We have our 2021 Quilt Contest Winners!
Thank you to everyone who entered our Contest this year; to all our judges who had the arduous task of adjudicating the winners from 18 exceptional quilts; and to all the fans who cast their votes in the Fan’s Choice. We appreciate your participation and look forward to even more fantastic quilts in the 2023 Brother SA Quilt Contest!
Prize Winners 2021
The African Queen
Diana Vandeyar, Cape Town
There is nothing more treasured and symbolic of southern Africa as the mighty protea. In the language of flowers, the protea symbolises diversity and courage. I wanted to create a contemporary, bold and graphic representation of this iconic South African emblem. I dedicate it to all present-day queens, strong, beautiful, and resilient in their everyday lives… the creators, nurturers, and warriors of the modern world.
Non-identical Twins
Brenda Williams, Johannesburg
My husband and I love travelling. Several years ago, we spent two weeks in Madagascar. Amidst the extreme poverty and devastation of the environment, there was so much colour in the scenery, the creatures, the birds and the people who had huge smiles for everyone. There was beauty everywhere. I was particularly inspired by the variety and the colour of the chameleons species that we encountered. This was my inspiration for this quilt.
My husband and I love travelling. Several years ago, we spent two weeks in Madagascar. Amidst the extreme poverty and devastation of the environment, there was so much colour in the scenery, the creatures, the birds and the people who had huge smiles for everyone. There was beauty everywhere. I was particularly inspired by the variety and the colour of the chameleons species that we encountered. This was my inspiration for this quilt.
Beneath an African Sky
Frances Manson, Johannesburg
Wide open spaces , the occasional acacia tree and one of our most beloved and endanger animal….that is what Africa means to me. It is sad to think that our rhinos are poached for their horns just because of a myth. I have used various techniques gained if classes taken by our wonderful South African teachers. The picture is purely from my experiences from travelling throughout the continental of Africa.
Wide open spaces , the occasional acacia tree and one of our most beloved and endanger animal….that is what Africa means to me. It is sad to think that our rhinos are poached for their horns just because of a myth. I have used various techniques gained if classes taken by our wonderful South African teachers. The picture is purely from my experiences from travelling throughout the continental of Africa.
Empty Railway Stations
Emmerentia Janse v Vuuren, Petrusville
My concept is empty railway stations and I was inspired by a photo I took between Carnarvon and Williston during a recent holiday.
My concept is empty railway stations and I was inspired by a photo I took between Carnarvon and Williston during a recent holiday.
Outstanding Performances 2021
Into the Hills
Angela Fraser, Johannesburg
There is a lovely road that runs from Ixopo into the hills” are the opening words of Alan Paton’s “Cry the beloved country” and the inspiration for my quilt. I have been fortunate enough to spend a few wonderful holidays in the Drakensburg region and find the peace, tranquility and beauty of the area so inspiring that I created my own version of a road leading into the foot hills. I challenged myself to thread paint some of the elements and details in the quilt.
There is a lovely road that runs from Ixopo into the hills” are the opening words of Alan Paton’s “Cry the beloved country” and the inspiration for my quilt. I have been fortunate enough to spend a few wonderful holidays in the Drakensburg region and find the peace, tranquility and beauty of the area so inspiring that I created my own version of a road leading into the foot hills. I challenged myself to thread paint some of the elements and details in the quilt.
Diversity makes us one
Elaine Barnard, Newcastle
It is the combination of our differences in Africa that shape our view of the world, our perspective and our approach. Diversity is also about recognising, respecting and valuing differences based on ethnicity, gender, age, race, religion, disability and sexual orientation. It means understanding that each individual is unique and recognising our individual differences that makes us one African nation. Diversity enhances creativity and binds us, as Africans, together.
It is the combination of our differences in Africa that shape our view of the world, our perspective and our approach. Diversity is also about recognising, respecting and valuing differences based on ethnicity, gender, age, race, religion, disability and sexual orientation. It means understanding that each individual is unique and recognising our individual differences that makes us one African nation. Diversity enhances creativity and binds us, as Africans, together.
African Boxes
Marié Du Toit, Melkbosstrand
A woodworking pattern was the inspiration to create this three dimensional design. How to interpret this in Shwe- Shwe fabric was a good puzzle. The sewing techniques also present a challenge with mirror image blocks.
A woodworking pattern was the inspiration to create this three dimensional design. How to interpret this in Shwe- Shwe fabric was a good puzzle. The sewing techniques also present a challenge with mirror image blocks.
Quilt Entries 2021
Fighting for Survival
Anne Klopper, Weltevreden Park
My quilt was inspired by a photo of a baby Rhino in Pilanesberg Game Park in North West Province. Rhinos have been hunted for hundreds of years. There is even San rock art depicting rhinos. There are only 2 female Northern Rhinos left as they have been hunted into extinction. Will this young White Rhino live to adulthood?
My quilt was inspired by a photo of a baby Rhino in Pilanesberg Game Park in North West Province. Rhinos have been hunted for hundreds of years. There is even San rock art depicting rhinos. There are only 2 female Northern Rhinos left as they have been hunted into extinction. Will this young White Rhino live to adulthood?
Kgalagadi Landscape
Anne Klopper, Weltevreden Park
This art quilt is my interpretation of a Gemsbok and a Camel Thorn tree in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The Kgalagadi is on my bucket list to visit. The Oryx was inspired by a photo I took of a Gemsbok. The landscape was inspired by Joe’s Camera videos on YouTube. Gemsbok or Oryx are plentiful in the Kalahari as they don’t need much water. The most common trees in the Kgaladi are the Camel Thorn and the Shepherd’s Bush.
This art quilt is my interpretation of a Gemsbok and a Camel Thorn tree in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The Kgalagadi is on my bucket list to visit. The Oryx was inspired by a photo I took of a Gemsbok. The landscape was inspired by Joe’s Camera videos on YouTube. Gemsbok or Oryx are plentiful in the Kalahari as they don’t need much water. The most common trees in the Kgaladi are the Camel Thorn and the Shepherd’s Bush.
Night Sky
Mariss Stevens, Huntley Street
Inspired by the spectacular African night sky in the Karoo, this quilt represents that display of stars. Shweshwe motifs are machine appliquéd onto the reverse side of a Shwe Shwe whole cloth and embellished with machine stitching and hand embroidery.
Inspired by the spectacular African night sky in the Karoo, this quilt represents that display of stars. Shweshwe motifs are machine appliquéd onto the reverse side of a Shwe Shwe whole cloth and embellished with machine stitching and hand embroidery.
African Idiom
Jenny Hearn, Norwood
I am fascinated by the history, wealth and creativity of vernacular craft art as well as the archeology of South Africa. I have included my Eurocentric version of diverse tribal carved – the Ibo imagery of gods, Zulu earplugs wooden platters and bowls, telephone wire bowls, patterning on Kubu cloth, the depiction of animals and the indigenous ceramics. Arranged throughout is my version of the earliest decorated artifact found in a cave in the Cape.
I am fascinated by the history, wealth and creativity of vernacular craft art as well as the archeology of South Africa. I have included my Eurocentric version of diverse tribal carved – the Ibo imagery of gods, Zulu earplugs wooden platters and bowls, telephone wire bowls, patterning on Kubu cloth, the depiction of animals and the indigenous ceramics. Arranged throughout is my version of the earliest decorated artifact found in a cave in the Cape.
Sundowner
Santa Ward, Zeerust
To watch the guinea fowls eating at sunset always makes you calm and full of peace while experiencing Africa at its best. I would like to give this kind of peace to everyone looking at this quilt.
To watch the guinea fowls eating at sunset always makes you calm and full of peace while experiencing Africa at its best. I would like to give this kind of peace to everyone looking at this quilt.
The Guinea Fowl
Retha de Wet, Limpopo
Growing up on a farm in Limpopo I have very fond memories of the guinea fowl calls that sounded up early morning and late afternoon to let everyone know when the sun is rising and the day is ending. I was so inspired that I decided that I will make this quilt the first of many in my quilting journey.
Growing up on a farm in Limpopo I have very fond memories of the guinea fowl calls that sounded up early morning and late afternoon to let everyone know when the sun is rising and the day is ending. I was so inspired that I decided that I will make this quilt the first of many in my quilting journey.
Shaka Zulu
Erentia Du Toit, Kingsburgh
Shaka Zulu inspired me for the theme of Africa inspired. I decided to do his shield and spear on the wild big five animals and some bead work that make Africa such a big tourism attraction. I worked with cotton and a springbok skin. Shaka Zulu only had a shield and spear and was a big name in his time.
Shaka Zulu inspired me for the theme of Africa inspired. I decided to do his shield and spear on the wild big five animals and some bead work that make Africa such a big tourism attraction. I worked with cotton and a springbok skin. Shaka Zulu only had a shield and spear and was a big name in his time.
Empty Railway Stations
Emmerentia Janse v Vuuren, Petrusville
My concept is empty railway stations and I was inspired by a photo I took between Carnarvon and Williston during a recent holiday.
My concept is empty railway stations and I was inspired by a photo I took between Carnarvon and Williston during a recent holiday.
The Joy of the Dance
Julie Bolze, Queenstown
Our family have spent many holidays at Morgan Bay in the Eastern Cape. Crossing the ‘pont’ at Kei Mouth and exploring the Transkei has always been a highlight. The area is steeped in wonderful traditions, music, dance and history of the local Xhosa people. This quilt depicts two Xhosa women in their traditional outfits dancing at the river, with the rolling hills which are so prominent in the area, in the background.
Our family have spent many holidays at Morgan Bay in the Eastern Cape. Crossing the ‘pont’ at Kei Mouth and exploring the Transkei has always been a highlight. The area is steeped in wonderful traditions, music, dance and history of the local Xhosa people. This quilt depicts two Xhosa women in their traditional outfits dancing at the river, with the rolling hills which are so prominent in the area, in the background.
A Strong Mother
Andrea Smith, Port Elizabeth
Inspiration for this piece is derived mainly from all mothers of humanity, the animal kingdom and their connection and relationship to the universe and mother nature. Mother Nature is the epitome of giving. She gives abundantly, overflowing with care, love, and nurture. The unity that a motherly figure brings, is interpreted through the triangular shapes used throughout the whole piece. Triangles symbolize strength. It is known to be the shape of mind, body, and spirit, representing balance and true wisdom as well as a strong foundation and stability – the definition of a mother.
Inspiration for this piece is derived mainly from all mothers of humanity, the animal kingdom and their connection and relationship to the universe and mother nature. Mother Nature is the epitome of giving. She gives abundantly, overflowing with care, love, and nurture. The unity that a motherly figure brings, is interpreted through the triangular shapes used throughout the whole piece. Triangles symbolize strength. It is known to be the shape of mind, body, and spirit, representing balance and true wisdom as well as a strong foundation and stability – the definition of a mother.
Radiant Africa
Thelma Labuschagne, Limpopo
When I think of AFRICA, I see radiant colors and all the splendor that is so well known of her landscapes. Sunflowers, Protea’s, wildlife, the African sun, Guinea fowls and her beautiful Baobab trees. So much more to name, but so small canvas to work on. So I painted what I envision in my spirit and quilt it. This is my first quilt ever and I made it on an old Elna Contessa 310, freehand without a foot.
When I think of AFRICA, I see radiant colors and all the splendor that is so well known of her landscapes. Sunflowers, Protea’s, wildlife, the African sun, Guinea fowls and her beautiful Baobab trees. So much more to name, but so small canvas to work on. So I painted what I envision in my spirit and quilt it. This is my first quilt ever and I made it on an old Elna Contessa 310, freehand without a foot.
No Christmas like an African Christmas
Ronel Botha, Boksburg
I have loved sewing all my life. I taught myself as far as I could, but never had real guidance. I bought my first sewing machine at a pawn shop many years ago and has been saving ever since… until I could gift myself a Brother. With the guidance of my dealer and mentor – Hester from DecoDesigns – I bought my first Brother!!! I then attended her sewing workshops and took an interest in quilting. I absolutely love it. I decided to enrol my very first quilt, made with my very first Brother, into the Brother Quilting contest. An early Christmas gift from me to me, to celebrate Christmas. I incorporated the traditional Christmas colours with traditional shwe-shwe materials and colours – There is no Christmas like an African Christmas.
I have loved sewing all my life. I taught myself as far as I could, but never had real guidance. I bought my first sewing machine at a pawn shop many years ago and has been saving ever since… until I could gift myself a Brother. With the guidance of my dealer and mentor – Hester from DecoDesigns – I bought my first Brother!!! I then attended her sewing workshops and took an interest in quilting. I absolutely love it. I decided to enrol my very first quilt, made with my very first Brother, into the Brother Quilting contest. An early Christmas gift from me to me, to celebrate Christmas. I incorporated the traditional Christmas colours with traditional shwe-shwe materials and colours – There is no Christmas like an African Christmas.