Quilting in Savannah

“Quilt Con” Travel Notes

Fabric Editions sent a creative team to Savannah, Georgia, February 23-26 for the Modern Quilt Guild’s annual international conference, known as “Quilt Con East 2017”.  We admired the fabulous quilts,  were delighted to see the amount of participation in events like Orlando Pulse and guild charity quilts,  and were impressed with the creative energy.  The show was more than I had expected!

So why am I doing a show wrap up now, six months later? Because I’m still inspired and want to share some energy with you.  It’s amazing what my productivity level has been since the show. My color choices are just a little different. I’ve been daring.  Meeting authors, bloggers and designers was inspirational.

Here are a few highlights. Major categories in this ‘modern’ show were Minimalism design, Modern Traditionalism, Piecing, Use of Negative Space, and Improvisation.

The Minimalism category lets your eye rest. No longer will you be discouraged by the number of blocks needed to make a quilt. For example, on the left is Windy III by Emily Parson of Saint Charles, IL.  On the right is Cheryl Brickey’s Warp and Weft, American Patchwork & Quilting’s Nine-Patch Challenge winner.

Modern Traditionalism allows you stay with the blocks you know and love. Skip the sashings, change the size, play with color and settings! On the left is 21 Blocks, by Katie Clark Blakesley of Utah, on the right is “Fireworks” by Jeannie Jenkins in Ontario, Canada.

The Quilt Con East 2017 Best of Show

“Bling” by Katherine Jones of Tasmania. She foundation pieced the quilt from solid fabrics. It was stunning!

A little about the beautiful host city,  Savannah, Georgia

History is everywhere, mixed in with hipness from Savannah College of Art and Design. Known as SCAD, some of the country’s most talented designers graduate and go on to influence media on all levels. The historical squares are charming to discover. Restaurants are easy to find, some proudly Southern, all were fresh and delicious (quilters love to eat, right?).  Public transportation is readily available and tour buses are plentiful, so it’s easy to get around.  Big hotels are in the city, but there are other options. I found an inn walking distance from the river (free public ferry boat to the show!) that was amazing. It was fun to see quilted tote bags and quilt ladies invading the city.  Hopefully the show will return someday, but until then, y’all should visit!

You will want to be part of this Quilt Con show next year, to see, learn, and mingle with modern quilters.  Put on your calendar Pasadena, California 2018 and Nashville, Tennessee in 2019. Right now, getting into Fall quilting season, try something new and different. At ACMoore stores,  look for our Fabric Palette rolled fat quarter solids.  Be inspired!