Excelsior Springs, MO–The Calico Quilters Club transformed the Hall of Waters into a vibrant display of textile art at their annual Waterfest Quilt Show. Quilt shows like this have become a cherished staple of community festivals nationwide, serving as a platform for local quilters to showcase their skills and passion.
The Calico Quilters’ exhibit offered a stunning array of quilts in various sizes and categories alongside a boutique and a raffle quilt. These creations weren’t just beautiful works of art, but many held personal stories and connections. From Wilder Long’s charming “Bambi,” a pieced and quilted baby quilt crafted for her great-granddaughter, to Belinda Leming’s “Wildlife on Salem Ranch,” depicting creatures seen from her own window, the quilts offered glimpses into the lives and inspirations of their makers.
Johanna Morgan’s “Long Island Hosta,” a paper-pieced quilt that transcended its beautiful design. This creation held a deep emotional significance for Johanna, as it was a collaborative effort with her sister, who suffers from dementia. While Johanna meticulously sewed the pieced quilt top together, it was her sister who had originally pieced the fabric squares. Working on the quilt together provided a unique opportunity for connection for both Johanna and her sister. Collaborative pieces like Denice Thomas’ “Kudos,” a quilt passed among guild members for piecing, quilting, and binding, showcased the supportive spirit within the club.
Award Winners:
- Decorative Quilt:
- 1st Place: Belinda Leming – “Hickory Dickery Dock” (Steampunk nursery rhyme)
- 2nd Place: Mary Miller – “Birds” (Applique)
- 3rd Place: Mary Miller – “Bugs and Fly” (Applique)
- Small Quilt:
- 1st Place (and Best in Show): Wilder Long – “Bambi” (Pieced and quilted by Carol Bailey)
- 2nd Place: Becky Griffin – “Barn Yoga” (Machine-pieced and quilted)
- 3rd Place: Sherry Wollard – “Kitchen Klatter” (Pieced and appliqued with embellishments)
- Medium Quilt:
- 1st Place: Belinda Leming – “Wildlife on Salem Ranch” (Machine pieced, paper pieced, and hand embroidery)
- 2nd Place: Belinda Leming – “United States Air Force” (Machine piecing and machine applique)
- 3rd Place: Marcia Harvey – “National Parks-Grand Tetons” (Machine pieced)
- Large Quilt:
- 1st Place: Johanna Morgan – “Long Island Hosta” (Paper-pieced)
- 2nd Place: Paula Griffin – “Sparrows by Pen and Paper Patterns” (Machine pieced, machine quilted)
- 3rd Place: Denice Thomas – “Kudos” (Machine pieced and quilted by Paula Griffin, bound by Pam)
- Heart Quilt: (Calico Quilters Challenge Quilt for 2024)
- 1st Place: Madison Simmons – “Exploding Heart” (Pieced and quilted by Carol Bailey)
- 2nd Place: Denice Thomas – “Exploding Heart Americana” (Machine pieced and machine quilted by Paula Griffin)
- 3rd Place: Mary Miller – “Exploding Heart” (Machine pieced and quilted)
Taking home the coveted Best in Show award was Wilder Long for her “Bambi,” highlighting the intergenerational aspect of quilting.
Barbara Hyatt was the lucky winner of the quilt raffle.
The Calico Quilters’ annual show bridges past traditions and future generations of quilters. By sharing their love of the craft and their meticulously crafted works of art, the Calico Quilters Club not only celebrates the rich history of quilting but also works to continue the tradition of quilting within our community and beyond.
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