Inspirational Sunday 9 - via the 2013 International Quilt Festival in Long Beach

I notice that a lot of quilts are inspired by architecture.  And why not?  Architecture is really the ultimate in functional art and is part of our every day lives whether we notice it or not.  Today's quilts all have buildings as the subject matter.

The first is called "Marmalade Sunset" by Ludmila Aristova of Brooklyn, New York and is inspired by that city's architecture.

It is appliqued, hand and machine pieced, hand quilted, hand painted, hand pleated, tucked, and has prairie points.  The quilter's statement says, "Born in Moscow and a graduate of the Moscow Textile Institute, I moved to New York City in 2003.  My first impressions were of a vibrant city in exquisite harmony with respect to architecture, design and color.  All quilts in my Cityscapes series translate this harmony through texture and color, specifically by layering an array of fabric types and incorporating ribbons, sequins and metallic thread."

I was just drawn to this next quilt as it reminded me of the churches I often passed while gallivanting along country roads in New England.  It is called "Houston Texas Temple" by Carolyn Allison of Pearland, Texas and was designed using photographs she took of the Houston Texas Temple.

It is machine pieced and appliqued.  She says, "The Houston Texas Temple has a special place in my heart.  It is a place where serenity and peace are found, and religious doctrine is taught.  This temple is a source of strength for me and many others.  As I made this quilt, I listened to Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up" and came to understand even more that that is what this Temple does for me - it raises me up to more than I can be."

I just think the details of the quilt are amazing!  Look at the tiny stained glass windows and the shadowing of the front of the church.  Brilliant!

The details go all the way up to the steeple!

The next quilt is called the "Berne House Quilt".  It was "made by the members of the Bernese Quilters for a big exhibition in Berne, Switzerland, which took place in 2010.  One hundred fifty-six different blocks were made separately and then put together.  One member took it upon herself to replicate the famous clock tower, a well known landmark of the city of Berne, which can be seen in the lower middle of the quilt.  The quilt was pieced and quilted by machine."

Now I've participated in several bees where members are collecting similarly themed blocks and several have turned out nicely, but this is amazing.  I marvel how well all the blocks go together.   This quilt was huge too!  Here I am standing in front of it.

Have you ever had a group quilt come together well?  I am really curious to know as I struggle deciding if I want to participate in bee and group quilting opportunities.

Thanks for reading,

Jen