Quilts, Quilts, Quilts - Part 2

 In my last post, I wrote about a terrific exhibit I saw last week, showcasing the work of two quilt artist friends. I shared the work of Susan Walsh, and now I'd like to do the same with the quilts of Barbara Malek. When she's not doing professional long arm machine quilting on other people's quilts, Barbara creates beautiful work of her own.

On the basket quilt below, the flowers are intricately quilted as part of the design.

And this award-winning cone flower quilt is one of my favorites!

This quilt has pockets to hold part of Barbara's collection of vintage hankies, which can be swapped with others from time to time, and shows off some of her mother of pearl button collection.

This Christmas quilt has beautiful hand embroidery...

as well as some personal humor! (Barbara's husband and cats!)

And finally, Barbara has begun a series of vintage dresses, with hand embroidery and rich embellishment. They are really stunning 'in person'.

There are more quilts, but I've chosen my favorites. Hope you've enjoyed seeing them!

Barbara Malek

I 've been writing lately about some of the very talented women I'm lucky enough to have in my circle of friends. Barbara Malek is one of these ladies and her talents are amazing. First, she is a professional long arm machine quilter who adds intricate, beautifully quilted designs to the quilts of those who prefer to concentrate on creating a quilt top and leaving the quilting, binding and finishing to an expert. Barbara also creates and alters costumes for a local theater company and is an excellent seamstress. But what I love most of what Barbara does is her exquisite hand embroidery and applique. 

The Santa block above is part of a Christmas quilt which she has made. Each block is done in redwork embroidery, and I can't decide which one I like best! 

Here are all the blocks,

and close-ups of my favorites!!

Here's an embroidered pillowcase in progress

and a wonderful handbag Barbara made and embellished.

Front,

and back!

And here is a lovely embroidered block that is part of a quilt I showed a while back.

I've barely touched upon the needlework, quilting and creative sewing that Barbara does. I can only say that I'm a bit in awe sometimes when I sit across the table from her, watching her work as we chat and sew. What an inspiration!