Hi!
With Quilt Con coming soon in February and awesome quilters are getting back feedback on whether their quilt got chosen or not to be in the show – the hot topic of what is MODERN QUILT is getting spiced up around the blogosphere and quilter’s Instagram. So, I think this would be a perfect time to also open this topic here on the blog.
It has been a while since the last time I thought about posting this “controversial” topic. Time just didn’t feel right. And there is also this feeling of self-denial that I need to overcome so that things are not biased and purely thought over before posting it out. I have also read some great post about their thoughts on the topic here, here, here and recently here.
Firstly, why is it a hot topic?
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Well, modern quilting is something that is trending lately and somehow, being a part of the modern quilting world suddenly seems like the cool thing.
Let’s put Echosmith Cool Kid song here.
“I wish that I could be like the cool kid, cause all the kid, they seem to fit in”
See? It is as if being the cool kid – being modern and all seems right and being rejected or having your quilt labelled NOT modern seems like a big rejection to become one of the cool kids in town.
When put like that, it sounds kind of childish doesn’t it?
I know some quilter’s feeling got hurt when their quilt got rejected from Quilt Con Show (see some beautiful #quiltconreject on Instagram), but I would like to make it clear here – it doesn’t mean your quilt is not BEAUTIFUL! Neither it meant your quilt was not Modern. They were just so many entries — from last I heard was about 1300! So there’ll be many quilts not chosen anyway, despite having all the criteria. So, don’t feel rejected. Give yourself a pat on the back for trying and try again if you really want it.
So, I think it is important to make it clear to yourself what defines a Modern Quilt. I know everyone has a different perspective on this; hence the controversial issues. However, I would like to point out that once I made myself clear about the definition of Modern Quilt, I felt much happier and have found the true me rather than trying to do something that I think would belong. I would not spend my precious time just trying to fit in. If what I make (something I love) fits in, then I would give it a try to put it in the show. However, if it doesn’t fit in, I would not even bother to try. Your time and feeling are precious. Of course it is very frustrating to find something you made – so be”you”tifully made got rejected. So, save yourself from being hurt. Save your time and gain some knowledge on the criteria of the quilt they require in the quilt show (applied to any kind of show) before you go ahead and spend your energy on it.
My turnover:
I joined the webinar by Jacquie Gering over on MQG website (link to webinar here for members only) a few months back on the definition of a modern quilt which made my perspective on modern quilt much clearer. I have to admit though, the first few weeks after watching the webinar, it kind of got the better of me. I felt that I was not MODERN enough. Guess what? It is TRUE. Most of my quilts are not modern– but why do I have to be sad? Why does it get to me that I am not making modern quilts? I started reviewing my feelings, my quilt making choices, what I envisioned for the future of my quilting world would be like (yeah – serious quilt talk here.. hehe) and what I enjoy most.
I have come to the basic root of my quilting style: I quilt what I like — it is a therapy for me. I don’t want to stress about my quilting style. That does not serve the purpose of this hobby anymore if I do that. So basically- the talk got me to find the real me and be proud of what I quilt – whether it is modern or not. Sometime, I may want to try a modern quilt which I have tried here and here, but most of the time, I just want to quilt what I think to me would be fun for me.
So what is a MODERN QUILT?
As summarized from Jacquie’s webinar : A modern quilt should have a modern aesthetic. It should fit a modern home hence should also meet the modern criteria in terms of Modern Interior. Click here for the definition of Modern Interior Design.
Some quilt criteria that a modern quilt may have :
- minimalistic: minimal colours, shape or pattern
- bold strong colours and defined lines
- improv piecing technique
- lots of negative space
most are very similar to what a modern interior should be. Modern interior should have minimal clutter – I think a modern quilt should have minimal pieces to match this criteria.
A quilt can have a level of “modernness” as well. In the webinar, Jacquie mentioned this as a continuum. One side of this continuum may have a bit of the modern influence in the quilt where as the other side would have been something that is really modern with all the criteria and all. It is a continuum because there is no clear defined boundaries. However, you can actually use this continuum to define your quilt.
Ask yourself some of this question: and make a continuum.
- Which type of quilt makes you think ” o yes that is SO modern!” Put that quilt in near the right side of the continuum (tips : you can use the criteria above)
- .Which type of quilt makes you think ” aaaa, that is kind of modern – or not… or maybe? ” Put that quilt on the near left hand side of the continuum
- Now, take your quilt. Where, in that continuum does it belong? Does it look more like the left hand side or more of the right hand side.
That is how modern it is. (there may be a slight difference from one to another opinion, but I believe there’ll be more people with similar ideas of where their quilt belong)
Continuum of Quilts Aesthetic
Here is an example of how I would do mine.
I would take one of Jacquie’s quilts and put it on the right hand side. And put one of mine on the left. And choose a few of my other quilts and try to define it. Remember, I am not being harsh but being true to myself.
Why my continuum look like the above? here is my point of view :
Jacquie’s quilt Shattered Remix (right hand side) : It has minimal colours, improv piecin, lots of negative space. I would definitely say this is a modern quilt when I see it. So it belongs on the right side of the continuum.
My I heart Quilt : I have a problem saying this is a traditional quilt, maybe self-denial, but I think the colours still fit in the modern quilt maybe??? (perfect quilt for the other end of the continuum)
My True Tone Patchwork Quilted Runner : Improv but ordered. Use of solids. Modern but the clear definition between the lines of the negatives and the colours are clearly define making it look more traditional.
My Briar Rose Starry Diamond Quilt : lots of negative space but the choice of fabrics is a bit soft – kind of blend with each other, the whole shape of the diamond star seems traditional.
My Improv Hexagons Quilted Placemats : I’d say this is more modern – it has some improv piecing, bold colours and lots of negative space. But I think it can be modern if I quilted it minimally and use different size and wonky strips for the hexies. – but I like it the way I made it.
So there, with that –I would say I mostly quilt something that is more of a traditional quilt with a hint of modernity, so I belong in the left side of the continuum. Shall I try these quilts in the Modern Quilt Show? I probably not. If I would, I would maybe make the Improv hexagon more Modern by using more wonky strips, minimal quilting and make it in different sized blocks. But I didn’t want to and felt I don’t need to and I don’t have much time (hehe).
Anyway. most important thing is: wherever it belongs in the continuum or even outside of the continuum – it is still beautiful. And still be loved and in fact, I think many quilters, including myself love traditional quilting more often than not. So, be proud of whatever type of quilter you are and please don’t feel the need in order to belong, you have to be doing the same thing! Be you! Make BE”YOU”tiful quilts!
Well, what do you think of my version of the continuum? Drop a comment telling me what you think about Modern quilting and has it affected you in anyway? By the way, I belong to Canberra Modern Quilt Guild, and sometimes I do feel like my quilts don’t belong to “show and tell” but I have enjoyed all kind of quilts at the “show and tell” that I bring mine anyway no matter modern or not. Every quilt is beautiful even if you don’t fancy it. And every quilter should enjoy looking at other quilter’s work so, it is still worth of “show and tell”.
I am in no mean to hurt anyone by my opinion above. As I said – even if your quilt is not modern, your quilt is is still beautiful. Don’t let the label hurt you.
Phew! That was a length wordy post!
Want to learn how to do improv piecing?
If you are interested to learn more of improv piecing, check this class out. I certainly have enjoyed learning to do it, but I guess the finishing style and the process just didn’t feel so much of me, and it’s okay.
Hope to hear your thoughts on the topic.
Hugs,
Amira
8 Comments
I actually can’t stand the labels that the modern quilt movement has given us. I’m a quilter. I can’t define my style – like you, I make what I love! Sometimes it’s needle turn appliqué in modern fabrics, sometimes it’s improv.
I need to blog about this, actually, but I know it will upset people. I went to Yokohama quilt week last month and there was a display from the “famous” American modern quilters. And I didn’t like any of their quilts. Not one. It seemed suddenly the “modern quilt movement” had moved to this extreme of home decor. What would look good in a house. What colours are cool these days. And it just felt like these quilts had no heart, or even much movement. That’s not the sort of quilting I’m interested in.
From that display I moved to the traditional section of the competition, and they were bright, fresh, full of meaning and beautiful! And very modern, but they definitely wouldn’t fit into the current definition of modern quilting. I think that’s my kind of quilt, and where I fit. Actually, I don’t think I fit anywhere much, I’m definitely not one of the cool kids, I don’t spend much time with any quilting communities, and that’s perfectly ok with me.
Thank you for this thoughtful post! It was lovely to read and know I’m not the only person who thinks ths way!
Great post Amira. The spectrum is particularly helpful 🙂
Thank you Deborah. That is my view of the spectrum based on what I learned from the webinar. However it can be different in other’s perspective
You are welcome and thank you for your comments. You definitely should make a post. I always love to read on other’s thought about this.. I totally get you about not liking many of the modern quilt..I guess it was just not me. I am similar to you – bright colours. Repetitive patterns.. so quilty so cosy. Full of hearts. We are our own kind of a cool kid..
This is a great post and I think it will help some people who currently feel they, or their quilts, are ‘rejects’. Entering a quilt show is a bit like completing an assignment at school or university. You have to read the question / requirements again and again and be sure you are answering the right question. Quiltcon have a certain type of quilt that they are looking for, and a quilt won’t be accepted if it doesn’t meet their criteria. I think some people have invested a lot of time and energy into making quilts for Quiltcon without fully understanding what Quiltcon were looking for. People made quilts that reflected their personal style, and that they thought were modern. I suspect most of those quilts fitted on the Traditional Modern end of your scale above. I know that’s what I enjoy making, and that’s why it never even occurred to me to enter Quiltcon. Thank you for writing this.
Thanks Wendy for your great response. I think maybe the question or requirements weren’t made that clear too – Defining and judging is always way too subjective..but I really hate the fact that this were causing some to start judging themselves and feeling not good enough hence this post. Enjoy whatever you make and there’ll be a place for it for sure!
I tend to be attracted to the colours of the quilt rather than the style.lmake many kinds some more modern and some very traditional but if the colours are just right I love them both.
Love them both too! I tend to quilt for fun to me, so whatever is fun, it is on my radar.