Quilting Modern
04-13-2012, 09:33 AM
#1
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Location: Texas
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Quilting Modern
There has been some talk, locally, recently about Quilting Modern! It peaked my interest because I was not sure what was meant by 'Quilting Modern', after all we are doing all kinds of techniques in ways that were not thought of even when I started quilting back in the late 1980s.
But, Quilting Modern! I have looked on line and talked to some of my friends and it seems, to me, that it is a new name for the improvisational piecing (sort of crazy quilting without the bling or lots of embellishment) or piecing without a specific pattern or specific piece shape (no templates), which is not new really. As for the particular fabrics (if it is particular fabric that defines Quilting Modern), we have had solids around for a long time, also hand dyed or screen printed fabrics to add a little extra dimension etc. so that we are not talking about a floral or more traditional commercial print.
Just was wondering, if it is the 20 somethings and 30 somethings that have applied a name to the types of quilting that I have been seeing at the Houston Quilt Show more recently. So in another 10 or 20 years, the younger quilters will think that they are Quilting Modern................
But, Quilting Modern! I have looked on line and talked to some of my friends and it seems, to me, that it is a new name for the improvisational piecing (sort of crazy quilting without the bling or lots of embellishment) or piecing without a specific pattern or specific piece shape (no templates), which is not new really. As for the particular fabrics (if it is particular fabric that defines Quilting Modern), we have had solids around for a long time, also hand dyed or screen printed fabrics to add a little extra dimension etc. so that we are not talking about a floral or more traditional commercial print.
Just was wondering, if it is the 20 somethings and 30 somethings that have applied a name to the types of quilting that I have been seeing at the Houston Quilt Show more recently. So in another 10 or 20 years, the younger quilters will think that they are Quilting Modern................
04-13-2012, 09:54 AM
#2
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 145
This is my third attempt typing this, hopefully it won't crash YET AGAIN...
There was a big kerfuffle recently in the blogosphere (I hate that word) with a silly little feud between certain "modern" and "traditional" quilt bloggers... It opened a big debate on what it means to be a modern quilter, and what was decided was that no one can agree on what that means.
Quilting, just like any artform, will have new techniques and styles as time passes, which may or may not be accepted by the quilting "establishment" (those who have been around longer). But like every other form of art, old techniques will be carried on, rediscovered and adapted and combined with the new, and quilting is the better for it. Neither is good or bad.
There was a big kerfuffle recently in the blogosphere (I hate that word) with a silly little feud between certain "modern" and "traditional" quilt bloggers... It opened a big debate on what it means to be a modern quilter, and what was decided was that no one can agree on what that means.
Quilting, just like any artform, will have new techniques and styles as time passes, which may or may not be accepted by the quilting "establishment" (those who have been around longer). But like every other form of art, old techniques will be carried on, rediscovered and adapted and combined with the new, and quilting is the better for it. Neither is good or bad.
04-13-2012, 10:13 AM
#3
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 62
Two of my favorite "Modern" quilting blogs are www.handmadebyalissa.com and www.ohfransson.com. That debate between "modern" and "traditional" is interesting, especially when you look at the geometric designs the older women of Gee's Bend, Alabama were doing. It all reminds me of the "modernism" debate in art during the days of Picasso.
04-13-2012, 08:50 PM
#4
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Saskatchewan, Canada
Posts: 706
I am tired of traditional and I want to try something new "Modern". I like modern geometric fabrics, solids, dots, etc. I love all kinds of quilts and at my age I want to try a little of everything.
04-14-2012, 01:11 AM
#5
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
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Originally Posted by sammygirlqt
I am tired of traditional and I want to try something new "Modern". I like modern geometric fabrics, solids, dots, etc. I love all kinds of quilts and at my age I want to try a little of everything.
geometric's, dots, and solids have been around for over 100 years! it all boils down to what You choose to do with them if your finished item will look new/modern or old, traditional
04-14-2012, 02:43 AM
#6
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Victorian Sweatshop
Posts: 863
Modern? I still haven't met a quilt I didn't like. Graphic two color quilts were being made at the same time crazy quilt throws were the rage.
There was a magazine article back in the 80's, the author was trying to judge a exquisitely completed quilt but couldn't fit the size into any category. Not big enough for a bed, to large to be a crib quilt, oh what to do. I laughed at the time, now just view her as deranged.
We all intepret the possibilities presented by color and texture. Be proud of what you do and encourage others to explore their vision. The worst influence in my life has been people who demand limits. I'm gonna keep soaring.
There was a magazine article back in the 80's, the author was trying to judge a exquisitely completed quilt but couldn't fit the size into any category. Not big enough for a bed, to large to be a crib quilt, oh what to do. I laughed at the time, now just view her as deranged.
We all intepret the possibilities presented by color and texture. Be proud of what you do and encourage others to explore their vision. The worst influence in my life has been people who demand limits. I'm gonna keep soaring.
Last edited by redmadder; 04-14-2012 at 02:44 AM. Reason: spelling
04-14-2012, 06:47 AM
#7
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Clay Springs AZ
Posts: 3,229
What Im seeing in mags is simple geometric designs. Ive made a couple simple quilts and they are nice. But the part of quilting I dont like doing is the quilting and binding. So piecing is what I like best and the modern quilts are easy and quick to put togather.
The harder to piece blocks are more to my taste and take longer to make. Stars are my favorite blocks. That way I can put off the quilting and binding a little longer.
If I need a quick quilt for a gift the modern designs are perfect.
The harder to piece blocks are more to my taste and take longer to make. Stars are my favorite blocks. That way I can put off the quilting and binding a little longer.
If I need a quick quilt for a gift the modern designs are perfect.
04-14-2012, 06:58 AM
#8
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Northern California
Posts: 2,644
Originally Posted by Hemlock Tea
This is my third attempt typing this, hopefully it won't crash YET AGAIN...
There was a big kerfuffle recently in the blogosphere (I hate that word) with a silly little feud between certain "modern" and "traditional" quilt bloggers... It opened a big debate on what it means to be a modern quilter, and what was decided was that no one can agree on what that means.
Quilting, just like any artform, will have new techniques and styles as time passes, which may or may not be accepted by the quilting "establishment" (those who have been around longer). But like every other form of art, old techniques will be carried on, rediscovered and adapted and combined with the new, and quilting is the better for it. Neither is good or bad.
There was a big kerfuffle recently in the blogosphere (I hate that word) with a silly little feud between certain "modern" and "traditional" quilt bloggers... It opened a big debate on what it means to be a modern quilter, and what was decided was that no one can agree on what that means.
Quilting, just like any artform, will have new techniques and styles as time passes, which may or may not be accepted by the quilting "establishment" (those who have been around longer). But like every other form of art, old techniques will be carried on, rediscovered and adapted and combined with the new, and quilting is the better for it. Neither is good or bad.
Ditto!! Just like hairstyles, cars, furniture, clothing and music - its always being reinvented into "modern" or "vintage" or "new and improved" or "classic" I am just happy we are all still doing it...(quilting that is) - its a personal art form and however you define it is up to yourself - I just love it no matter what form.
04-14-2012, 07:07 AM
#9
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,018
I guess I am more of a traditional quilter.......but I do like the speed of piecing that the more recent quilt patterns have offered, it certainly works well with some of the large print fabric that is now available, and "fun" to do. But, when looking/buying some of the mags lately some of the featured quilts in them are so gaudy, they actually hurt my eyes to look at them. Either the prints just run together in a mish-mash or they just "bounce" around and don't give you a place to "rest". I would like to try some of the newer patterns offered, but with a more subtle color combo...so something new can always be used in something old........
04-14-2012, 07:08 AM
#10
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Nebraska..The Good Life
Posts: 2,102
Seems like a pointless discussion to me. Each of us is an artist in our own way and each of us should make or design quilts that strike our fancy. Does it matter in the least what we call them? They're all quilts. Saying you "Quilt Modern" doesn't change the fact that you make quilts. Let your work stand for it's self.
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