Tokyo International Great Quilt Festival 2009

I went. And it was a beautiful show, better than last year, in my opinion. So many thoughts in my head right now, about so many of the quilts. But while I continue to distill my thoughts a bit, everyone waits to see the photographs. Like in previous years, the pictures cannot do justice to the quilts. Quilts may look two-dimensional, but really, they are more 3-D than I believed they were. Especially this year, there were more subtle textures, barely visible folds and understated, yet dynamic quilting patterns.

This award-winner seemed to give some validation/acceptance to a rougher style of quilting that involves large stitches, freehand patterns, and true patchworking. I loved it.  Close-up of the quilting here.

After my first look through the antique exhibits, and the Forest-themed quilts, I went back to have the slower, near-and-far time with some favorites. If you ever plan to go to the show, later in the day is a dream! Crowds thin out so fast! This quilt is one of those quiet stunners, to me. Called “Mystery Square”, it is based on the old-fashioned Burgoyne Surrounded block. I have seen this quilt made in variations of light and dark, but never like this.

At first, all I could see was asymmetry.  But then the design-by-omission game came into focus.  One part is removed throughout the center and outer frame. 

So back and forth I went, looking at the overall design and admiring the piecing.  As for the “Mystery Square”?  Personally, I think it’s this one:

Perhaps there can be a secret society of quilt show visitors, comprised of people who Found the Bee.

Detail from this award-winning quilt. At first glance, I saw Botanical Applique Quilt in Muted Colors. My partner-in-crime brought me up close, to see the fantastic background fabric and applique details,  and I was in awe. Every section had something surprising and beautiful. And the fiddleheads! Baby fiddleheads made from yarn. Love.

One of few quilts that I could look at all day.  This is another one with textures and details that cannot be picked up by a camera.  But maybe with a half dozen photographs?  Check.  You might recognize this style—I fell in love with this quilt by the same maker in 2006.

The whole set of photographs is here. This quilt show is perfectly timed, in the middle of what is “quilting season” for many people, and a time for renewal and thoughts of what is to come in this new year. Enjoy.