Day of the Dead Quilt show
 

Every year,an informal group of quilters from the Vallejo Piecemakers, in California, make a Day of the Dead art quilt. It started as a challenge, we had so much fun, we continued doing it every fall. We rotate locations and this year it will be in scenic Sonoma county. We have an art exhibit and host a luncheon for our friends and family. As hostesses, we wear whatever our best Mexican outfit happens to be. This is the time to wear lots of jewelry and flowers in your hair. We strut about and lead the guests around and show off our quilts. The quilts will be hung outdoors at eye level, the better to look closely. We have lots of competition in the kitchen and everyone brings their finest dish.

The ofrenda (altar) is traditionally put up before the celebration. I recall last year, my friend telling. Me the story of every one she displayed, including a guild member who had passed that year. We put my moms hand croched bedspread over a hot pink cover, it looked lacy. We put lots of flowers, candles and any favorites of our loved ones. My mom liked candy, so I always put some out for her. My friend put a shot of tequila out for her mom. It is bittersweet, yet, it feels special to think about someone you love. I lost a sister this year, so she will have a place of honor next to mom. I tell stories to the children about their great grandmother, her personality is alive in my words as I recount family tales. My favorite holiday, for sure.
I realized I have enough photos to share. My entry for this year was a panel I purchased at the Pacific International Quilt Show, which takes place in October. Mr Skeleton called out to me to take him home.
i decided to add a yo yo border and it took a long time to make them. My poor fingers. It did come out great, after all that work.
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Very cool; looks like you all have a lot of fun with this.

Love this! Great quilts!
sandy

What great fun! Hope your tradition continues for years to come.

looks like a fun show
nice

very nice thanks for sharing!

What a fun show! Wish I lived closer. :)

This reminds me of the guy who entered a Day of the Dead quilt in the AQS show back in the early 90's. His quilt was rejected due to the content but there was such an outcry about it that it ended up winning a number of awards eventually. It was Jonathan Shannon's quilt called Amigos Muertos. He had actually won Best of Show (the first time for man I believe) the year before with his called titled Air Show.

It's nice to see that you do this every year. It's a great way to remember and honor your lost loved ones and keep them "alive" for their children, grandchildren, etc. Thanks for posting the photos.

What a nice way to remember beloved relatives and "educate" the rest of us about a cultural difference. If one studies Spanish, he/she will learn about this important holiday. Enjoy it. The Quilts were lovely.

The quilts are very lovely and such detail! it is a nice tradition that you and the other quilters have maintained.