Thursday, March 21, 2019

2019 WAV at Big Sky Quilt Show

I am fortunate to participate in the fiber art group of WAV (We of Artistic Vision).  They had a special display during the 2019 Big Sky Quilt Show called That Was Then, This Is Now.  We were to show something we created a while ago and then our most recent piece.

The Showbox Cover was representative of my older work.


Maze was representative of my latest work.


It appears that I still like "crumbing".

2019 Big Sky Quilt Show

I entered some quilts in the 2019 Big Sky Quilt Show.

For the past number of Big Sky Quilt Shows, we have created a challenge.  This year the gist was to create something showing a positive aspect of your community and include a light bulb in your creation.

Building a Brighter Tomorrow, One Quilt at a Time
Create a new, original quilt representing a positive aspect of your community.  Include a light bulb.  See Challenge Quilt Rules for full details.

Big Sky Quilt Retreat 2019 Challenge
March 14 – 16, 2019
Building a Brighter Tomorrow, One Quilt at a Time

The Challenge:

Create a new, original quilt representing a positive aspect of your community.  It could be physical (the Yellowstone River) or emotional (great neighbors).  And, since this is a challenge, we had to add a silly segment.  Include a light bulb somewhere in your creation.


The Technical Details:

1.     Entries are limited to completed quilts.
2.     A 4 inch sleeve must be attached to the top back of the quilt for hanging.
3.     Size: The quilt may be any shape.  The quilt’s total dimensions must be at least 120 inches and not larger than 180 inches (measure each edge of the quilt and total the measurements). Round quilt diameter no greater than 138 inches.
4.     An identification label must be securely sewn to a bottom back corner of the quilt and contain your name and the title of the quilt.
5.     Each entry form must be signed and accompanied by a $5.00 entry fee as outlined in the instructions on the entry form.
6.     Viewer’s choice will determine first, second and third place winning quilts.
7.     Prizes awarded will be $75 for 1st, $50 for 2nd and $25 for 3rd place.
8.     Entries can be dropped off on Tuesday, March 12th from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at the Shrine Auditorium in Billings, Montana as outlined in the instructions on the entry form.

9.     Entries can be picked up ONLY by the person designated on the entry form on Saturday, March 16th at the Shrine Auditorium at 1125 Broadwater Avenue in Billings, Montana.

My Home Community in the Challenge Category:

I wrote in yellow thread in the top of the light bulb.
My first sense of community is the home where I grew up.  I was lucky to grow up on a ranch in north central Montana.  I was surrounded by my family.  Even now, hanging out with my family is wonderful because they have the same background, through task and location, as me.  They get it.  Most of the people I encountered around my home shared the interest of keeping the animals safe and healthy.  I learned gratefulness for life and land.  I always had something to do.  I learned responsibility through 4-H, breaking horses, and stacking hay.  Things are always changing.  But I still like to take my boys to my home.

The Challenge Category awards money.  Other than Best of Show, the Challenge Category is the only category at the Big Sky Quilt Show that awards money.

There were only 3 entries in the Challenge Category in 2019.  I had to beg to get the third entrant.  I had ordered 3 ribbons and I wanted to make sure they were all awarded.

I won first place in the Challenge Category in 2019.  That awarded me a blue ribbon and a $75 check.

Split Rail Fence in the Small Quilt Category:


If your entry does not fit into any other category, consider the size of the quilt.  For the Small Quilt Category, total outside measurements should be between 73 inches and 222 inches.

Split Rail Fence in the Small Quilt Category:


Bitty Spools in the Miniature Category:


A miniature quilt is a scaled down version of a larger quilt. In other words, all elements of a miniature quilt (blocks, borders, sashing, etc.) should be reduced in size to a proportion that matches the size of the quilt.  If the quilt contains pieced blocks, blocks shall not measure more than 4 inches on any side. Quilts may be pieced, appliquéd, embroidered, or wholecloth. Quilts must consist of three layers and have visible machine quilting. Total perimeter of the quilt shall not exceed 96 inches and no single side shall be more than 24 inches in length.

Star Petal Table Topper in the Miscellaneous Category:


A quilted item that does not fit into any other category would be considered in the Miscellaneous Category.  This could include bags, purses, wearable fashion, placemats, table runners, etc.

Harvest in the Miscellaneous Category:


2017 Friendship in the Quilt Among Friends Category:


This category is suitable for guild quilts, round robins, group quilts, and charitable quilts with more than three persons participating. Minimum size is 190 perimeter inches.

Fire Season in the Art Category:


An art quilt is an original exploration of a concept or idea rather than the handing down of a “pattern”. It experiments with textile manipulation, color, texture and/or diversity of mixed media. An Art Quilt often pushes quilt world boundaries.

Exploding Star in the Large Quilt Category:


If your entry does not fit into any other category, consider the size of the quilt.  For the Large Quilt Category, total outside measurement should be 320 inches or larger.

Three of my quilts were in the quilt show to be used as a white background to pin on smaller quilts.  The white backed quilts are:
Glory  71 x 98
Holiday Cheer  65 x 81
Hot Flashes  70 x 93

I also had to decorate the front quilt show entry tables.  The tables are 8' long.  I had to use 4 quilts to cover the two tables:
A Tisket, A Tasket
Dream Weaver
The Crumbs That Started It All
Sew Easy Nap Quilt - Who Made That Quilt

Mom's 2019 Big Sky Quilt Show

Mom has been working on her Mariner's Compass (pattern by Judy Niemeyer) for about 3 years.  It was at my house on the quilting machine for 2 months.

The goal that I had given Mom was to have it ready for the Big Sky Quilt Show.  She didn't make the 2017 show since she had just started her quilt.  But she did have it done for 2019.

Mom's Mariner's Compass won Best of Show and first in the Large Category.


Pretty awesome!

The Best of Show honor also came with a $100 check.  All good.

Dillon's 2019 Big Sky Quilt Show

Dillon created the top of his wallhanging and thought it was to be called done.  I had to do a lot of talking to get him convinced that he needed to quilt his item.

Once Dillon got to quilting, he really loved the look of the pink thread on the black applique pieces.  Then he wanted to make more right away.



Dillon received a third place ribbon in the Youth Category.

Keegan's 2019 Big Sky Quilt Show

Keegan loves to have creations in the Big Sky Quilt Show in Billings, MT at the Shrine.

He was also monitoring very closely as I was entering People's Choice ballots into my database.  He wanted to win the blue ribbon.  That didn't work out for him this year.  Maybe next time :-)

Happy Deer Pincushion

Happy Birthday, Mom Banner

Happy Birthday, Mom received a second place ribbon in the Youth Category at the 2019 Big Sky Quilt Show.

Big K Wallhanging


Keegan was a lot of help during the show.  He asked the ladies if they needed any help.  Then, he would do whatever they asked.  He loves to be the center of attention.  And the ladies love it!