I have been a traveling gal…I just returned from the Phoenix with some of the Cranberry Crew where we were hawking our goods (Gammill quilting machines and supplies along with  Threaded Pear patterns and kits) at the Arizona Quilter's Guild Quilt Show.

This two-day and a half day event, hosted some of the best quilts I have ever seen. 

 
This red beauty caught my eye and the eye of everyone else who attended the show. When I saw this quilt, I guessed it to be a Gina Perkes’ quilt.  And I was right.

 
Gina Perkes, of Payson, AZ, is a young, talented long arm quilter.  Gina and I had spent some time in Flagstaff at last year’s “Quilt Camp in the Pines” retreat…so I was familiar with her work.

 
 Her stunning quilt, named “Silken Defiance”, won "Best of Show" as well as first in the "Medium Quilt-Appliqued, Professionally Machine Quilted" category.  This quilt is fantastic—quite the eye catcher. 

I examined it up close and personal with Gina--(helped by my machine technician, Derryl.)  Gina not only quilted this beauty, she designed the quilt and pieced it as well.  (FYI-Gina quilts on a non-stitch regulated Gammill Classic quilting machine.)

 
She says “This quilt has taught me the meaning of the word perseverance.”  This quilt simply did not want to be made, thus the title “Silken Defiance”.  I created this quilt by machine using some new techniques I wanted to try and experiment with, such as redwork along the ultra suede appliqué pieces.  I really enjoyed using new fabrics as well—mainly silks and ultra suede."

 
Although, this may be the first time many of you see this quilt, it certainly will not be the last time. 

I overheard one of the show’s judges strongly encourage Gina to enter it into some national shows.  I can only guess that “Silken Defiance” will also be on the cover of a quilting magazine soon.

 As a matter of fact, Gina is taking this quilt to show it off on “The Quilt Show” with Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims at the end of this month and she will be demonstrating her quilting talents as a spokesperson for Gammill Quilting Machines.

 
Originally, I was also going to be a guest on the show on the same day as Gina—we were going to be the “Gina-Gina” show!  But, schedules changed and I will be filming the next day with my friend, Joanna of Fig Tree Quilts the next day.

 
 Fun times ahead.  But, alas I have only lost 10 pounds!  But, I am still working on it!

Happy Stitching!