Quilt Show announces challenge quilt winner

The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show announced the winners of the Stars Over Sisters Challenge sponsored by Stitchin' Post.

The Stars Over Sisters Challenge exhibit was displayed inside Beacham's Clock Company in Sisters as part of the local celebration of Quilted In Honor by Island Batik.

Challenge quilts featured quilts made from the Quilted in Honor fabric line by Island Batik. Local judges included Sisters veterans Brett Miller and John Ferguson, and accomplished quilter Ann Richardson. Judges scored these creative quilts based on best interpretation of the theme, best design and best use of color.

Viewers visiting Sisters from July 7-13 cast their votes for their favorite quilt in this challenge by visiting the exhibit at Beacham's Clock Company. More than 400 votes were submitted for the popular quilts.

First place, with a $200 cash prize, went to Michele Marshall for her quilt, "Fractured Stars Over Sisters." This quilt also won the Viewer's Choice Award, for an additional cash prize of $100.

"I made this quilt to honor military members of all services," said Marshall when she learned of her double win. "This quilt is dedicated to our armed forces. Many of our soldiers return home from war fractured, with mental scars and physical limitations. All return with a heavy burden. It is our duty to support and honor each and every one of these men and women."

Marshall described the significance of her design: "The four small white corner stars represent the four branches of military service. The large Lemoyne stars are missing one point to portray the fragmented life of a soldier returning home. The lone red star represents those that gave the ultimate sacrifice. The flag represents all that we stand for in the United States of America. The mountains are that of the Three Sisters. The soldier in camo is saluting the flag over the Three Sisters for all the dedicated men and women from Central Oregon that have or are serving in the armed forces."

Second-place honors, and a cash prize of $100, went to Leslie Pade of Sisters for her creation of "Northern Encounters." Third place, and a cash prize of $50, went to Bend's Sue McMahan for her contemporary art quilt, "Forever Strong."

Judge John Ferguson summed up his experience, saying, "Viewing these quilts was much more emotional than I anticipated. It was a real thrill to see the creative expression come through the work of these quilters."