It’s easy to boil “quilting” down to its common denominators of the cloth-batting-cloth sandwich and the stitching holding all that together. When you start carving out the niches in quilting, though, that’s when the rotary cutter hits the cloth, so to speak. One person’s contemporary is another person’s modern, and then there are those stitchers who like to take traditional blocks and sew ‘em up in screamingly new fabrics and colors. What are they…nouveau traditionalists? (And don’t get us started on the whole fiber artist vs. quilter thing. We’ll be here all night.)
We still wanted to explore the essence of modern quilting, though. So we put that question to you. A few weeks ago, we initiated an essay contest and invited Generation Q readers to answer this question: What is Modern Quilting?
Seven of you took us up on this challenge. Now, that’s not an overwhelming response, but when you read the submissions (stay tuned for the links), we think you’ll recognize the thoughtfulness that went into trying to define something so subjective and changeable.
We’re offering those submissions up to you now, and ask you to help us choose the essayist who comes closest to really defining this niche. Here’s what to do: Follow the links embedded below to read each entry.
Then come back to this post and make a comment between now and Sunday, Sept. 4, midnight , telling us which essay does the best job of defining the modern niche. Yes, a prize is involved for you and also for the winner essayist.
And hey, because it’s a holiday weekend and we’re asking you to read a lot of stuff, it’s a yummy prize. To one random commenter and the winning essay writer, we’ll give a GenQ Grab Bag Giveaway that will include: four half-yard cuts of Rashida Coleman-Hale’s I Heart by Timeless Treasures (quilting cotton), and some combination of a cup of Izzy & Ivy’s Sprinkles labels for girls’ clothes and Izzy & Ivy’s Sweet Polly’s Playclothes pattern for a little girl’s multi-piece wardrobe and a few hot quilt books. (Note: Winner will be announced on Monday, Sept. 5, and you must make a comment on the blog site to be entered. Facebook comments don’t count, sorry.)
Just click the links below to read each essay individually, or scroll through the resulting page to read them all at once. Each number refers to the entrant’s essay on the linked page, so when you’re voting for your fave, make sure to cite the correct number.
1. Modern quilting takes on the adjectives with this essay on identifying modern quilts.
2. A young quilter transitions from traditional to modern in search of the bigger picture.
3. Writing about modern quilting from the other side of the seam allowance, this quilter sees the change and cheers it on.
4. Modern quilting is all about creativity and bonding for this quilter.
5. It can be defined for this modern quilter.
6. To be or not to be…modern? That is the question for this quilter.
7. Fun and simple is the modern adventure for this writer.
{ 87 comments… read them below or add one }
Great essays, #4 is my favorite.
All of the essays were so thoughtful but my official vote is for #4. That one really spoke to me and sums up my thoughts on this whole modern quilting thing we love so much! I’m sure I couldn’t have come up with those words on my own, but once I read them I thought “YES! That’s it!”
Cuz I’m a keener, I’ve read already. Cuz I’m decisive (I work in law in my day job) I’ve already picked the one that rings true for me, and it’s Number Three!
) But I call myself a contemporary quilter rather than a modern quilter, because I personally, feel a bit outside of the modern quilting movement (although analagous too) so I put her on the outside with me. I want company! lol And though I liked number 7, I didn’t agree with some aspects of her interpretation of modern quilting.
Although I enjoyed reading number one, I don’t think it defines the modern quilting movement; rather, it talks about the unifying design elements of the quilts themselves. Number two was a lovely first person piece about an introduction to modern quilting, but not a definition of it. Number 5 is true but not comprehensive enough imo. Number 6 could be me! (Did I write that and not know it?
I nearly picked number four – the writer makes the same points as number 3 and I was pulled in by the engaging writing style; but in the end, number three hitt the nail on the head about what “modern quilting” is for me.
a) The social component comprised of the joy of talking about/show & tell/ companionship and online (social networking)
b) Taking what you’ve learned and making it your own ; and
c) The key, I think – the existential nature of the “We break the rules!!!” mantra.
Thanks for the contest – it was both fun and enlightening to read some other ideas about what “modern quilting” is.
I vote #4 – As a member of a Modern Quilt Guild I feel she/he has hit the nail on the head…We have no fear…of anything…whether it is the “rules of quilting” or the fear of being “wrong”….
My vote is for #4 as well. I strongly feel that modern quilting is inclusive, not exclusive, and #4 explains this well.
I did get a kick out of #3 as well, but I’ve known many “old ladies” who I would consider modern quilters.
Number 4, all the way.
#4 hits all the marks. It’s embracing technology to further enhance the world of quilting and my enjoyment of it that defines modern quilting for me.
As an old lady, myself, I vote for #3!!
Can I make a “Modern” comment and not choose one? I love essay #4 for describing the “No fear” aspect of Modern Quilting. I also like essay #6 for this “Perhaps that’s what modern quilting is. It’s not a box or a category or a style, it’s quilters doing what they want the way they want to and loving every minute of it.” Both I think capture what I consider to be the essence of modern quilting.
When I click on essay 1 and 3, they are the same.
I think there is a problem.
It works fine for me, so I know the link is good. You can always scroll down the page to read all of them. The links all take you to the same page, just different points on the page. I have found that it doesn’t work on my iPad, so it may be a browser issue. (Megan)
I like No.3
i vote for #3.
As an “old lady” who started quilting in the early 70′s I vote for #3. Make it your own and don’t follow someone else’s color or pattern choices. Be brave and fearless and design things that are personal and could only have been created by you.
My vote is for essay 3.
On the other side of the seam allowance???
That sounds too much like the Other Side. As an Old Lady who has recently begun quilting, I’m (hopefully) not close to the other side, but getting closer. I vote for #3.
No. 3 nailed it. Modern quilters network with others like themselves rather than hang out with grandmotherly types.
But I will offer, ME, that many of the modern quilters I’ve met are grandmotherly types as well, and they network too. It’s not an age issue, but an attitude and aesthetic from what I’ve seen. Just my humble opinion.-Jake
I’ll vote for essay number 3, as I have found that there are a lot of very cool older women out there who have tremendous knowledge and skill and are very welcoming to younger people.
I vote for # 4. This essay says it all.
Three!
#3
I have to pick #3 although I am not yet an old lady..
Good essays. I vote for number 3.
Modern quilting is for all ages and all quilters. This one really spoke to me. Just the fact that we use web tools now and have new ways to be in groups…quilting bee’s have just changed more to the home and internet. Quilt guilds are more for show and tell and community projects. All methods are for socializations. Every quilter loves color, fabric and see all quilts as art. No matter what pattern, no matter what age of the quilter. Everyone sees in their own eyes, is in their place in their universe and we all love the creativity in each of us. Inspire, create and encourage. Brenda
I like #3, it has my vote.
Number 3 is a fantastic article that captures the very essence succinctly
I didn’t start quilting til after I retired and am part of the (I hope, Very Cool) group of “older” quilters who are interested in exploring unique compositions and doing original work. I think #3 says it best.
#3 gets my vote. I’m not one, but have hung out with an old lady or two in my time.
No 23 – she knows her onions
I have quilted since the beginning of time. #3 pins me to the cushion.
My vote is for #3.
#3 yes, yes, YES!
#3 Oh you are verbal and visual–what a talented woman!
I loved all the attempts at definitions … but #3 made me laugh and stole my heart!
Number three for me.
I choose #3.
Being one of those old ladies, definitely #3. It’s all about learning and using the “rules” to develop your own voice, whatever that may be.
I like how number three thinks! Modern quilting really is ageless and I think we all know people in their 30s and 40s who act like they’re “over the hill” in so many ways – quilting included . On the other hand, I was recently introduced to a fellow quilter who was having a trunk show. This 85 year old woman had such wonderful pieces that I was in awe. The colors! The patterns! The artistry! It was just amazing and I have to admit that had I not known better, I would have thought that the quilter was young (20s or 30). Now that brings up an entirely new issue for me. I never realized how much I jumped to conclusions. I have to work on that! Thanks Generation Q for an enlightening series of essays.
It was difficult to pick just one essay – nearly as hard as defining Modern Quilting!
But, I will pick….#3.
#3 is right on!
Essay #6 resonated with me the most; the author’s thoughts on modern quilting gave me something to think about.
Thanks for this contest; all the essays were interesting.
My vote is for #3. I am an “oldie” but feel that what I am doing is definitely modern.
I vote for essay #4, which is most consistent with my experience of Modern quilting: clear bright colors & fresh fabrics, no-rules piecing, on-line community. As a traditional quilter for decades, I’m feeling rejuvenated by the Modern quilting movement! Thank you for all the inspiration you provide. Wishing you much success with Gen Q e-zine!
#3. I think it’s kinda cute that the younger generation thinks they invented having fun quilting, and will certainly let them have their illusion, because I don’t care how they got there, I love, love, love, the fact sewing/quilting/knitting is becoming ‘cool’ again, because I never stopped.
My vote is #3.
Actually, it always makes me sad when people divide up by age groups. I think there is SO much knowledge to learn from older generations, and so much excitement to absorb from younger generations. I wholeheartedly encourage lifelong experimentation, always trying new things, always learning from those around you.
#3 for sure!
number 3!
Three wins without a doubt!
I vote for number 3.
#3 “gets it,” probably ’cause she’s been there, done that. Me, too. We all thought we were modern rule-breakers back in the day. But I still don’t want to hang with the old ladies.
My vote is for #3. Quilting is like fashion — you have to be old enough to remember the styles coming around the first time to know that nothing that’s out there is really “new” or “modern”. Those of us with a few years on them can remember things that happened before blogs and technology in various forms made everything seem like it’s just started happening now.
I love the idea of modern quilting. Oftentimes we are constricted in our creativity by so many rules and regulations. This is a breath of fresh air and us older participants love seeing the art of quilting continue. I vote for number 3
As another little old lady, I have to go with number 3.
All of the essays did a good job. My vote is for #3. Modern quilts are what you want them to be.
No 3 for me
I think essay #4 captures how I feel as a modern quilter.
My vote is for number three (#3), relax youngsters.. the joy of smacking fabric with filler and backing will be around longer after we aren’t. And remember you can never have too much YELLOW!!
# 3 all the way!!!
I vote for no. 3. I’m not in the “older quilting ladies” category by a long shot, but I really don’t like this “modern quilting” term. Just because someone makes a quilt out of a recent matching fabric line does not make it a “modern” quilt, as some people seem to think. Also, there is nothing wrong with hanging out with older quilters. The quilting guild I’m in has a lot of older members – some of them are more adventurous and contemporary with their quilt-making than the younger members. So age shouldn’t really come into it. I’ve also read on blogs where people talk about “modern quilting” and how their new guild has younger members and no old ladies, as if that’s something to celebrate. What happens when they become old ladies, and get left out of new guilds and opportunities to meet like-minded people??
I find that defining Modern Quilting is a lot like defining pornography. It’s really hard to describe in total, but I know it when I see it! LOL…..
Toni, you rock! That’s perfect.
Ooooop–I hit the “submit” button too soon.
Anyway–I vote for #3. I am on the “other side of the seam allowance” in age, but have only been quilting for about 15 years. I love the modern quilt movement–it’s another progression of an ancient art/craft. When I started quilting, stippling a quilt, rather than quilting it in a certain pattern, was the newest thing–a revolution! Now–that is an established technique, and newer, modern quilters are finding different ways to make and complete quilts. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
I found some of me in several of the essays; my vote goes to Number 4
Count me as another old lady for number 3!!
Came back to see how the essays were doing and wow! What a lot of comments!
Although I agree with the choice of #3 that most people have picked, I surprised at the “tone” of some of the responses.
I didn’t read number 3′s essay as *pat, pat – we were young once too, and someday when you’re older and wiser you’ll realize how silly you’re being”, and I surely don’t think s/he was writing an us/them manifesto!
I’m a middle-aged contemporary quilter, too old for the young ones and often considered too young by the old ones.
I don’t think being a modern OR contemporary quilter is about age – it’s about a mind-set – one that is thankful for our quilting foremothers and fathers, and honours their teaching and our joint history – but now want to make it our own. At whatever age we happen to be.
Loved all of th essays but no. 3 is my favorite.
I think that #4 summed it up. Just do what feels right for you, enjoy the process, and love what you create.
Although I understand all the points made my favorite essay is #3.
Proud to be an Old Lady Quilter and love most every quilt I see!
#3
I vote for #3. Yeah for tradition!
My vote is for Essay #3
Number 3 for me. I’ve been doing “modern quilting” since 1965 – ever mindful that everything old is new again! How reassuring to know that the beat goes on….
My vote goes for No. 3.
I am a self-taught 64 year old and I have been quilting for 30 years following the useful rules and breaking the others when necessary. I also teach dressmaking to absolute beginners and follow the same principles there. Some of the ‘rules’ are there for a very good reason and some are there just for the sake of having rules.
I love quilting and age is no bar to being modern or traditional, one at a time or at the same time. My quilting students are largely women of a similar age and we all enjoy the freedom of breaking the rules that don’t help. Our quilts are based on an intuitive feeling for combinations of fabrics, irrespective of whether they were designed for each other. Patterns or plains; 100% cotton or not.
I vote for #4 although #6 was great also. Credit is due to all of the submisions. I think they have all done a great job of defining modern quilting.
I go for number 2
I knew from the beginning of her essay that I was going to vote for #3! I love the ‘old ladies’ part, even though I’m (nearing) one too, and her definition of modern quilting really explained the heart of the issue for me.
I vote for #3. I think it’s great that the younger quilters are joining the “Modern” quilt guilds. I’m for anything that encourages the fiber arts. But many of us old ladies, who have been quilting since we were young, break the “rules” all the time! To me, many of the “modern” quilts look very traditional, although they are made from new fabric lines. Like #3, I’d encourage young quilters to drop the patterns, experiment, and find their own styles. Exploring the fiber arts can be a fascinating life adventure.
#3 is my choice. I tip my hat to #4, though – I do agree the social networking is probably the single thing that really distinguishes “modern quilting”. I am here because I am acquainted with the author of #3 through an online discussion group, her wonderful blog and her outstanding quilts!
definitely #3 for me. this writer’s essay resonates with me.
I love #2!
Essay #3 is my pick.
#4!!! All the way! This essay says it all. I love it!
I posted a comment a few days ago, voting for #3. At the time it said “waiting for moderators approval”. My comment never showed up. I don’t think I said anything wrong or offensive – perhaps someone from Generation Q could contact me and let me know what happened. Thanks, Veronica Von Zwehl pheatt@gmail.com
Just found out about the contest. Getting ready to read them all now!
I enjoyed and vote for th #4 essay. I love the comparison to the Amish and Mennonities.
I hope this essay wins!!
I know the contest for prizes is closed (I was away on holiday) but I was looking forward to reading people’s thoughts on this subject and am so happy I took the time. While everyone made some really good points I have to split my vote between #1 and #4. I think they hit the nail on the proverbial head!
Thanks Dianne for wanting to read these wonderful thoughts on modern quilting!
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