Pieced Division

Gina Darlington of Flagstaff, AZ won 2nd Place in the Pieced Division.

Quilt Full Description: All aspects were designed to reflect our great military heritage: Civil War reproduction fabric, floating the pictures on the navy blue fabric, quilted waves and sunbursts, giving the illusion of sky and/or water, the Declaration of Independence on the backing, and three generations of Navy Aviators in my family.

Quilt source: The sunburst blocks are from the book Perfect, Paper Piecing by Deb Karasik and Janet Mednick.

Quilt Stories: When I heard about the challenge, I immediately thought of my son, a newly commissioned Ensign in the US Navy. But as I contemplated the design, and a way that I could honor him, I realized that his decision to join the Navy and become an Aviator was highly influenced by his grand-father's service in WWII, and his uncle's service in the 80's. I could not be prouder to be the daughter, sister, and mother of Naval Aviators.

Phyllis Kay Campbell of Rockford, IL won 3rd Place in the Pieced Division.

Description: The awe of children, and the respect we all have, young and old, for the United States military is what inspired me to create this quilt. My local quilt guild, Sinnissippi Quilters, Inc., told us of this unique challenge. We are honored that this exciting quilt show will be a part of the Rockford AirFest in June 2011, where the fabulous Blue Angels will perform.

Quilt source: The pattern I used was from a book: Baby Quilts With Love, by Alex Anderson. The quilt was called Little Flyer.

Sharon Kay Decker of Langhorne, PA received Honorable Mention in the Pieced Division.

Quilt source: Inspired by a design in "Masterful Machine Pieced Quilts" by Jean Biddick and published by AQS Publishing.

Quilt Stories: This was my first try at creating my own paper piecing pattern. The tiny flying geese were a real challenge.

Jo Anna Gorthy of Overland Park, KS received Honorable Mention in the Pieced Division.

Quilt Full Description: Created to honor my Naval aviator husband and all who served with honor, courage, commitment, patriotism. Friendship stars: Represent our Navy friendships and the unique "Band of Brothers" Numbers: Aviators: 32=Medal of Honor Awardees, 6=walked on moon, 1=President Stripes: Carriers sunk in WWII operations; first Navy and Marine aviator names.

Quilt Stories: I feel honored to be able to unite my quilting interests with the pride I have in my husband's service to our country. It was important to me to seek his inputs for design elements that he felt best reflected this display opportunity to honor Naval Aviation. As always, his selfless thoughts were of those who served our country before him with courage and valor for our freedom.

Marlene C Woyak of Larsen, WI won Curator's Choice in the Pieced Division.

Other Participants: Jerry Gauerke - Quilter.

Quilt Full Description: This was our first Blue Angels show. It was early morning in mid-April and very cold. The photos speak to the magnificent experience. The original photos were reversed to create a panoramic view. A special ruler was used on the border to create the motion of flying.

Quilt source: My inspiration came from an article featured in American Quilter magazine. The border incorporated a new ruler called Double Diamond.

Quilt Stories: The photos were taken mid-April,2008 during a family vacation to Pensacola, Florida. It was early morning and very cold, 36 degrees.We vowed however, nothing was going to deter us from this spectacular event.For some of us this was our first Blue Angels jet show. The beautiful blue sky with small splashes of white clouds provided the perfect stage. The photos say it all, The Blue Angels were magnificent!