The Best

"The Best" 2014 by Yvonne Porcella
photo courtesy of the Alliance for American Quilts

I adore Yvonne Porcella. Long before the day when I was lucky to finally meet her in person I admired her work. It is full of joy, playful, and she has an extraordinary sense of color and design. Her work is signature. When you see one of Yvonne's quilts, you instantly know who made it.

The Quilt Alliance (Alliance for American Quilts) held its annual auction over the last few weeks, and one of Yvonne's quilts was in the group that ended last night. There were many other quilts I would've loved to bid on, some made by friends, but there was something about Yvonne's quilt. I absolutely had to have it. Funny thing is, I have not been collecting much this fall. Instead, I have been thoroughly engaged in many projects involving quilts in my collection, and trying to save up for France. So that's how much Yvonne's quilt stood out.

We met last year at the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles during my exhibition of New York Beauty quilts. After the museum gathering and tour of the exhibition, we attended a private dinner for museum supporters at Nancy Bavor's home and sat with Yvonne.

One of her quilts, best described as the psychedelic burger quilt, was on display as part of a food themed exhibit during my exhibition. So I got to meet Yvonne, see one of her quilts in person and have dinner with her all in the same day. The whole experience was the best, and having one of her quilts will be a wonderful reminder. I have the best luck sometimes!