OMG. I couldn't figure out what the prints reminded me of. You are exactly right. BTW I had at least 2 of those tent dresses, even sewed one. You probably won't find alot of this fabric in my stash, but these prints to some are old fashion prints like my 30s are to me. LOL.

for years now I have picked out one fabric I use as my focus fabric, then I choose blenders, solids and or fabrics that read as solids, that complement the focus fabric. My rule is less is better, that works for me. I do not think every one should do just as I do because each quilt should be an expression of the one who made it. and we are thankfully all different, so our quilts should all be different, think how boring it would be to go to a big quilt show and see hundreds of the same quilt, in the same colors and fabrics! we are so lucky we can celebrate being different and liking different colors, prints, styles, patterns, now is a time for big splashy prints and mushy patterns, not my cup of tea, but for others it is just right.

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

Hm. I kind of like them, but there isn't much about quilting that I don't like. Some of the art quilts don't make sense to me--the journal-type quilts. I always wonder how anyone decides what's good or bad. I think if I were to make some of the ones I see in magazines, I'd probably throw them in the trash because I'd think they were a mess. Others are beautiful, of course, and I always wonder how the designer knew certain things would look good together.

But it sounds like you are much more fond of traditional quilts, and I think it's just a matter of taste and preference. Personally, I like almost everything I see when it comes to quilts. I only wish I was more talented and artistic.

I think that's where I am because I love it when they arrive in the mailbox. But I used to love it when my cooking magazines showed up in the mail. Right now I'm getting rid of those and I actually changed the address on some so they would go to my DIL. I have stacks and stacks and stacks of recipes in a file cabinet. I won't live long enough to make all of them. The magazines are piling up, and I really don't want to go through them. I imagine the same thing will happen with quilting magazines some day, but for now, I still enjoy them. Now if they would just get rid of the confounded plastic they come wrapped in. I hate that.

Always looked at Quilting as a your choice million and one option craft, I check the magazines and if something hits my fancy I'll get it. Can go home and look at the stack here from the late 70's and 80's 90's for inspiration, and now online, all these tend to trend back and forth, If it's to recruit new or young quilters thats good too, will help to keep the craft alive!! Often the time factor comes into play, work, children, home etc. :)
I like high contrast and some big prints, some small, LOL back to the million and one options YAH
Happy Quilting :)

I agree, they feel old-fashioned, as in sixties, to me as well. They feel faddish and remind me somewhat of Marimeko or Pucci prints.
Someday it'll be very easy to date quilts made of these bold prints, just like we date 1930s quilts by the feedsack prints now. I fear those future evaluators will believe quilters of this era had little color sense and even less desire to "really piece quilts". :?

Jan in VA

I enjoy the new take on quilting fabrics although for my own taste I frequently "transalate" the fabrics shown just as Leaha described. The change I can't quite get used to are the lime greens and orangey reds for Christmas fabric. Christmas projects will always be the traditional reds and greens and blues and whites.

I agree. I won't be subscribing.

I just moved back to Iowa from Mesa. Oh, how I miss the Phoenix quilt shops. Omaha, and Council Bluffs don't have much to offer... anyway, I haven't found much yet. I would give anything to have those shops here.....
I agree about Magazine patterns... not much there anymore.... much more fun stuff on the internet.
Does anyone subscrib to the on line quilters clubs, i.e. Fons and Porters.... they seem expensive, I already spend too much time on my computer.... Quilter 1234