Modern Quilt design may defined but not limited to a number of criteria – we hesitate to use the word “rules”. Words and phrases in BOLD are some of the hallmarks of Modern Quilting.
Here are a few examples from Ventura Modern Quilt Guild members and guests.
Use of bold colors and prints. Guest Jean Impey’s Radiant Suns uses these bold colors to make a real Modern statement. This is also an excellent example of using high contrast and graphic areas of solid color.
Here, Scott Griffin used gradiated solid colors to create the illusion of transparency.
Who says you need to stick to the classes block, sashing, block, border formula? Principles of alternate gridwork and asymmetry were used by Irelle Beatie here to create interest and keeps your eye moving around these quilt.
More alternate gridwork below. There are no rules, and you are limited only by your imagination! And at Ventura Modern Quilt Guild, you can get inspiration from fellow guild members, the MQG website and literally hundreds of online posts.
Annie Olson pulled out all the stops for this ribbon winner.
This perfect example of minimalist color choices and piecing.
Karen Koziel used a neutral palette to create this lovely, restful quilt. See? Modern Quilt design is not all bold colors popping out of solid dark backgrounds, it is also understated color choices and simple design
We Modern quilters love us some negative space! Here Tisha Maeda used black as a design element to create a bold ring pattern. We often use the word “pop” to refer to the contrast bold bright colors have when set next to dark. solids. The extensive negative space of this black emphasizes the “pop”
Chris Grimm uses the backs of her quilts to create wonderful designs. The negative space juxtaposed with the single line of pieced triangles or these giant quarter circle-inspired blacks creates interest and “pop”.
Another example of using negative space from Wendy Z.
Improvisational piecing . Classic quilting is about the rules of precision piecing, repetition and following tradition. Modern “improv” techniques are not for those timid about cutting and stitching without a set pattern. If you would love the thrill of designing on the go—no templates, no patterns, no curves, this style may be just your cup of tea. Tisha’s improv bag is the perfect example!
Sometimes pure random improvisation is helped along a bit with some pre-planning:
This teal and white (with tiny red surprises) wall hanging stared out as columns of half square triangle blocks. The columns were sliced lengthwise, then randomly rearranged and pieced back together.
You only think improvisation will be a hot mess….you may find it to be a whole new avenue of creative inspiration. Give it a try!
Modern traditionalism, updating of classical designs takes on many different interpretations. In this Wonky Star, Georganna Hawley randomly pieced vintage “orphan” blocks into the asymmetic star surrounded by lots of negative space.
Another example of modern traditionalism is to redesign a classic block much larger or smaller than it was originally conceived. Here, the same quilter chose a classic Churn Dash, usually sewn in 6″-8″ blocks to make into a single block baby quilt, 36″ square.
Another point of interest in modern quilt design is the use of non-traditional quilt fabrics-linen, silk, or in this case, selvages. Selvages were used to advantage in the giant churn dash as well as the 2020 Opportunity Quilt, “Edgy”. All based on classic quilts but now with a Modern attitude!
