It takes nimble fingers, a vivid imagination and a keen eye for color and design to turn ordinary pieces of fabric into a work of art.
Wendy Brabo, co-owner of A&A Flowers in downtown Oxford, certainly must possess all three because over the weekend her art quilts won both the grand prize and second place in ‘The Art of the Quilt? contest at the 15th Annual American Sewing Expo held in Novi.
‘I shook for a half-an-hour,? said the 47-year-old Lapeer resident.
More than 100 entries were submitted in the contest which featured quilts that were ‘other than traditional? in nature and reflected this year’s theme ‘A Touch of Magic.?
Brabo’s entries are what’s called ‘art quilts.? Both art and traditional quilts are defined as layers of fabric secured by stitching.
However, when it comes to function, they differ greatly. Whereas the traditional quilt was meant to serve as a decorative bedcover, the art quilt is designed to hang on walls in galleries and homes.
Brabo’s grand prize-winning quilt was entitled, ‘First Magic ? Let There Be Light!?
Inspired by the first three verses of the Bible’s Book of Genesis, the three-dimensional quilt depicts three shafts of light, representing the Holy Trinity, forming the sun when viewed from the left.
When viewed from the right, the unique quilt depicts the sun rising over a lush green landscape on the newly formed Earth.
For this magnificent masterpiece, Brabo was the proud winner of an $1,800 Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 850 sewing machine.
‘That was a nice thing to come home with,? she said with a smile.
Brabo was also awarded second place in the competition for her quilt entitled, ‘Enchanted Origins . . . A Butterfly Bush??
Inspired by science fiction/fantasy writer Piers Anthony’s ‘Xanth? novels, the three-dimensional quilt features colorful butterflies growing on a vine-covered bush as if they were flowers ready to take flight.
Both of Brabo’s winning quilts were viewed by the more than 15,000 people who attended the Sewing Expo held at the Rock Financial Showplace.
Brabo learned how to sew while in her teens, but it’s only been during the last three or four years that she’s really taken it seriously.
‘I like the competition part of it,? she said.
Two years ago, one of Brabo’s quilts placed second at the American Sewing Expo.
One of her quilts is currently traveling around the country visiting quilt shows with Robert Kaufman Fabrics.
‘It’s going to be more places than I’ll ever be or have ever been for that matter,? Brabo quipped.
Brabo’s big goal is to someday see her name published in a magazine with the words ‘award-winning quilter? beside it.
Those looking to purchase a genuine Wendy Brabo original ? get’em now before they’re only museum pieces ? can do so at her 6 N. Washington St. flower shop.
From ready-made lap or bed quilts to custom orders with personalized messages, Brabo’s creations are perfect for keeping warm in the winter or displaying as a classic example of American folk art.
For more information about Brabo’s handcrafted quilts call A&A Flowers at (248) 628-4788.