There were so many wonderful quilts in the show, but I found some particularly appealing. I enjoy bird watching and marveled at these incredible renditions of birds. Here are five outstanding bird quilts which all won major awards. The first, Ricky and Lucy, (65″ x 49″) by Nancy Sterett Martin and Karen Sistek of Owensboro, KY was inspired by a photograph. This quilt won the Bernina of American Best Home Machine Workmanship Award.

Captain Nimo, (49″ x 52″), was also made by Nancy Sterett Martin. This magnificent heron won first place in the Small Wall Quilts, Home Machine Quilting category. Nancy was inspired by a photograph she saw on the Captain Kimo website. Check out the incredible stitching details and the raw edge applique trailing neck feathers.

Robbers’ Roost, (41″ x 41″) , was made by Joanne Beathe, from Bonanza, OR. This quilt received the Brother International Corporation Best Wall Home Machine Workmanship award. Joanne writes, “Crows are known for their intelligence and love of mishief. To unlock the theme of the quilt, look closely.” (Notice the gold key on the tree trunk).

David Taylor from Steamboat Springs, CO, won first place in the Small Wall Quilt Pictorial category for his quilt Beneath my Wing, (55″ x 41″). The design source was a photograph, Peek-A-Boo by phtogorapher Inge Riis McDonald. Once again, amazing detail in the stitching to create the feathers.

My final pick is October Sky, (60″ x 66″), by Bethanne Nemesh of Allentown, PA. This silk dupioni quilt is an ode to a Pennsylvania fall. All the flora and fauna are original designs that were freehand, free-motion quilting. This quilt won the Handi Quilter Best Wall Longarm Machine Workmanship. The close up details were so impressive and beautiful.