tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post7998593231986019139..comments2024-03-14T00:31:49.988-05:00Comments on tallgrass prairie studio: Modern Conundrumjacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362229673390519468noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-71894497812886895592010-11-17T12:59:42.961-06:002010-11-17T12:59:42.961-06:00Hey Jacquie,
I checked in to see what you have bee...Hey Jacquie,<br />I checked in to see what you have been up to, as I have not had time to blog hop in a while..and wow, you have alot of posts I want to comment on. This one first. I try not to even define my style, what I do. I think it is all so subjective. I do what I love and work with fabrics that I love and end up (ususally) with creations that I love. I love modern, I love vintage, I love retro. Vintage and retro are easier to define. Modern changes year to year, because the old comes back in style and becomes modern, but it was vintage...so you just go in circles on it. So I don't even really think about it much anymore.<br /><br />Just know that we all think your "style" is lovely!<br />Shereesheree of sheree's alchemyhttp://www.shereesalchemy.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-73994093101023971012010-11-04T09:18:56.135-05:002010-11-04T09:18:56.135-05:00Oops, for some reason my I.D. was not working in a...Oops, for some reason my I.D. was not working in above post!angiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07511013137054767540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-84381260391026582552010-11-04T08:59:27.636-05:002010-11-04T08:59:27.636-05:00Even though I am late to sewing and quilting (star...Even though I am late to sewing and quilting (started in May)...both of my grandmother's and my Mom, Aunts, etc sewed, quilted, canned, gardened, knitted, crocheted, etc....I think a lot of what makes a quilt modern these days is how it is made....machine piecing and quilting? My grandmother's would have thought that was crazy. I can guarantee they were not buying fabric at <br />$9.00 dollars a yard and would FAINT if they knew I was. They made quilts with what they had...we make quilts with what we like and what we want. Quilts were made to be used in the winter when it was cold! We make quilts to fill a desire to create. And if you don't think there is a difference between a "traditional" quilter and a "modern" quilter, then take a class from a VERY traditional quilter....<br />There are a lot of rules in traditional quilting....the modern quilters like to bend them! I am certainly in the modern camp.angiehttp://www.retromamarambling.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-48754320962392522912010-11-01T18:24:59.493-05:002010-11-01T18:24:59.493-05:00I love this discussion!
I know I am not modern, b...I love this discussion!<br /><br />I know I am not modern, but I feel like I'm floating somewhere in the middle unclaimed. I just make what I like, and that involves a lot of American Jane! <br /><br />I am more worried with how that quilt makes me FEEL that if it makes others THINK. <br /><br />I don't love super fussy traditional or what Cheryl was calling "lazy" (love that candor!).Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11865174900829735332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-70672002044645438002010-10-30T15:39:27.192-05:002010-10-30T15:39:27.192-05:00I noticed that before this
'modern' movem...I noticed that before this <br />'modern' movement there were lots of what I call quickie quilts. Those that have large pieces and can be sewn together very quickly. Some with good results and some not so good. I think the 'modern' quilts have taken this idea up a step making the result crisper and more controled. Using solids and less geometric layouts add to the 'modern' feel. And making sure the piecing and quilting were done well, is another way to recognize 'modern' quilts. <br />Today's quilter has great tools, and great fabric. The resulting quilts are wonderful. <br />I started quilting in 1975, when things were 'mod'. I was young and not many were into quilting at the time. The first class I took was at a senior center. I was the youngest, but not many were seniors.<br />I love the 'modern' quilts and have as much fun making them as I have had making 'traditional' or 'vintage' quilts. It's been fun to watch quilting evolve through the years. I can't wait to see what comes next!Sherrynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-45835441265699223942010-10-30T14:51:27.425-05:002010-10-30T14:51:27.425-05:00This is an interesting conversation. I tend to th...This is an interesting conversation. I tend to think the "modern" label is a method of adding a comfort level to those who don't want to be considered stereotypical granny quilters. The fact remains that it is still patchwork, it is still quilted, it still has three layers - so it is a quilt. Call it whatever you want as long as you enjoy making them!Kelleyhttp://pioneerquilter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-67660270039418675262010-10-28T21:57:42.959-05:002010-10-28T21:57:42.959-05:00I don't care what you call the new style quilt...I don't care what you call the new style quilts. The fabrics look just like the prints my mother used for her cotton dresses and aprons in the 50's and 60's. While it is a great thing that younger women are trying out quilting, their products will not stand the test of time if they are shoddily made. Even Picasso learned a more classic style of painting before he became a "modern" artist. One needs to know the rules before changing them.Malindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16417125068082873720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-23363079309710613482010-10-28T19:01:30.173-05:002010-10-28T19:01:30.173-05:00sometimes i think of 'modern' as 'simp...sometimes i think of 'modern' as 'simple'. i feel a modern styled house is simplistic with clean lines and sparse furnishings. sometimes i compare 'modern'quilts with that style - simple to the eye (whether it is simple construction is another issue!) a quilt with all solid fabrics or a unique design. when i think of traditional i think of following a pattern and lots of measuring and triangles. <br /><br />I also read somewhere where someone who might be classified as a 'traditionalist' doesn't think of 'modern' quilters as legit bc often times we don't measure or follow directions and that is what depicts a quilter. I think a quilter is someone with a love for sewing, fabric and creating. I think what we 'classify' ourselves is which design style or art we lean towards - just the same as we all decorate our houses differently with many styles.sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14704288153880593299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-10163366819063563652010-10-28T14:09:12.205-05:002010-10-28T14:09:12.205-05:00Regardless of what anyone want's to call it, I...Regardless of what anyone want's to call it, I love that more people are appreciating sewing in it's many forms. It's cool again to know how to use a sewing machine. :)Anitahttp://bloominworkshop.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-38276436767349594632010-10-28T11:18:01.295-05:002010-10-28T11:18:01.295-05:00From the Random House Dictionary:
MODERN: of, p...From the Random House Dictionary: <br /><br />MODERN: of, pertaining to, or characteristic of contemporary styles of art, literature, music, etc., that reject traditionally accepted or sanctioned forms and emphasize individual experimentation and sensibility.<br /><br />CONTEMPORARY: of the present time; modern<br /><br /><br />Either term works but I like Modern more because the things I see that are compelling are the ones that do emphasize individual experimentation while being of the present time. <br /><br />Or maybe it is like pornography -- you know it when you see it. <br /><br />At any rate it is oh so much more fun to walk into a fabric/quilting store selling current fabrics (e.g. Cool Cottons or Bolt here in Portland) than some stuffy old quilt shop filled with calicos. Just my opinion. :-)Catherine Fowlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16766380246283314071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-15159309376432274352010-10-28T07:42:24.026-05:002010-10-28T07:42:24.026-05:00This is a fascinating discussion. I love that peo...This is a fascinating discussion. I love that people are putting it all out on the table. I will say that I don't know if others consider my work modern or not - but that's beside the point. I'm just making what I like. And, btw, it does often include large blocks, but that's not being lazy. I like the way my quilts look with less piecing and I enjoy the process more with less piecing. Lazy only applies if you'd wish for more.Rachel at Stitched in Colorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08187626491695441387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-21678303020383126872010-10-28T03:04:43.613-05:002010-10-28T03:04:43.613-05:00do not deny your tradition.
for you must have roo...do not deny your tradition.<br /><br />for you must have roots in the past before you can spread your wings into the future.MightyMomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02563721884001643857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-54193018281706799472010-10-28T02:04:46.153-05:002010-10-28T02:04:46.153-05:00I think about this alot ... what makes it modern? ...I think about this alot ... what makes it modern? <br />I tend to think of the "modern" as in "modern art". And thats it about the <br />...fabric not the piecing..<br />.the using not the hanging/showing... <br />... the speed of making not the precision.. <br /><br />I was going to a traditional guild with lots of elderly ladies and lots of civil war repros and lots of bedazzled 3-d flowers. <br />Going to a modern guild is a game changer. There I am one of the old ladies in the room and the work is soo much more interesting to me, I'm accepted and finding ladies that regardless of age have a similar perspective, In a sense I have found my peeps... <br />so whatever you call it... Im in.. <br />excuse me now, I need to go work on my cross quilt before the craze passes... :D2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-88938386297955458352010-10-28T01:34:36.510-05:002010-10-28T01:34:36.510-05:00Some people would like to think their quilts are m...Some people would like to think their quilts are modern, but there is nothing modern about patchwork. There are modern fabrics, with modern designs perhaps , there is a lot of art quilting called modern, but in the end it is still the same , a fabric sandwich held together with thread. The most modern Ive seen is a plain fabric quilt already done by the French a long time ago, and a crazy type quilt done by the Victorians.Perhaps 3d or quilts with dimention and a flower half sticking out of the quilt is about as modern as it gets, OH yeah I did see a pc board quilt, a quilt look like the inside of a pc board with wires and all..I get a little upset when young women talk of inventing quilt as u go anf other tecqnuqies that I saw back in the late 70s and early 80s being used by people like Georgia Bonesteel and not giving those ladies the credit.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-62756768260481492302010-10-27T22:16:04.718-05:002010-10-27T22:16:04.718-05:00Love the quote, and if it is to be a truthful one ...Love the quote, and if it is to be a truthful one then wouldn't that mean that "Modern" must be something that is ever evolving and changing? And thus, what begins as modern, possible has the potential to soon becomes cliche? <br /><br />While you Jacquie, have always impressed me as a forward thinking artist/quilter, and one who keeps pushing the boundaries, (thus someone I respect and have great admiration for) I have overall become a bit disillusioned by the Modern Quilting movement. From what I see, people are already falling into the same old same old. Too many works are looking alike, and it is often hard for me to tell one quilters work from another. I think that instead of questioning, stretching and pushing the envelope, (as I think modern artists from the past did) too many of today's "modern" quilters just fall back on white, wonky, solid... she did it, so I'll do it too... ZZZzzzz! It makes me want to scream, "For Pete's sake, dig deeper, and bring something new to the table!" <br /><br />Is this a movement just because a lot of people have signed up and it's popular, (making it nothing more then the flavor of the day) or is this a real artistic movement because new concepts and ways of thinking are evolving? (I wish it were the latter, but fear it is the former.)Victoriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06913095438247860953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-9511960018566710032010-10-27T18:28:05.628-05:002010-10-27T18:28:05.628-05:00I'm one of those people that loves "tradi...I'm one of those people that loves "traditional" quilts shown in a new way - and often, I too see it termed as "modern" because of the fabrics chosen, or maybe the layout of the traditional blocks. But I kind of laugh to myself and think "everything old is new again". BUT there definitely is a "modern" movement, though maybe more of a "contemporary" movement is the way to phrase it...? If ever there was a modern quilter, in my mind, you fit that bill! And what's wrong with being modern-vintage? :)Christina Lane | The Sometimes Crafterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15855629064932597399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-14473727674303903752010-10-27T16:01:52.202-05:002010-10-27T16:01:52.202-05:00I agree with what Cheryl said about laziness, at l...I agree with what Cheryl said about laziness, at least in some of the quilts I've seen on blogs over the last couple years. <br /><br />I don't know what modern really means, and the work I do probably isn't really "modern" either, but I make what I like and I try to do my best. :)Vickihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10088213674978515287noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-41419423610198725222010-10-27T14:41:42.045-05:002010-10-27T14:41:42.045-05:00I've actually been thinking lately that so muc...I've actually been thinking lately that so much of what is called modern quilting is actually quite lazy. Giant squares, so much negative space (too lazy to piece more blocks?), useless sized quilts, charm packs, and quilting that isn't very creative.<br /><br />But Marianne, earlier in the comments here, made a very good point about quilts being a reflection of our times. And we current quilters face two things. One, we are generally busy women with families and jobs. So we seek out the simple and want more quilts rather than one per year. And two, the internet pushes us to share and post as much as possible. Churn instead of quality.<br /><br />What is generally seen as modern quilting is different from what was seen even as recently as 5 years ago. While I've always been a bit uncomfortable with the notion of a movement (this isn't suffrage folks), I do see a change in quilting.<br /><br />Interestingly, I think the industry as a whole is part of the reason. It isn't just that there are pretty fabrics, it's that they are designed to be shown off. No longer is a line made up of 1-2 large prints, 1-2 small prints, a dot, and a stripe anymore. So they need patterns to showcase these fabrics. And patterns are evolving to do just that, rather than showcase design.<br /><br />Oh you know me, we could talk about this forever!Cheryl Arkisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-39651170499505364572010-10-27T14:30:40.902-05:002010-10-27T14:30:40.902-05:00For me, I think beginning quilting with traditiona...For me, I think beginning quilting with traditional methods/patterns/fabrics was really beneficial. <br /><br />Quilts are all about comfort to me. Traditions and traditional quilting provide instant comfort in my book. <br /><br />I try to keep my traditional roots and put a modern spin to them.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05616509063994869028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-67332157796100305112010-10-27T13:34:45.558-05:002010-10-27T13:34:45.558-05:00Yes, but not in the middle of the night. :)Yes, but not in the middle of the night. :)KateKwiltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17155485457058205111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-71598661681635026352010-10-27T12:38:04.155-05:002010-10-27T12:38:04.155-05:00Like everyone it seems, yes, I think about it all ...Like everyone it seems, yes, I think about it all the time! There are several blog threads where people are considering the 'modern' quilt movement and what it means. I have a deep respect for the tradition of quilt making, even the 'rules' of it actually, but I am enjoying the exploration of line, shape and colour more than pattern these days. That for me, is modern....a movement away from the obvious pattern. I still love a beautiful folk-art piece, or traditional blocks made with funky mod fabric. It's all good and I am making an effort not to get hung up on a definition or categorization of quilts. I know what I like to do - I'll never make a Baltimore Album, for instance - but I love and appreciate beauty in excellent work, no matter what the pattern or design. The resurgence of quilting as a craft and art (and business for some) is good for all of us and I couldn't be happier!Poppyprinthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08251892807966340175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-68876214441703734852010-10-27T12:35:53.310-05:002010-10-27T12:35:53.310-05:00There is nothing new under the sun... That doesn&...There is nothing new under the sun... That doesn't say that we can't keep pushing our personal comfort zone and learning new things, but to me the feeling that 'I've labeled myself as a modern quilter, now I've got to stay on the cutting edge' is not a good feeling. I want to make what I love, what inspires me. And I don't want anyone turning up their nose at me and saying, "that's so yesterday" (even if it is!) I don't want to give that impression to others either, because each person's creation is worth something, whether it falls within my personal tastes or not. <br /><br />A person's reaction to this discussion depends so much on whether you have an analytical type of personality. I don't, so I tend to say, "Who cares?". On the other hand, I totally respect you folks who feel the need to categorize, and find the real meaning of words.<br /><br />If this doesn't make sense, just disregard it!Jolenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11129017092245557384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-22795133969653791832010-10-27T12:34:03.630-05:002010-10-27T12:34:03.630-05:00wow...you've gotten a lot of comments on this ...wow...you've gotten a lot of comments on this topic! My 2cents:<br /><br />How does the saying go? 'Everything that was once old becomes new again'. With an art form as long lasting as quilting, there are bound to be similarities between old and new. While it may be hard to define what 'modern' quilting is right now and how it is different from 'traditional', I think there is a difference. <br /><br />One notable difference is that feeling of connection. Like how you feel when you've stepped into a shop that carries 'your' fabric (or how it feels to step into one that doesn't). You know what a joy it is to talk to someone who is interested in what your working on and thinks your pattern and fabric selection is spot on (or what it's like to talk to someone who doesn't understand why your sashing is solid white and doesn't have a clue who is).<br /><br />Another difference is that modern quilters don't seem to be as bogged down with rules or formulas like: a balanced quilt must have an assortment of light, medium, and dark fabrics. I've seen so many beautiful quilts that don't follow that rule! Or: when quilting, never cross your stitch lines. Try telling that to Leah Day! Another rule: use tone-on-tones instead of solids when a solid color is necessary for a pattern. I am pretty sure all of us can agree that we love solids! <br /><br />I think technology also plays a key role in 'modern'. A lot of modern quilters shop online rather than brick and mortar stores. Many modern quilters follow blogs or write their own. Modern quilters use social networks like Flickr as a means to connect and exchange/swap.<br /><br />I don't want to stand on this particular soap box too long but I've had some bad experiences when interacting with 'traditional' quilters and quilt shops. It reminds me of how movies portray the rich and nouveau riche (I'm neither so I don't know if this actually happens in real life). I've experienced it all: snobbery, un-helpfulness, rudeness, feeling judged, ageism (I'm 27 and look even younger), skepticism, lack-of interest/enthusiasm, not acknowledging me at all...etc. Clearly they thought they were different enough from me to treat me that way. I have decided to not shop at my local quilt shop and instead drive 20 minutes further to the quilt shop that has my fabrics and is nice to me. <br /><br />I think this modern movement will be good for quilting in general. It's an art that should not be lost in the shuffle and forgotten.Nataliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08921724991341819374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-6722104866205378052010-10-27T11:40:26.017-05:002010-10-27T11:40:26.017-05:00The more I see photos of some quilts that are from...The more I see photos of some quilts that are from the 1800s and other times, the more I'm thinking there's nothing too different about the designs. I believe the difference is mostly in the fabrics that give it a more "modern" look. A friend of my mom only uses calicos, & her quilts don't fit the "modern" look. But her fabrics are still newly purchased, so the fabric isn't the only thing. It's hard to define. In the end, I don't think it matters. It's all good.<br /><br />Now art quilts...those seem more truly modern in that they are further from the traditional quilt.momto2wasdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07946036639603120977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8119596690600748752.post-68568447120164575572010-10-27T11:12:55.421-05:002010-10-27T11:12:55.421-05:00Modern quilting has found it's way to the youn...Modern quilting has found it's way to the younger with new designers creating wonderful new fabric and the blog world exploding with inspiration.The average age for quilters is no longer 52...which is btw how old I am. I have been in LOVE with quilting for 20 years. Modern is new and fresh and has opened up a bunch of new doors. I love it and I also love the tradition it came from.Pamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13344785208115066895noreply@blogger.com