machine
8:30-11:30 a.m. “Tickle Me With Feathers” with Pat Delaney
‘ Special event
9-10:30 a.m. Brunch with Dierdra McElroy: “The Tifaifai Way” (Tahitian applique)
If you go
‘ What: AQS QuiltWeek
‘ When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. today and Friday, Sept. 17-18; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
‘ Where: Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza
‘ Admission: $11.20 American Quilter’s Society members, $14 nonmembers (separate charges for workshops)
‘ Website: www.quiltweek.com
Did you know?
The downtown branch of the Chattanooga Public Library, 1001 Broad St., has Sew What sessions for teens and tweens from 4 to 5 p.m. every Friday afternoon. Sew What is a chance to hang out with other sewers, get creative and learn about sewing. Every month will focus on a different project. Participants also can bring their own projects to work on in the group. Get more information at 423-643-7700.
Save the date
‘ A quilting class for adults will be held next week at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. M.L. King Blvd. Classes will meet 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday, Sept. 21-25. Cost is $25, and class size is limited to 10 people. Register by calling 423-266-8658.
‘ The American Sewing Guild, Chattanooga Chapter, will present a free National Sewing Month community project from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, on the fourth floor of the Chattanooga Public Library, 1001 Broad St.
In addition to the Sit-and-Sew area, where community members will be making blankets for the homeless, there will be a Make-and-Take area for those who’d like to try their hand at sewing. Sewing machines will be available for use; no experience necessary. Questions, curiosity and projects from home are welcome. For more information, call 423-757-5310.