Mothers Day Competition Winner

Gillian Silver

We were blessed with the winner of our Mothers Day contest bringing in her amazing quilt, and we got to ask her some questions!

Quilting is an art form that requires patience, skill, and creativity. And when all of these elements come together, the result is a masterpiece that can take your breath away. That's exactly what happened when we saw the winning design of the recent mothers day design competition, created by the talented quilter Gillian Silver.

Gillian's quilt design is stunning and showcases her impeccable attention to detail and her ability to create a harmonious and cohesive design. It's no surprise that the judges were blown away by her work. Inspired by the designs of Rowena Charlton, Gillian's quilt showcased her exceptional talent and creativity, which earned her the top prize in the competition.

A little about Rowena Charlton - The Inspiration

Rowena Charlton was an Australian quilter known for her intricate and beautiful designs that often incorporated a range of fabrics, colors, and textures. Her work often featured geometric patterns and precise, detailed stitching, which helped to create a sense of depth and dimensionality in her quilts.

Charlton was active in the quilting community from the 1970s until her passing in 2014. During her career, she won numerous awards for her quilting, and her work has been featured in exhibitions and galleries around the world. Charlton was also a respected teacher, and she wrote several books and articles on quilting techniques and design.

Today, Charlton is remembered as one of the most influential quilters of her generation, and her work continues to inspire and captivate quilters around the world.

We had the opportunity to chat with Gillian about her winning design, and here's what she had to say:

Q: How long did it take you to complete the quilt?

A: It took me about 14 months to complete the quilt, working on it on and off. It was a labor of love, and I poured my heart and soul into every stitch.

Q: What kind of sewing machine did you use?

A: I used a Husqvarna Ruby Designer Deluxe, but I only used the small frame. It was the perfect machine for the job, and it allowed me to create the intricate details that are featured in the design.

Q: The continuous runs of embroidery using only the small hoop is impressive. How did you achieve that?

A: Precise positioning was key. I had to be very careful when positioning the fabric and the hoop to make sure that the embroidery runs were continuous. It was a bit tricky, but I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

Q: The ribbons in the design are really beautiful. How did you create them?

A: I used a twin needle to create all the ribbons. It was a bit time-consuming, but I think it was worth it for the final effect.

 

Q: The small bugs in the design have a really nice gradient effect. How did you create that?

A: I achieved that effect by using variegated thread. I'm very happy with how it turned out.

 

Overall, Gillian's winning design is a true work of art, and we're thrilled that she was able to share it with us. It's a reminder of the beauty that can be found in nature, and the incredible skill and creativity that goes into the art of quilting. Congratulations again to Gillian on her well-deserved win!