My final post from the Tokyo Dome is split into several parts. I didn't count the quilts in each competition category, but there seemed to be a lot more in the 'Traditional' category than in any of the others. Quilts in this section varied from the very traditional to borderline contemporary.
There were many quilts where the lively use of colour and pattern made traditionally inspired block patterns seem very modern.
In contrast to the lively, scrappy look, other quilts were very carefully coordinated and shaded.
Some quilts in this section could easily have been swapped into the 'Original Design' category, like this minimalist design with simple straight machine quilting and monochrome tumbling blocks. The colour scheme is shown best in the last photo.
There were plenty of taupe quilts in this section. This one made good use of ombre effects and touches of bright blue.
Another vividly coloured quilt - a wonderful mix up of fabrics.
With a quilt like this, the maker must have simply made lots of blocks before starting on the layout - there is so much variety.
This was one of several quilts where the binding fabric had been cut to show printed text.
These half square triangles had square spirals in couched braid on top. The bright turquoise accents are a little like the bright blue in the earlier taupe quilt.
Traditional applique, carefully chosen fabrics.
The final photo is most accurate for colour.
One of many Log Cabin variations, with a 1930s retro style.
Log Cabin with stripes.
There were fewer Baltimore style album quilts than I expected. This one had beautifully done hand applique but none of the three dimensional effects often seen on Japanese Baltimore quilts.
A version of Lucy Boston's Patchwork of the Crosses.
Pushing the boundaries of traditional...
The background division is interesting.
A border quilted with French knots.
Some blocks had amusing fussy cut centres.
There were a number of floral applique quilts, featuring very realistically shaded roses.
Log Cabin variation in (mainly) black and white.
This was one of my favourite block based quilts. I liked the asymmetric arrangement, with the extra strip of boderless blocks on the right, and the variation in the background fabric colour in the blocks. It makes the quilt much more interesting.
The choice of fabrics, mixing florals, geometrics, dots, text etc., is a popular thing with Japanese quilters. Even many of the fabric bundles sold by traders would seem rather uncoordinated to British and American quilters. I love the fabrics with text, the more oddball the better!
Rich chocolatey tones in this taupe quilt.
Aubergine and chartreuse, a very fashionable colour combination in interior design over the last few years.
Foundation pieced Mariners Compasses shaded across this quilt. Papers for these patterns can be bought ready marked, but the way the motifs were combined and the fabric shading effects made this quilt stunning.
Unfortunately, like many of the quilts at the show, it didn't hang well. This, along with vertical creases, seemed to be the biggest issue the quilters had with 'finish'.
Another Log Cabin with text prints and grapic patterns.
More photos to come!
4 comments:
Thank you very, very much for sharing all these pictures with us!! Your photography is terrific, and this is a huge treat.
Thank you for sharing. It was such a treat to explore these pictures.
You mention the problem with hanging. Can you discuss ways to avoid or fix? Thanks.
Not folding quilts with vertical folds is a good start. You can really see the vertical creases on many quilts in the photos. If you have to fold (i.e. can't roll a quilt), you should fold them for packing and sending with horizontal folds first and the face of the quilt outwards. This will minimise creasing on the right side and any creases will drop out under the weight of the quilt as it hangs for a day or two before judging. Also packing any folds with tissue paper etc. will help.
Blocking quilts before showing also helps, but you need a large area to lay the quilt out flat.
Thank you for posting
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