We're back from the Vermont Quilt Festival, and what a fantastic time we had!

I had the pleasure of watching my dear friend Jodi enjoy her first quilt show (and we shopped our hearts out!), as well as give my friend, Trista Dufresne, a great big hug! I waited a whole year for that hug. This is my favorite show because it's so well run, has a spectacular quilt show and a wide variety of quality vendors - it was definitely a good choice for Jodi's maiden voyage!

Upon my return from the VT Quilt Festival last June, I shared some of the antique quilts that were on display, and they were very well received. This time, I thought I'd share some of the antique quilts that were on display from the private collection of Sharon Waddell. I'll show just a few today, and more next time. Honestly, there were so many spectacular quilts at the festival that it's difficult to only share the antique quilts, but in the interest of textile enthusiasts everywhere, since our love of antique quilts unites us, they're the ones I'm showing.

Before I get to the antique quilts, I feel compelled to share one very special quilt made by Trista Dufresne. Trista fills a number of posts and serves on the VT Quilt Festival's Board of Directors. This busy woman gives her all to the show! This is the first quilt she's entered into a juried exhibit, and not only was it accepted, she won a Third Place ribbon! To stand before her quilt is to be assaulted (in the best way) by a very bright, bold "highlighter" yellow! Her handling of the colors, shapes and texture were a treat to see. To know Trista is to know this young woman can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. Congratulations, Trista!

Rocky Roads, collection of Sharon Waddell

In honor of Independence Day, sharing this red, white and blue quilt seemed appropriate. This is entirely hand pieced and hand quilted. I love the overall energy achieved by each and every triangle. Collectively, they practically vibrate. To get up close and observe tiny hand made stitches was a joy. I'm not sure my eyes and hands would be up for the challenge of so many small narrow triangles.

Snowflake Star, collection of Sharon Waddell

This quilt stopped me in my tracks. I may have even gasped. My photos don't do it justice, but it has to be seen by as many people as possible. What makes it so special, in my humble opinion, are the fairly fussy cut star blades from a delicate blue dot fabric. If you look closely, those blue dots look as if a paint-laden brush had been barely touched to the fabric. Blue bleeds out from the circle, like ikat, only it's not. Oh, and the hand quilting. The textures created are exceptional, and it took all of my self control not to reach out and run my hands all over this quilt!