I like all the answers and they are right we are all different I like lots of different quilts but I have a love for reproduction fabrics and their style quilts I do feel a lot of the younger quilters are missing out on a lot of the learning techniques as when I started quilting we learned to take patterns and draft them to the size we wanted--to make our own templates and so many things that I still use today that the modern quilter does not know at least the ones I know quilt shows were so different to see how a person put a pattern together and the hand quilting was wonderful now it seems it is all computer and speed I have really lost interest in quilt shows but again that is just me

As a handquilter I have a totally different perspective. The actual quilting is what makes it a quilt. I only do machine quilting on things no bigger than crib size. I just made a T shirt quilt and it had to be machine quilted in order to stabilize the fabrics used, not to fall apart. I couldn't have done it without my husband's help. He stood in front of my machine and held the quilt up as I fed it through the machine. I have some muscle strength issues that make it difficult for me to wrestle a quilt through my sewing machine. As long as it consists of at least three layers, held together with stitching it is a quilt.

Oh my...what an interesting thread. Guess I'm more of a traditionalist but with modern leanings. Finding that the bright, clear colors do appeal to me although my design would be simple and realistic as opposed to abstract and would, also, involved minimal color changes. Instead of the traditional swirls and feathers and intricate designs in the white spaces mine would be the straight line stitching in rows. The intricate quilting is beautiful but to me it feels like cardboard. I agree there's room for all of us in the world of quilting....some traditional patterns we'll love, some we'll dislike; some modern patterns we'll love, some not so much but we all love just DOING it.

Historically speaking, there was a time when the price of "print" fabrics was so expensive that it was cut up and spread throughout the muslin to make it go further! I always manage to find something in each style which I really like and enjoy.

I have made both traditional and modern quilts in the short time I've been doing it. I can see merit in all of them but the more contemporary styles pique my interest more. I have been told that I am "color driven" which is true. I love bold colors against a black or white background. I do not care for the pastels of the 30's or the muted tones of the Civil War fabrics. That bring said, I have seen beautiful quilts made of each, just not my cup of tea. In our little group I an usually the one who will choose the "odd" pattern. Our leader will present a few and quietly say, "Wendy won't like this one" and she's usually right. I love the openness of the modern quilts; I prefer clean and uncluttered looks. They are not all easy especially if you want to add a bit of "yourself" to them. I have enjoyed making all the ones I've made, no matter what the style; I simply find the modern quilts make me happier when they're done.

I have made both traditional and modern quilts in the short time I've been doing it. I can see merit in all of them but the more contemporary styles pique my interest more. I have been told that I am "color driven" which is true. I love bold colors against a black or white background. I do not care for the pastels of the 30's or the muted tones of the Civil War fabrics. That being said, I have seen beautiful quilts made of each, just not my cup of tea. In our little group I an usually the one who will choose the "odd" pattern. Our leader will present a few and smile and quietly say, "Wendy won't like this one" and she's usually right. I love the openness of the modern quilts; I prefer clean and uncluttered looks. They are not all easy especially if you want to add a bit of "yourself" to them. I have enjoyed making all the ones I've made, no matter what the style; I simply find the modern quilts make me happier when they're done.

I can't remember who it was in this thread who made a distinction between modern and contemporary, but you're dead right. I'd probably call my style contemporary if I had to call it something. Modern quilting is a specific movement, and it does not by any means cover all of contemporary quilting. It doesn't even cover most of it. I do sometimes admire "modern" quilts, but it's not the sort of thing I'd make. For starters, it tends to rely heavily on retro fabrics, using patterns from the sixties with brighter colours, and that's not really my style. I don't want to do large areas in white, partly for aesthetic reasons and partly because I doubt its practicality, and I personally don't really like light grey.

I draw from a wide variety of styles, including traditional American (while American quilting dominates traditional quilting, it is definitely not the only tradition out there), various contemporary styles, other traditions. For instance, the baby quilt I'm working on at the moment is drawing from Indian textiles and Welsh quilts. https://www.threadbias.com/projects/...-baby-quilt--2 I'm planning to make something based on Islamic geomtric designs at some point, which will involve piecing a lot of odd angles and messing about with mirrors for kaleidoscope effects.

For the people who fancy trying modern quilting but can't do free-motion quilting, I've also seen quite a lot of quilting in that style done with hand quilting, the big stitch quilting style with large stitches and thicker thread. It can look very attractive, and is quicker and easier to do. I've taken to using perle #8 thread for a variety of reasons: if I'm going to put all that work into quilting, I want it to be nicely visible, and you get a far better range of colours. However, I haven't been able to retrain myself to do larger stitches yet, and the biggest I've managed is 8 stitches to the inch (topside)! I'm going to have to practice for the next quilt, because I want more of a sashiko look with the stitch size.

I really like the way that quilters today feel free to mix and match styles. My last quilt was a traditional Welsh wholecloth, only I used perle #8 thread, a bright marigold colour in a soft sponge effect for the top, binding (Welsh quilts usually have a knife edge), and a wholly untraditional Valori Wells print of owls on flannel for the backing. I've done a few contemporary variations on log cabins, they're fun to play with. American patchwork is an amazing tradition to draw from, there's so much of it, but I don't like the old-fashioned fabrics and I certainly don't like traditional American quilting. Whereas Welsh quilting really does it for me, and adapts well to both traditional and contemporary quilt styles. So many possibilities...

I think, that as quilters, we should keep our minds open as to different quilt styles. Different stokes for different folks certainly is the phrase. I appreciate all quilts. I do think that younger folks like the more geometric patterns and they can be beautiful with the right choice of fabrics. The softness and charm of traditiomal cannot be dismissed. No matter what pattern you choose, make it with love and it will be a winner.

I guess I love modern quilts and didn't know it. and now Ihave found out all of mine except one are modern. I don't think they are a cop out because I have had to line up points and do hard stuff on all of them. Because of this thread I did a google search of images and have a lot more ideas to go on and I'm all excited. If I'm allowed to say so nicely I don't think the quilt in the opening post is the best example of a modern quilt. If you do an on line search there are modern quilts that are very intricate to the point that I don't know how they are done just by looking at them. I think many of the older style very symmetrical blocks you can figure out how to copy just be looking at them and too many of them look like a star in some way. I'm also not a fan of the older style look of sashing and corner blocks maybe because it's be done to death. I think in no way is modern quilting a cop out.

I've been learning quilting over the last few years by doing traditional patterns, but I'm dying to try some more modern styles! I really like some of them...then again, I really don't like some of them...just like traditional patterns. I think that all styles have their place in the evolution of the quilting craft.

~ C

actually, I like both. Traditional and modern. Some patterns of each that I don't like. Guess that is why we are all different. ;-)

I love most any quilt. Many modern quilts are great - love the simplicity and the graphic designs. My heart is with traditional quilts but I have seen some modern ones I would really like to try. They are definitely on my bucket list!

I'd like to throw in a thought regarding to how each individual's brain thinks. Over years of quiltmaking that has developed into making my own designs, I have observed that I think very symmetrically when putting a quilt design together. This formal balance concept shows through when I'm putting pictures on the wall as well. Off center layouts are very hard for me to create. I've been working to get out of this "box" but it is not easy. The modern quilt movement relies on asymmetrical design to a large extent. Could this be one of the reasons why it doesn't appeal to me as much as the more traditional approach that I have worked with for a long time? Or is it because the asymmetrical design is new and not as familiar with my brain waves?

Oh and my kids think I'm a little off center:D Go figure!

okeswaglad -- you've hit on a major point -- symmetrical balance vs. asymmetrical. And you're right-- getting visual balance without symmetry is challenging, but it's also very dynamic and visually interesting. I grew up with symmetry being the ideal, and over time I've come to love asymmetry, so much so that things which are predictable and symmetrical just bore me.

I like all quilts.

As someone who likes to use traditional patterns with unusual colors, I'll just sit here quietly.....

I say if it gets someone quilting, or liking quilts, then yayyyyyyyy!!! If we all liked the same things it would be a very boring QB and the photos would all be the same, with not much to look forward to.

I am thankful for the wide range in tastes of fabric, pattern, design and construction!

We like you anyway.

The piecing matters more than the quilting to me. I want to do points lines up perfect and all that and think sometimes things are over quilted by others. To me the quilting is just to hold it all and the batting together. I just depends on whats important to the maker I guess. If the batting allows for it I'll do the whole thing stitch in the ditch with no quilting showing on top. I'm getting the impression I'm in the minority here.

It's the piecing I love too. My quilting usually consists of a 1/4" outline stitch to hold the layers together. I'll never be one who does the fancy quilt stitching as 1) I won't ever have a longarm, and 2) I'm not physically able to manage it on my regular machine. I prefer the minimal quilting anyway, as I like quilts to be soft and fluffy.

The quilting work I see here on the board is lovely and fascinating, and the skill and artistic ability quite blows me away. It just isn't anything I strive towards in my own quilting. Like seeing great art, I have a deep appreciation, but it doesn't make me love my own scribbles any less. LOL

Im open to all ideas except Kaffe whatever his name is. The fabrics are too bright with large designs. Don't care for Tula Pink or whatever her name is either.
Love historical, batiks, small prints, 1930s, florals, etc.
Not into blue, more a green person.
Traditional and modern and embroidery are all wonderful.

I like some elements of modern quilting and others I don't like. I've kept a few features and discarded others in my quilting. I'm not a huge fan of gray, which seems to be prevalent, but I do appreciate the clean cut look. Often I find myself making designs that are much more complicated than the typical modern quilt, even if I start with a more simplistic plan.

I just love how this discussion is going. It exemplifies what quilting is all about and why it is so appealing to many types of technique and fabric as well as personality (the anal--using 3/4" piecing to get miniatures-"who moi?" or the haphazard hey it's done and enjoy--"who moi, again?") and left or right brain gifted.

Admittedly I shied away from the modern quilt movement in the beginning, but as I have explored it more, I have come to understand it better and in the end began to understand myself as a quilter.

To me, some modern quilts miss the mark. I hope I don't offend anyone, but when, years ago, I saw a quilt made from zippers, I did not care for it at all. Ditto, strings, ribbons, hanging from quilts. That's just not my preference. More power to anyone who can design a unique fresh design that says "modern".

I love modern quilts with lots of solids and a ton of negative space for me to play with the quilting. Personally, I think the modern quilt is more of a place for a quilter to show off her skills, like a whole cloth. If you don't do your own quilting, do be prepared to pay a much higher price to have quality quilting on a modern quilt. I find them more difficult to create then just following a traditional pattern someone else created, because I have to come up with the design of the quilt. Personally, I don't like reproduction fabrics or the "30's" style of fabrics. The crisp, clean lines of the solids really appeals to me.

Zippers? I agree and think their shouldn't be hard objects in a quilt. Kinda defeats the purpose.

Quite honestly, I've never once seen zippers or really any dimensional applique or "Stuff" on modern quilts. I do recall when it was all exciting to put beads, ribbons, lace, trinkets, recycling, bangles, sequins, etc. on quilts, usually wallhangings. That was one trend I had to step far away from. Shudder.

I think there is a place for modern quilting... I like them just as well as I like the ones that are more like a photo.. To each his own.. I really like the traditional patterns. But I don't want to limit myself, so I would love to learn some new tecniques. This is a great quilt.

Most of the modern quilts I have seen (in books at the library) tend to use solid color fabric. I have nothing against them, but I practically never buy solids and prefer the myriad opportunities allowed by fabric with patterns. I suppose it's all a question of taste. I think I may try a "modern" quilt with more traditional patterned fabrics.

As to whether they're easier -- they certainly look to be of very simple construction, but (again) nothing wrong with that. Whatever floats your boat. Maybe the fact that they're easier will encourage some younger people to try quilting and they may eventually attempt some more traditional patterns and techniques.

Your quilt is very nice. However, my overall impression of more modern quilts is that they have a more limited color pallette, generally speaking. I think that's why I like modern - I'm more drawn to the simplicity of fewer fabrics. But your's is lovely.

I think making a modern quilt pattern using traditional fabrics becomes a simply pieced, traditional quilt. It's the use of solids and stark contrasts in very carefully considered color placements that gives most modern quilts their punch.

For myself, I find the modern quilting to be kind of boring, actually. But, as my Mom always said,"if everyone liked the same thing, it would be a very boring world.

I posted earlier a quilt that I made, with 'Wonky' in its name. Yes, it was a cop out. By making it I was freed from matching points

It appears to me that the style has evolved somewhat over the past two or three years and has become more mainstream.

I kinda have my feet in both camps. I'm a history lover and finds beauty in vintage things. I love traditional for that very reason. I like the look of traditional quilts, of how uniform they tend to be. But I love modern quilts because of how colorful they often are and unique and simplistic they tend to be. When making my quilts, I like to use both of this ideas. I often like to take traditional patterns and use modern colors and fabrics to make them.

I'm drawn more towards the fabric and what would make it look best versus an actual quilt style or pattern.

I can look at a pattern and my brain immediately goes through what I have on hand and if it will make the fabric look good. I tend to purchase fabric first then look for a pattern or block style. I recently purchased some Anna Maria Horner, Tula Pink, Amy Butler and Riley Blake fq bundles. I have zero plans for the fabric right now. I am still hunting for the perfect look for all the fabric.

I did purchase the swoon block pattern and my plan for that is to do it in all bright solids with black as the background. My guess would be its a traditional style block with modern fabric style.

These quilts are the "quilts of the day" and they will be seen as the quilts of the early 2000s. I am not particularly interested in doing them but my DIL just finished a beautiful one and I love it. I am a traditionalist and even though I am "into" all of the new ways of making quilts, I still like the old fashion ones.

I do like this design, but did you have problems with the instructions? I made a quilt by the same designers a while back, and I was really disappointed. It was also a kit, and there wasn't enough yardage. But, I wasn't sure if I cut it incorrectly. As far as the modern, I am pretty eclectic - I just love textiles and the beautiful art that women (mostly but not always) make with them.

i wanted to add something about long arm and/or heavy, ornate free motion quilting. i remember the first time i saw a quilt with a complicated over all pattern and i didn't understand how it was made. now i do, but i increasingly find the quilting overwhelming. far too often it takes precedence over the piecing and composition of the quilt and frankly i find the machined precision cold and mechanistic, often in terrible collision with the harmony of the colour and pattern choices. this is not to say the artistry is less, or the skill somehow less than handquilting or anything of the sort. it's just one aspect of the evolution of quilting that i don't find at all alluring.

aileen

I am a modern quilter and I am very selective about the fabrics I choose. I ofter use traditional quilt patterns with modern prints. I have HST's and Y seams and I want all the seams and points to match. Precise piecing is important to modern quilters too. The last quilt I made was a modern quilt by Tula Pink. The blocks are on point. You can't get more precise than that. There is not a lot of difference between modern quilters and traditional quilters. We all love to quilt, love fabric and love gifting things we have made. The main difference I see is the fabric choices we make and the quilting we do. I see the beauty in both modern and traditional. An Improve quilt I made was one of the hardest I ever made. I don't think I am a lazy quilter.