Modern Quilts

I’ve been quilting for almost twenty years now, and over the course of that time plenty has changed, both in the quilting world and including myself. I began as a traditional quilter and still return to those roots in my art practice today. There are two basic mantras by which I try to live and practice by: #1 You’ve got to know the rules well before you can break them. and #2 Even if it’s considered ‘art’ or ‘modern’, it should always be well executed. Taking the time to learn all those finicky rules and regulations such as proper seam allowances, good pressing habits, and matching points isn’t just about pleasing the ‘quilt police’. It will stand you in good stead by developing strong work ethics and workmanship in all that you create, and in the words of the great Martha Stewart, “that’s a good thing”.

Shadows of My Former Self

Although built on traditional concepts, I consider this quilt, entitled Shadows of My Former Self, to be one of my earliest modern quilts. Why do I consider this quilt ‘modern’? This quilt features a low volume colour scheme, a solid dove gray background fabric, various sized blocks placed in a random fashion, and unique custom quilting throughout. I’m actually not sure if all of these descriptions fall within the true definition of a modern quilt but it fits my own criteria, while still reflecting shadows of my former traditional self. This quilt was awarded second prize in the Modern category at Saskatoon Quilter’s Guild show last weekend.

Grand Opening Awards Ceremony

Imagine my complete surprise when I also received the first place award in the Modern Quilt category, with my piece entitled “Haiku – one hundred days”! You may have seen a previous post containing photos of this quilt as it was featured in my gallery exhibition “one hundred days” back in the fall of 2015.

The story of this quilt began in January that same year, when I presented myself with a personal creative challenge to construct a quilt block each morning using the 100 Modern Blocks book by Tula Pink. Alongside the blockmaking I kept a sketchbook journal in which I created a collage and wrote a piece of Haiku poetry every morning for one hundred days. The combined exercise resulted in an entire art exhibition featuring dolls, paintings, poetry, and a total of fifteen quilts, including this piece as the focal point of the show. Although it began as a 100 day project, the entire body of work took ten months to complete. The custom quilting on the Haiku quilt alone took five weeks to do, with every block quilted individually with multiple colour changes, like a little treasure.

The Modern Quilt category prizes were sponsored by Darla Clinton, owner of Clinton Modern Creative, a wonderful new online shop featuring a fresh line of modern fabrics and notions.

First Place Prize

Darla donated gift bags loaded with goodies from her shop, featuring a nice cross section of the products she carries. My first place award contained Aurifil thread, Olfa Endurance blade, Flatter pressing spray, and an amazing fat quarter bundle of Tula Pink’s brand new Spirit Animal line, plus a Clinton Modern gift certificate.

Second Place Prize

The second prize gift bag was just a lovely as the first and contained Aurifil thread, an Olfa blade, travel size Flatter, and a gorgeous layer cake from another of my favourite modern fabric designers, Joel Dewberry. PLUS, another gift certificate!!! Oh, I am a lucky girl! Well, needless to say, I had great fun checking out Darla’s shop at www.clintonmoderncreative.com and spending all my winnings. I can hardly wait to receive my parcel in the mailbox and show you all my lovely merchandise. If you’re super impatient you’ll just have to pay Darla a visit at her online store and try to guess what I bought :o)

as always, happy stitching, carol