I’m definitely no authority in the world of modern quilting but I think it’s safe to say that the definition of what modern quilting is is going to vary from quilter to quilter. The Modern Quilt Guild has a definition posted on their website HERE. I like that it’s not too specific and still inclusive.
Although definitions vary, there are a few things I see over and over again when I’m admiring or creating modern quilts. So, in my eyes these are elements that exist in a lot of modern quilts. This doesn’t mean that to be a modern quilt it has to have these elements. Some quilts only have one element and others have them all. I’ve never really liked putting things into boxes, I just know that I like what I like.
Some elements I’ve found in a lot modern quilts I love:
• bright and bold fabrics {solids and prints}
• use of solid or almost-solid fabrics
• a lot of negative space {perfect to get creative with free motion quilting!}
• scrappy compositions in quilt top, backing and/or binding {great way to use up scraps!}
• areas of high contrast {one of my favorites!}
• improvisational piecing
This week I’m kicking off a brand new modern quilt along series! I’ll be teaching you how to create my Keys Afloat quilt in my new three video series. You can definitely see some of the modern quilting elements I listed above in every part of my quilt- the top, backing and even the binding!
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| Keys Afloat designed and made by me! |
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| Keys Afloat backing designed and made by me! |
Honestly, if you were to ask me my definition of modern quilting I would say any quilt my modern lifestyle will allow me to create! HA! I love to quilt but with two preschoolers, a farm and a business to run, I just don’t have the time to work on very complex and time consuming quilt projects. Instead, I prefer to design quilts that can be made in 1-2 days at the most. A functional family heirloom I can whip up in a weekend… that’s what I call modern quilting! But that’s just me.
Speaking of quick quilts… I completed this entire quilt in just one day! Can you believe it?! I can. This is exactly the kind of quilt I enjoy designing and creating. From pressing and cutting the fabric to the last hand stitch I did on the binding… all done on a Saturday. Go me! That even included all the filming and breaks to take still pictures and the rest of the prep work for the video series! I could probably make the whole thing in about 5 hrs without any interruptions.
If you are a beginner or have never tried quilting before, this is the quilt for you! It’s super easy to whip up since it’s only made up of strips. Also, there are no points to match up anywhere in the entire quilt top. If you don’t know what that means, let me put it this way- your cutting can be off and your sewing can be off and you will still end up with a gorgeous quilt! What do you say? Are you in?
I’ll be posting the first video in the series on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013 so be sure to check back then for the video link info. That day I will also have a PDF version of the pattern available for sale in my online shop for those of you that want to have a printable version of the instructions.
Here is the brief video breakdown for the entire series so you know what to expect:
Video #1: Intro to quilt along, explanation of design, fabrics used, fabric requirements, modern quilting and more!
Video #2: How to cut your fabrics and piece the quilt top together and more!
Video #3: Backing, batting, and binding info, quilting options, how I quilted mine and more!
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| Free-hand wavy line quilting design. |
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| Pieced backing and binding. LOVE! |
Jean
Your definition makes lots of sense to me.
Ruth J
I’m in! The fabric choices are plain, so I should be able to find that here.
(I won’t be able to take it on until it gets cooler around here though, but I’m definitely in.)
jusaweecatnap
I love these quilts. I must admit I own several quilts–I’m not even sure how many. I never get them out, let alone put them on the bed. One was made by a friend for my son when he was born. I didn’t dare use it on his bed (babies are messy little things!), but she kindly designed it to be hung on the wall, too. I did that. As we added more and more furniture to his tiny bedroom, I had to take it down, and never used it on his bed. What I like about your “Made in One Day” quilt is that it can be pretty and functional, but not so precious that it can’t be used for fear of ruining it. It’s what a quilt should be. I can’t help but wonder how many of the original quilters who made patchwork quilts because all they had were scraps of fabric to work with, would have jumped at the chance to machine quilt the finished product rather than do it by hand.