Gail Garber Designs
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Quilts by Gail

Little House of Geese Design Elements

Little House of Geese by Lorna Shugren

Stone Cabin in the Woods by Lorna Shugren

Check out these cool variations on the “Little House” pattern.  Lorna took my class just six days before she sent this image of her completed quilt “Stone Cabin in the Woods”.

She says, “Thank you for a great class. I will absolutely use what I learned in future projects.’

Lorna Shugren
Carson valley Quilt Guild

The class was hosted by the Carson Valley Quilt Guild in Carson City, NV.  In this class, students work on design, in addition to stitching techniques.  I love her adaptations.  Below is an image of my original design.

Little House of Geese by Gail Garber (c) 2012

Little House of Geese by Gail Garber (c) 2012

This pattern is available on my website.  What changes might you make to this little pattern?  Please send photos of your completed project.

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AQS Quiltweek Albuquerque – Large Competition Quilts, part 3

There were so many wonderful quilts in the AQS Quiltweek Albuquerque show! It’s a pleasure to share a few more with you. Here are three more of the large competition quilts that caught my eye.

This is My Last, Last Price by Anne Armour, Jackson, TN, is a masterful depiction of an exotic (to us) market scene. The faces and hands tell us so much much about these people that subtitles would probably not add a thing. The design was inspired by Rudolph Swoboda‘s The Carpet Seller, which was included in Masterpieces of Orientalist Art: The Shafik Gabr Collection by M. Shafik Gabr.

101 Anne Armour This is my Last Last Price

 

Marilyn Badger and Claudia Clark Myers, St. George, UT, were awarded Third Place in the longarm machine quilted division. Claudia likes to use traditional blocks in a nontraditional way. Here we see mariner’s compasses morphing into feathers.

201 Marilyn Badger and Claudia Clark Myers Red Feathers

 

Do you know how we can tell this is a Christmas quilt? No L!  No L was created by Janet Stone, Overland Park, KS, who was inspired by traditional New York Beauty quilts. This quilt was awarded Honorable Mention. What pleasing symmetry and balance of colors and motifs!

116 Janet Stone No L

 

This Day of the Dead themed quilt was right at home here in New Mexico.  Ann Horton, Redwood Valley, CA, was awarded First Place for Life Everlasting. She employs Latino sugar skulls and dancing skeletons to assure us that after death can be blessed.

108 Ann Horton Life Everlasting

 

Here’s a closeup that shows the jubilant details of the sugar skulls.

108 Detail

 

 

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AQS QUILTWEEK IS COMING TO ALBUQUERQUE!

American Quilters Society QuiltWeek®

Albuquerque, New Mexico

January 14-17, 2015

It includes two very special exhibits near and dear to me!

Click Here to Visit the Admissions Page

 

 

Shades of the Southwest, curated by Donna Barnitz and myself

The Southwest holds a special magic that speaks, not only to those that call it home, but others who’ve only visited.  The thirty one quilts in the Shades of the Southwest exhibit embody all of the qualities that make this landscape unique, from the granite rock formations, to the Native American culture, to the plants and animals that call the desert home.  The quilts honor our vibrant blue skies and unforgettable sunsets, our stately yucca and prickly cactus, and our favorite mode of transportation, a humble pickup truck.  Quilt artists were inspired by the designs of the ancient inhabitants, the traditional art of the region and particularly by the colors of this beautiful part of America.  The exhibit drew entries from throughout the United States and Canada.  Click Here to see more images of quilts from this exhibit.

New Mexico's Turquoise Trail, by Vicky Conley

New Mexico’s Turquoise Trail, by Vicki Conley

The Quilts of Gail Garber:  Thirty Quilts from Thirty Years

I am very flattered that the American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek Show in Albuquerque is featuring an exhibit of thirty of my quilts, from 1980 to 2014.   This special exhibit includes some quilts from private collections as well as two that are in the collection of the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY.  This will be the first time that this many of my quilts have been exhibited together.  Follow the trail of my quilting life, from that very first quilt, through my fascination with pictorial applique, to the color saturated, free-form pieces that I enjoy now.

First Quilt, by Gail Garber, 1980

First Quilt, by Gail Garber, 1980

Climate Change, by Gail Garber and Kris Vierra, 2013

Climate Change, by Gail Garber and Kris Vierra, 2013

Great Group Quilts

Friday, January 16

10:00 a.m.

Registration Information

On Friday, January 16, at 10 a.m., I will lecture on my work creating Great Group Quilts.  One of my specialties, as well as one of my favorite things to do is to coordinate a ‘Quilt-in-a-Day’ my way.  I’ll share knowledge gleaned from twenty-two years of experience creating full-sized raffle quilts each pieced in a fun-filled, one-day session for 10-14 quilters, ranging from beginner to advanced.  Lest you think that this is a staid affair, you might be wrong!  Join in the fun and see what happens at Quilt Retreat!

Hawks Aloft Raffle Quilt 2013

Hawks Aloft Raffle Quilt 2013

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Creativity Soars at The Main House at Creations

What more could one ask for than the perfect retreat center, the best classroom ever and an amazing store right across the parking lot?  And, best of all, we had 3.5 beautiful days together.  This class was one of the most stimulating I have ever taught.  Check out these designs in progress.

Gail Barnett Design

Gail Barnett Design

The first day students worked on drawing their designs, after working through some design exercises to help them become familiar with the various fillers that are used most frequently. Above, Gail Barnett came to class with the idea to make a Celtic knot.  In this image you can see the pieced flying goose strips overlaid atop her drawing. Gail used a 20 Fat Quarter pack of Starr Designs hand-dyed fabric to achieve the rainbow run.

Linda Neal at her sewing area in the classroom at The Main House

Linda Neal at her sewing area in the classroom at The Main House

Each student had three full tables to themselves in the brightly lit classroom at The Main House at Creations.

Denise Williams Star

Denise Williams Star

It’s always the quiet students who breeze along.  By day two of class, Denise Williams had already completed this original design compass which will become the center medallion in a larger quilt for “Stars and Stripes” for the Quilts of Valor Project to donate patriotic quilts returning military men and women.

Francine Doyle Design

Francine Doyle Design

Fran Doyle, one of two Aussies in this enthusiastic class, was working on a setting sun with a Pointy Dude border across the top of her design.

Pat Corcoran Design

Pat Corcoran Design

Pat Corcoran was inspired by the bright print with the colorful circles.  She used two different pieces of a commercially dyed gradation fabric for her color run.  As expected, no one finished their designs in class, but each student was well on their way.

Mary Allen Design

Mary Allen Design

Mary Allen created this asymmetric star and was auditioning fabrics for the surrounding border.

Marie Robinson Design

Marie Robinson Design

Marie Robinson was the other Aussie student. The above image shows the mirror image created via paper foundation piecing techniques. Marie and Fran, both temporary Houstonians and close friends, were charming and fun to be around, with entertaining stories about life in Western Australia.

Linda Arnold Design

Linda Arnold Design

In Linda Arnold’s design above, it is easy to see the paper design as it developed in fabric.  The finished quilt top is always a mirror image of the drawing unless one works to reverse the design.

Kate Premeaux Design

Kate Premeaux Design

Kate Premeuax, a former art teacher, drew an ambitious design that will become a triptych. It will be three separate quilts that all share an overriding theme.   I can’t wait to see this and all the other quilts that will come from this class.

Additionally, I have several new friends.  We are all meeting for dinner one night at Massa’s, one of my favorite Houston restaurants, during International Quilt Festival next week.  So much fun these classes are.  If you have a chance to take a multi-day workshop, I highly recommend The Main House at Creations.  Check out their upcoming schedule.

Thank you Barbara Quinby, Julie Milam and Kathy Thompson for making this trip possible, for having such a wonderful shop and retreat center, and for your wonderful hospitality!

Now, I am off to Paducah, to teach another three day class at the National Quilt Museum.  Paducah, City of Crafts and Folk Art, here I come!

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Quilt Retreat at The Main House at Creations in Kerrville, TX

Tonight I find myself in a wondrous ~10,000 square foot, quilter’s dream palace.  It’s called The Main House at Creations, in Kerrville, TX.

The Main House in Kerrville

The Main House in Kerrville

Tomorrow morning, I get to sew in the most amazing classroom ever, stitching the binding on a queen-sized quilt in spacious splendor while I await the arrival of my students for the next 3.5 days.

Creations

Creations

Furthermore, The Main House is right across the parking lot from Creations, one of the best quilting shops ever!

The Main House Studio

The Main House Studio

Check out the classroom- studio! Each student has – not just 1/2 table shared with a tablemate, but three entire tables to themselves, and a fabulous comfy chair to boot!  I cannot wait to teach in this classroom.  But wait, there’s more wonderment.

Dining Room

Dining Room

A spacious dining room sits to one side of the main floor, and during organized retreats, all food is provided.  The coolest thing ever is that you and your friends can rent this spacious retreat house for your own retreat.  What could be better!

Upstairs Lounge

Upstairs Lounge

Upstairs, there’s a nifty little lounge, where I sit now, typing this post!

Wall decorations

Owners, Julie Milam and Kathy Thompson, have gathered some classic pieces to add to the decor, and created a comfortable and colorful feel to each room.

Poppy Room

Poppy Room

The Main House sleeps 24 people in 6 guest rooms and 9 bathrooms!  Each room is decorated with a different theme, and all rooms are named after Texas cities.

Cowgirl

Cowgirl

Julie told me that she and Kathy fell in love with this painting, and it became the centerpiece of one of the bedrooms.

Cowboy Boots

Cowboy Boots

Bench and quilt

Bench and quilt

One of the rooms is decorated in Tres Chic in pastel colors.

Pastel Room

Pastel Room

Although tonight I am the only guest, I can imagine the fun that will begin tomorrow!  Next time you and your friends are looking for a retreat facility, be sure to put The Main House on the top of your list!  One group travels all the way from Alaska to spend a winter week here, stitching away in the Texas sunshine.

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AQS Chattanooga – Cartwheel Constellation Class

Cartwheel Constellation © 2010 by Gail Garber and Donna Barnitz

Cartwheel Constellation © 2010 by Gail Garber and Donna Barnitz

My first day-long class at AQS QuiltWeek Chattanooga was a freezer paper foundation piecing class, using the pattern Cartwheel Constellation.  The skill level was intermediate, although to be honest, foundation piecing is pretty much all the same technique.  The complexity comes in the assembly.  Students started off by making the quilt center parts with the pineapple block set inside the star points.  It is always best to make the toughest part first.

Using the Add-a-Quarter Ruler

Using the Add-a-Quarter Ruler

In all of my foundation piecing classes, we trim using the Add-a-Quarter ruler.  I try to make this technique, which is not intuitive to novices, as structured as possible.

Ripping off the freezer paper

Ripping off the freezer paper

Once the foundation pieced sections are done, the paper is removed before stitching the parts together.    It wasn’t long before the first star points began appearing.  See the photos below.

Star Point by Jacqueline Fulginiti

Star Point by Jacqueline Fulginiti, Reston NY

Star point by Diane Hermann, Middleburg, FL

Star point by Diane Hermann, Middleburg, FL

Star point by Connie Gratias, Alexandria, MN

Star point by Connie Gratias, Alexandria, MN

Star Point by Cheryl Smith, Chattanooga, TN

Star Point by Cheryl Smith, Chattanooga, TN

What a fun and enthusiastic group of students participated in this class!  I love how all the pieces turned out so differently despite the fact that everyone used the same pattern.

Cartwheel Constellation Class

Cartwheel Constellation Class

Day one of classes was definitely a success!  I can’t wait to see the photos of the finished quilts!  Great job, ladies!

 

 

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A Visit to eQuilter

How time flies when you are having fun!  Just last month, I enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of Maine Quilters, while August was much about family and friends in Colorado, our neighbor to the north.  My sis, Ann Rhodes, has lived in Boulder for many years.

The Flatirons west of Boulder, CO

The Flatirons west of Boulder, CO

Typical of other visits to Boulder, our days began with hikes in the open space west of the city, marveling at the majesty of the jagged peaks.  One morning, I set off alone, aiming to climb to the top of the NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) hill.  Huffing and puffing, I made it to the top only to find a lone

Deer

Deer

deer.  Since no hunting is allowed in the city of Boulder, open space included, the deer are remarkably unconcerned about the presence of people, so this one just gave me a quick look and resumed nibbling on the tender shoots.  There is much to do in Boulder besides hiking!  It also is home to eQuilter founded and owned by Luana and Paul Rubin.

Luana Rubin at her desk

Luana Rubin at her desk

Luana’s background was in fashion design with a specialty in imports, working in New York City and traveling the world.  She loved New York and the fashion industry.  After she met and married Paul, they moved to Colorado to he make their home.  Luana signed up for a Log Cabin quilting class and fell in love!  From then on, there was no looking back and she took as many classes as possible with just one problem — she couldn’t find all of the fabrics she wanted for her quilts.

So, Luana and Paul started eQuilter in the basement of their home in March of 1999, 15 years ago.  Paul was a web designer, who had the expertise to create their website.  Initially, they specialized in Asian fabrics and a three year business plan.  They exceeded that plan in only 60 days!

eQuilter Warehouse

eQuilter Warehouse

Today, their expansive warehouse holds 18,000 – 20,000 items at any given time with over 1,000 new products every month.

Designed by Stephanie Brandenburg for Frond Fabrics

Designed by Stephanie Brandenburg for Fernhill Fabrics

This includes an amazing array of fabrics, including this new line  by Stephanie Brandenburg,

Every solid color in the world

Every solid color in the world

and just about every imaginable solid color in the world.

Orange Fat Quarter Packs

Orange Fat Quarter Packs

Lime Fat Quarter Packs

Lime Fat Quarter Packs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I loved all the bright fat quarter packs in lime, orange, yellows and more!

Luana and Yours Truly with a terrific bolt of fabric!

Luana and Yours Truly with a terrific bolt of fabric!

After our tour, Luana and I had fun at the cutting counters, before we headed off to lunch and I learned more about this remarkable woman and the charity work of eQuilter.  Stay tuned . . .

 

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Quilt in Progress – Round 2

Thank you all for your lovely and thoughtful comments about my quilt in progress that I posted back in May.  I appreciate all your suggestions too!  But, in case you missed that post, this was the photo I posted then.

Quilt in Progress

Quilt in Progress

Here’s what I asked:  It currently measures 66″ x 75″.  Do you think it needs one more border to be complete?  If so, what would you recommend as the outermost border?
Thanks for any suggestions.  And, here’s what I did after reading your comments.

Quilt in Progress - Round 2

Quilt in Progress – Round 2

What do you think?  It has gone off now to Kris Vierra, of Lincoln, Nebraska, for her magnificent quilting.  Many thanks to  Donna Barnitz and Afton Warrick for collaborating and partnering with Kris and me on this one!

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