Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Beading + Quilting - a Happy Marriage!

It sure was a lovely surprise one day last fall when a representative from the Bead&Button Show called to ask if I would be interested in sending my beaded quilts for exhibition at the 2015 show in Milwaukee, WI.

Would I be interested? Of course I would!!! But since I'm more of a beader and don't have that many beaded quilts, I suggested they also contact my brother, Thom Atkins, who has made a mind-boggling number of beaded quilts in the last 10 years or so.

Brother-sister exhibition... how fun is that! You can see all 22 quilts in the Artisan Area of the Exhibition Hall if you're attending the show, May 27 - June 8. For those who can't make it, here are my quilts, the ones in the show. When you click on the first picture, you can see a slide show with full-size pictures.

Robin Atkins, beaded quilt, Five Cats in the Yard

Robin Atkins, beaded quilt, Five Cats in the Yard, detail

Robin Atkins, beaded quilt, April

Robin Atkins, beaded quilt, April, detail

Robin Atkins, beaded quilt, Beadlust

Robin Atkins, beaded quilt, Beadlust, detail

Robin Atkins, beaded quilt, Grandpa

Robin Atkins, beaded quilt, Intersections

Robin Atkins, beaded quilt, Intersections, detail

Robin Atkins, beaded quilt, Order & Chaos

Robin Atkins, beaded quilt, Order & Chaos, detail

It's really special how,in recent years, quilters are interested in beads, and beaders are playing with quilting, both finding ways to expand their creativity! And it's super fun to show with my bro!

21 comments:

  1. How great to show with your brother!!! Both your art work is wonderful and I have his book and of course, two of yours! HA

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    1. Thanks, Robbie... You're right, it's super great to show with Thom!

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  2. Beautiful Quilts !! I would like to see them in original - but the way from Germany is to far :((

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    1. Magic carpet, Marion... that' what you need! Thanks!

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  3. CAn't wait to see them all in person!!! I am soon lucky!

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    1. Thanks, Angie... And I can't wait to see your photos. Have a fabulous time at the show!

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  4. Those are incredible! I just love 'Five Cats'.

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    1. Thanks, Shaiha... me too, but then I am a cat person!

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  5. Congratulations on the fun opportunity to do a show with your brother. I've visited his site before, and he is sooo talented. I look forward to photos from the show.

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    1. He is, you're right, Retta. It cost a fortune for him to mail his 16 quilts from CA to WI, because they are soooooooooooooooooo heavy with beads.

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  6. Congratulations, Robin! I adore the kitty quilt. It reminds me that I have some Julie Paschkis fabric in my stash and that I should pull it out and make something with it. I'd love to see this exhibit in person. It would be a quick road trip to Milwaukee and I have always wanted to attend the Bead and Button Show. Maybe I could talk Brenda or Julie into joining me....

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    1. Oh, Pam, I do hope you go... Brenda and Julie would love it too...even if it was just for a day (shared driving, loooong day), it would be soooooo much fun!

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  7. Wow, that's fabulous! I immediately recognized your Beadlust header. You are both amazing artists and it's important that people get to see your work :-)

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    1. You're right, Liz, about the Beadlust header. I made the bead embroidery specifically to use as a header, and then after photographing it, the thought occurred to me, why not make it into a quilt. Ah-ha moment :)

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  8. Lovely. I adore both you and your brother's work. It's inspired me to branch out and add fabric to my designs. Stunning.

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  9. Your creations are jaw-droppingly detailed and stunning! I'm in absolute awe!

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  10. What can I say - simply breathtaking!

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  11. I saw them and they were amazing. Beautifully done and my husband and I just couldn't get enough of them :-)

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  12. Gorgeous work! I love five cats, detail is amazing.

    Claire xo
    Beads Jar UK

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  13. Absolutely stunning!

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  14. I am extremely impressed along with your writing abilities, Thanks for this great share.

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