Amidst shouts of support and enthusiasm and a plethora of oohs and ahhs, Libby Lehman, MC for the Awards Ceremony for the 23rd Annual Show and Contest, announced the winning quilt. Sharon Shamber, of Payson, AZ, has won the $20,000 Best of Show for the second consecutive year - a first!

Sharon's quilt, Flower of Life is created with hand-dyed fabrics and detailed applique, trapunto, and hand-corded binding. The intricate precision longarm quilting adds shadows, texure, and design elements to this original design.

Also among the big winners of the night are:

AQS Best Hand Workmanship $12,000
Organic Garden, Bonnie Keller, Chehalis, WA

Bernina Machine Workmanship Award
Buckskin, Marla Yeager, Ava, MO