Thimble-ism

Shoppers and quilters mingle at the Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza Sept. 13-16.

By: Jodi Thompson
   In American history, the quilting bee was a place where women came together to create a functional piece of art. It was a time to socialize and perfect technique. Experienced quilters taught the less-skilled; new designs were shared and admired.
   The Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza VIII, at the Fort Washington Expo Center Sept. 13-16, is a modern-day version of the quilting bee. Folks interested in quilts and fiber, wearable and textile art will come together to socialize, admire and learn. Nearly 700 quilts and garments will be on display to delight and inspire textile aficionados. More than 40 workshops and several lectures will replace the experienced sewer in the circle.

""
"Time Warp" was crafted by Barbara Olson, who will teach at this year’s Quilt Extravaganza.

   For the first time, the event will host this year’s finalists and winners in the World Quilt Competition that was judged in Michigan and North Carolina this summer. The tour includes pieces from Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom, as well as the United States.
   "They are really spectacular," says event organizer Peter Mancuso. "It’s interesting to see the variation when you go country to country."
   Mr. Mancuso says the Australian entry uses vibrant colors and reflects the country’s outdoorsy culture. He’s also enamored of the work coming out of the Land of the Rising Sun.
   "The Japanese bring their interesting and different sense of color and balance to their quilting," he says. The use of silks, in addition to cotton fabric, is common in Japanese quilting. Mr. Mancuso notes South African quilters are also known for using native materials.
   Quilts from the United Kingdom, meanwhile, embody strong, traditional techniques and designs. In Italy, on the other hand, quilting is a somewhat recent phenomenon.
   "Italy is a rather new country to quilting, although it has a rich textile tradition," Mr. Mancuso says. "They’re coming on very strong in the world of quilting.

""
"Time Warp" was crafted by Barbara Olson, who will teach at this year’s Quilt Extravaganza.

   "American quilting is kind of a phenomenon around the world. It’s really catching on. It’s a very easy art form in terms of its format. It’s easy to transport, display and judge in terms of workmanship and design."
   The World Quilt Competition tour is a first for this event, now in its eighth year. Returning is the Primrose Gradations Kid’s Challenge III, a display that first appears each year at the Pennsylvania event before moving on to the four other quilting events produced by the Mancusos across the country. The Kid’s Challenge is a competition for quilters under age 18, intended to encourage artistic expression in the fiber arts. The 50 participants come from all over the U.S.
   "It’s really charming," Mr. Mancuso says. He enjoys meeting many of the children and admiring their sewing skills each year.
   The Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza VIII also will offer quilt appraisals by certified appraisers from the American Quilters Society. Those with antiques or family heirloom quilts should call David M. and Peter J. Mancuso for an appointment. There is an appraiser’s fee of $35 in addition to the price of admission.
   There’ll be plenty to view and lots to do at the Extravaganza. You can check out entries in the "An American Original" and "Wearable Art" competitions, or learn Tahitian appliqué, stipple quilting and cosmic spirals. Why not start work on a scrap quilt in the mode of the 1930s or late 19th century, or experience rug hooking and hand-bead embroidery?
   "You could be overwhelmed by it all," Mr. Mancuso says. "There will be 160 companies on the floor of the show selling everything that has to do with quilting. It’s a real shopping experience.
   "Everybody gets enthusiastic looking at the quilts and then they go out and buy all their fabrics and all their notions, all the ingredients."
   The Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza VIII will
take place at the Fort Washington Expo Center, Fort Washington, Pa., Sept.
13-16. Hours: Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission costs
$10; children under 16 free. Re-admission available with wristband. For information,
call (215) 862-5828. On the Web: www.quiltfest.com