Colourful displays at big annual quilt show

May 20th, 2014
[by Val Armstrong]

Yet again crowds flocked to the Motueka Quilt Show last weekend, enjoying a very colourful and beautifully displayed setting of quilts, merchants selling their wares, sewing machines and lots of very interested people.

Over 1100 people went through the doors at the Recreation Centre over the three days. This is a very friendly show with everyone talking and discussing the quilts and the intricate detail of every piece.

Even the raffle was a highlight, the three prizes being a Bernette sewing machine (won by Mary Milner), a giant size quilt (Joan Curtain) and a basket full of goodies (Diane Holmwood).

The Hoffman Challenge
This annual challenge is one of New Zealand's main quilt competitions. This year there were 35 entries and 20 were selected from all over the country. Fabric is supplied to all entrants, and at least 50% or the fabric has to be used.

Jennie Green was the local entry that was accepted. Her design source, 'Grandmother's Bloomin' Basket', had over 600 hand sewn hexagons and several thousand stitches - she thought she must be bloomin' mad (photo below).

The winner was Ruth Wheeler from Whakatane. The Best Overall and viewers' choice was Paula Franklin from Russell with her Rose Window, based on the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

The New Zealand Challenge
In the touring quilt challenge, the rule is that the quilter must use at least 50% of the Kiwiana fabric range. The finished quilt must be smaller than one metre in either direction and it must comprise three layers stitched or fastened through all three layers.

The Local Annual Challenge
The subject for the local challenge was "Light", the quilter's design being their interpretation of light, within a size of 18 inches by 22 inches.

The winner was Heather McOnie with her contemporary interpretation of the sunrise with the beautiful colours of the early morning sky, creating patterns of light. She chose horizontal stripes to show variance in the colour and the use of felt for texture representing clouds. (See photo.)

Jennie Green's 'Night Light' was second, while third place went to Jenny Broadhead who also used the title 'Night Light'. It was inspired by towns and cities when daylight fades and interior lights are switched on . (See photos.)

Other noteworthy designs were Shirley Cooper's 'Auroura Borealis' representing the northern sky, Carol Moore's use of colour in 'Flower Garden', and Judy Drummond's 'Quilt for Max' which had amazing colours with so much depth and contrast. (Photos below.)

There was also a beautiful display of quilts made for the Prem Baby Unit in Nelson hospital, all made by members of the Motueka Quilting Connection, which hosted the show.

Show co-ordinator Judy Drummond said "the Motueka Quilting Connection really appreciated the retail shops who got behind us in the week leading up to the show, displaying our quilts in their windows".

'Grandmother's Bloomin' Basket' - Jennie Green	'Sunrise' - Heather McOnie
'Night Light' - Jennie Green	'Auroura Borealis' - Shirley Cooper
'Flower Garden' - Carol Moore	'Quilt for Max' - Judy Drummond

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