Vic Quilters Showcase 2014 - Sanderson's Apprentice

I spent a wonderful day today at the Melbourne Craft and Quilt Fair with my sister, Red Pepper Quilts and our Mum. 

We had a great time shopping at the many booths, chatting to many familiar faces and viewing the wonderful quilts on display as part of the 2014 Vic Quilters Showcase.

The highlight of the day, however, was being awarded First Prize in the Longarm Category as well as the Matilda's Own Excellence in Longarm Quilting Award for my quilt Sanderson's Apprentice.

Sanderson's Apprentice is a Sanderson Star quilt which was inspired by our visit last year to the Brisbane Exhibition - Quilts 1700 - 1945 which was an exhibition of quilts from the V&A Museum in London.  I was particularly struck by a stunning Sanderon Star Quilt by an unknown maker in yellow and cream fabrics with incredible hand quilting.  Being a machine quilter, hand quilting a quilt like this was clearly out of the question. 

The Sanderson Star design is named after its creator - Elizabeth Sanderson.  Elizabeth was an apprentice to the quilt marker and draper George Gardiner of Allendale, and her iconic style and expert skills made her more famous then her tutor.  Her reputation spread, and she set up her own business, taking live in apprentice to learn the trade.  

My version of the Sanderson Star Quilt was made with Oakshot Cottons.  The quilting motifs are based on traditional quilting designs but I have re-drafted them for machine quilting.  The quilt incorporates shadow trapunto for all the quilting elements - a bright red layer of fabric has been placed between the quilt top and the wadding to create the pink and apricot glow.

Detail - Sanderson's Apprentice

Matilda's Own Excellence in Longarm Quilting Ribbon

I would like to thank Vic Quilters for organising a wonderful quilt exhibition, the judges for what must have been some very difficult decisions and the volunteers for making the quilt show possible.  Congratulations to all those who entered a quilt for what is a fantastic display.  I would also like to thank all the sponsors for their continued support.  I will be heading back to the Melbourne Quilt and Craft Fair on Saturday for another dose of quilts and shopping.