At the 23rd Annual AQS Quilt Show & Contest recently held in Paducah, Kentucky more than 500 quilts were exhibited, and over 300 booths of the latest quiltmaking supplies, antique and new quilts, and quilt-related gifts created a paradise for quilters.

National  quilting instructors taught the latest techniques in the 135 classes offered at the AQS School of Quiltmaking.

More than $130,000 in cash awards was presented to winners in AQS Contests at the 2007 AQS Quilt Show.

BEST OF SHOW
“Flower of Life” by Sharon Schamber of Payson, Arizona was awarded Best of Show. Sharon’s hand-dyed fabrics combine with detailed appliqué, trapunto and hand-corded binding.  Precision longarm quilting adds shadows, textures, and design elements to this original design. Sharon also won best of show in 2006 with her quilt Sedona Rose.

COATS & CLARK WALL HAND WORKMANSHIP AWARD
“Summer Afternoon was created by Connie Ayers of Belfair, Washington. This award recognizes outstanding hand quilting in a wall quilt. Connie adapted variations of patterns and pictures from books by noted quilt designer and author, Elly Sienkiewicz. Connie embellished the hand appliqué and quilting with beading and trapunto.

WESTMINSTER/FREE SPIRIT TRADITIONAL SMALL WALL QUILT
"Rogaland Rosemaling” by Trudy Sǿndrol Wasson of Eden Prairie, Minnesota was awarded first prize in the Traditional Small Wall quilt category sponosored by Free Spirit/Westminster Fibers. Trudy’s original hand-appliquéd design is surrounded by free-motion quilting. The design is typical of rosemaling painted in the Rogaland area of Norway.

Links:
American Quilters’ Society (www.americanquilter.com)