In the 20 years of sponsoring the event, Brother sponsors the pictorial quilt category for the first time.
The pictorial quilts competition is one of the many competitions held at the Festival of Quilts. The quilts are judged on design, execution, visual impact and originality, among other things and must include a scene or subject as the focus.
To support the artists and their fantastic needle work, Brother offered a top prize of £1000 and awarded second and third places with £500 and £250 respectively.
The winners are decided by a panel of up to six qualified judges, assigned by The Quilters’ Guild’s Judging Committee. The group of judges then make their decision based on a specific criterion including the following:
- Visual impact and the emotional response
- Originality
- The composition and use of colour
- Materials, surface design and embellishment
- Construction and accuracy of piecing
- Design and execution of applique and quilting
The artists used the pictorial quilts to tell their stories, by sharing history, culture and elegance.
Mellisa Sobotaka impressed the judges with both ‘Memories of Maiko’ and ‘Painted Ponies on the Prairie’, winning both second and third place. However, it was Immaculada Gabaldóm’s ‘Flora’ quilt that won first prize.
Stuart Hale, General Manager of the UK territory office of Brother Sewing Machines Europe, said: “Each year we’re amazed at the quality and creativity exhibited at the Festival of Quilts and this year was no different. The pictorial quilt entries demonstrated outstanding levels of originality and craftsmanship.”
After sponsoring the festival for over 20 years, Brother hopes to continue this in the years to come and already looks forward to the innovative and impactful designs next year at the Festival of Quilts.
