Inspirational Trip

I spent a few fun-filled days in the Seattle area last week. Much thanks to my cousin, Kate, for hosting me and sharing in my adventures.

We attended the LaConner Quilt Fest where my quilt, Illuminated Albizia, was being shown. Met some wonderful quilters and got inspired by the many entries. The building that houses the museum is wonderful and worth a trip in and of itself.

La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum

The Quilt Fest is always held in the beginning of October. If you can, mark your calendars to attend next year. LaConner is a friendly small town that seems to cater to artists. There are wonderful shops to check out, in addition to the quilt exhibits. We stayed at a B&B right in the town that was filled with mementos of past owners. Believe it or not, there was a wedding gown in the corner of one of the bedrooms!

My cousin and I also traveled over to Bellevue to visit the art museum on the last day of an exhibit of quilts by African American women that Corinne Riley has collected over the years. One of my favorites was a mandala quilt. It dates from the 1940's and was found in Georgia.

There was a stunning three-dimensional art work on the first floor of the exhibit by Cameron Anne Mason of Snohomish, WA that absolutely fascinated me. Silks, cottons, rayon and velvet were used in creating the form.

Soft Coral

Detail view of Soft Coral

 I won't tell you how many photos I took on the trip. Here are two from a farmers' market we visited in the University District of Seattle.

 We also went for a late afternoon short hike in the foothills east of Bellevue. The lighting made everything feel slightly unreal.

Needless to say, I came home energized and inspired!