Best of Show: Saffron Spring

The quilt is breathtaking and it has a perfect name: Saffron Spring. When I read it I actually sniffed the air a bit! I had a moment of expecting to smell a blend of daffodils and saffron.
It was created by Barbara E. Lies. She describes it as a traditional medallion-style whole cloth quilt and, strictly speaking, it is. However, the pierced, nested square borders and the amazing machine quilting move it into a category beyond traditional.

The detail shows off the trapunto and the soft yellow couched cording that accents the center design. The fabric itself looks to be a randomly mottled yellow. The flowers may be stuffed with tinted batting? The center motif is also accented with embroidery.