Originally posted December 7, 2021
As I look through my quilts, I find that the ones I like the most are the ones that have the same basic features in common. I like to have a plan going in at the start, a scrappy low-volume background (I also like a scrappy black background, but I don’t make that as often), a lot of different colors (like, ALL the colors!), as many different fabrics as I can add, and a traditional but modern look.
What in the world is that you may ask? How can something be both traditional and modern?
Well, there are probably many ways to achieve this look, but I want to focus on taking traditional blocks and making them appear more modern. Anyone who quilts already knows that there are hundreds (maybe thousands) of blocks out there already. There is certainly no shortage of patterns that use all of these blocks either alone or in a sampler of some sort. I can appreciate these things, but I want to make something that is different.
So, with a little bit of creativity, and a little bit of planning, I want to take those traditional blocks and make them new again! In some cases this would mean using more modern color schemes and putting the blocks together in new ways. In other patterns it would mean using the space between the blocks to make the block appear more complex or to add more interest to the overall top. As I design more patterns, I may find even more ways to create this look.
In my first two patterns, I used the second approach. For The Whimsical Quilt, I took a classic mosaic pinwheel block and extended it into the sashing in all directions. This gave the appearance that the blocks blended into each other. I also added a small pinwheel to the sashing to add additional movement to the quilt. The blocks themselves are traditional, but the extension into the sashing gives a more complex appearance to the top.
I like how the low-volume, scrappy background adds interest to the background, and I also like the lack of a border on this one. Borders are hit or miss with me, but I am also noticing that I don’t always need or even want one on a quilt top. It definitely gives it a more modern feel without the extra border.
My second pattern, The Splendid Quilt, also used the space between the blocks to add additional interest to the overall top. In this case, I used the friendship star block and then used the sashing to create additional friendship stars in the diagonal. Because I used black for the stars and white for the background, there are also white stars in the negative space, which was a happy surprise for me!
Then in the background, I made a rainbow that radiated out from the center. You could use any colors here though, not just a rainbow. I included some additional ideas in the pattern.
I added a border to this one as it felt like it needed a frame. I also used up some binding scraps for a rainbow binding for some extra fun.
In my third pattern, The Delighted Quilt, I decided on a different approach. I used some traditional blocks (economy, flying geese, and 4-patch) and created a new block using those pieces. I actually made 2 new blocks and they both use all the same pieces, just laid out slightly different. I did still add sashing to this one as I didn’t want the 4 patches just making a square in the corners, but I kept it simple and small to give just a slight frame around each block.
I enjoy how these blocks play together and the flying geese appear to extend each block into the next one. I chose a more modern color scheme for this one and also put some Mod Cats in the centers of each block for even more fun!
I am currently working on my next 2 patterns and just really taking the time to enjoy the creative process. I spent most of my quilting journey so far making from other designer’s patterns and it is an entirely different process designing your own. I am trying to stay true to my preferences in quilting as I still want to enjoy it.
What do you think of when you think of modern quilting? What about traditional quilting? What do you think about combining the two?
