The Traditional Quilter's Guide to Making a Modern Quilt

Impressive title, isn't it!

In my last post, I mentioned that I had an opportunity to design for a modern quilt magazine and while I clearly haven't been blogging, I have been sewing.  I managed to make the deadline and submitted 5 modern quilting projects.  Fingers crossed!

Just in case you're thinking of giving modern quilting a try, I've decided to share a few newfound insights.  May I present:


The Traditional Quilter's Guide to Making a Modern Quilt

1.  Play -- relax, experiment, and let your imagination go wild.

2.  Don't be afraid of modern fabric -- it may be bright, it may be bold, but it is, after all, only fabric.

Glimma by Lotta Jansdotter

 3.  Try solids -- cut into pieces and combined, solids can be a revelation!

4.  Edit, edit, edit -- just because it looks modern, doesn't mean it looks good.

More Glimma

5.  When in doubt, ask your daughter -- difficult though it may be to admit, she is younger, cooler, and in touch with her modern side (let me rephrase that  - she actually has a modern side to be in touch with).

6.  Add white -- but remember it's white and if you're not careful everything (rulers, rotary cutter, sewing machine, iron, ironing board, puppy, air, etc.) will make it dirty.

And more Glimma - I like Glimma

7.  KISS -- say it with me, "keep it simple, stupid."

8.  Focus -- don't allow yourself to be distracted by any of the following:  lacrosse games, band concerts, laundry, slumber parties, grocery shopping, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, head colds, dust bunnies, global warming, etc.

Curious Nature by Parson Gray

9.  Don't feel guilty -- you're not actually cheating on your stash.

10.  "Don't think, you can only hurt the ball club." -- please excuse the Bull Durham reference, but so many times in my life, this says it all.


Happy quilting!