"Aroha" by Michelle Wilkie won Best Machine Quilting, Framed Needle Moves at Quiltcon 2022.

Artist Statement: "This quilt was a group quilt where I chose Maori design influences and a traditional color palette to introduce friends to the culture I grew up with in New Zealand.

Aroha means love in Maori. As I was piecing this quilt together, there were a lot of emotions and worry about friends and family, due to the horror of the terrorist attack that was happening in Christchurch that weekend. This quilt really made me feel connected to hime when I really needed it. Every stitch was accompanied with a prayer/thought of love for those at home. Aroha was the right name to give this quilt."

Additional Piecers: Melissa Herboth, Valerie Luberecki, Jen Carlton-Baily, Sarah Lowry

Quilted By: Christine Perrigo

Techniques: Machine Pieced, Machine Appliqué, Machine Quilted on a frame (longarm)