Several guilds here in Nebraska have been anticipating a visit from Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville fame for about 3-1/2 years. That’s when they booked her recent visit to our state. It’s a long time to look forward to something!
The thing that always hits me is how much better the quilts look in person than they do in the books and magazines. Bonnie’s quilts leap for joy.
The combination of a scrappy approach where beaucoup fabrics are used along with small patches in great numbers means effusively energetic pieces. They’re so much fun to look at.
This blue and yellow quilt was especially beautiful. It looks good in the book and it looks good here, but in person it sparkles. Bonnie is a fan of string piecing, and her string quilts aren’t homely or homespun. Instead they’re sophisticated.
The day after Bonnie’s evening lecture, some friends and I took a class called Virginia Bound. When everyone laid their stars out on the floor, it was pretty impressive. I used all reds and hot pinks plus light neutrals. I think it might become a medallion in a scrappy improv quilt, but you never know.
My reason for taking the class was to observe Bonnie’s teaching style. I’d heard good things about how effectively she handles several times as many students as most teachers will accept, and the rumors are true. She does a great job!
A few people brought quilts for Show & Tell, including my friend LeeAnn, who has made several of Bonnie’s mystery quilts.
Another quilt by LeeAnn, isn’t it great?! Scrappy strings and a nice border to boot.
This lady brought a wonderful quilt featuring vintage blocks. Look at those kite shapes.
Six kite shapes in two fabrics make up a hexagon. Six hexagons surround an embroidered butterfly.
It was intriguing. Jo Morton says that the mark of a successful quilt is one that keeps you looking.
Another Bonnie Hunter quilt by one of the people in class. The colors were fabulous.
Another Bonnie Hunter quilt, finished by this quilter. Unusual colors and a great border!
Does this say Merry Christmas, or what?! So much energy.
Here’s a closer look. Super scrappy, and I bet you’d be surprised at some of the fabrics. In a scrap quilt, they blend right in.
So much to see, to think about and to enjoy that day and for long afterward. If you’ve never visited Bonnie at Quiltville, go now.
More quilts to come in the next post! In the meantime, happy quilting!
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In what book is Virginia Bound?
Thanks
Hi Elizabeth, Virginia Bound is found in Scraps and Shirttails by Bonnie Hunter. There are many other wonderful scrap quilts inside, too!