I am scared to death of some of the new fabrics -- but the colors and prints are so glorious!
I think the best of both worlds is when all the "modern" fabrics (designed by Kaffe and Amy Butler and all those like them) are used in traditional patterns or innovative design that pays homage to tradition.
Kim McLean is doing some fabulous design work with her pieced and applique (and combos! :-D) quilts, and she uses Kaffe prints. The WAY she uses them is just stunning.
It's a whole new way for me to look at fabric and how it can be used.
You can see her stuff at Glorious Color here:
http://www.gloriouscolor.com/store.php?cat=329# and here:
http://www.gloriouscolor.com/store.php?cat=237
So while some of the magazine designs are reflecting the "make it, take it" quickie projects for new quilters, as those new quilters mature, they'll be looking for better stuff. And the design pendulum will swing the other way.
So I'm trying to open my mind to the new stuff while waiting! LOL!
Blessings,
Mary Lou