BOB and Modern Quilting

BOB and Modern Quilting


My other blog asked the question –

What is “modern” quilting?

My response was – (and BOB thought) –

I’m not really sure what “modern” quilting is – or what it is supposed to be. (I can’t tell.) The quilts that I see that are being called “modern” appear to be patterns with simple lines - squares and/or rectangles – and solid fabrics. They look Amish to me – (but with less precision) - or like the Gees Bend quilts.

Or they use those “NEW” big/splashy “Flower Power” prints that remind me of the 60’s and 70’s. Sorry, guys – but that was 40-50 years ago! If you weren’t born back then – they may be "NEW" to you - but I was there! To me – that "look" is NOT "modern" - it's OLD!! (Besides - I didn't like those prints back then - and I still don't!)

And to prove that IT'S NOT JUST ME -

Bonnie K. Hunter said in a recent post -
Quiltville's Quips and Snips!! - Sunday – 7/10/11 – As Seen Around Sisters! -
(emphasis added by me)

...The past couple of years, the ladies from Gees Bend have been at the show, and I always love coming to see their wonky quilts. What really struck me as FUNNY ((not haha funny, but peculiar funny I guess)) Is how MODERN these look, but they are not, right? These are bare bones UTILITY quilts. Well, there was also an exhibit by the Portland Modern Quilt Guild. And I could swear…what they thought was modern, was just a re-do of the good old Gees Bend style utility quilt! But what I love about the utility quilts is the use of recycled fabric, anything, everything from corduroy to denim to poly to sheets to whatever....

No offense, Christina – but BOB and I totally agree!

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The rest of my answer to this question may offend/alienate some/all of my readers -
but BOB is nothing if not opinionated - so here goes...

Your comments (if I get any) should be interesting.

Stir the pot - yes I will!! It's about as close to cooking as I get these days!

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Now - if "modern" means learning/trying new techniques - being creative - and breaking the "traditional rules" - then I'm all for it!

BOB likes to do that just as much as the next guy/gal.

But - BOB doesn't consider herself a "modern" quilter.

Let me tell you why - 

Learning/trying new techniques - 

I like learning/trying new techniques. But just because a method or technique is "traditional" or "old-fashioned" - doesn't mean it is bad. Learn from it - don't just discard it as if it has no value!

In this world of rotary cutting - templates are rarely used - but guess what? If you want a really weird shape - templates are the way to go! And what about hexies? English paper piecing? Hand quilting? Too old? Or "modern" because you use solid colors?

Being creative - 

I think that there is a big difference between being CREATIVE and being just plain LAZY!

Some people won't even try - if it's too HARD! Something has to be quick and easy or they are not interested! And don't think that it's CREATIVE to have your points NOT match - when you just didn't take the time to do it - that's being LAZY!

My dad used to tell me -
"If it was easy - anyone could do it! Take pride in being able to do something difficult!"

The trend seems to be lately that people don't want to invest the time it takes to learn how to do something properly. Some things just take time to learn - and lots and lots of practice. You probably think that I'm talking about FMQ (free-motion quilting) - and yes, FMQ takes practice!

But - I'm talking about other stuff, too -

Guitar Hero comes to mind. Heaven forbid kids actually take the time to learn how to play a "real" guitar. If they took the same time they took learning to play their video games - they might be "real" rock stars! WOW! What a concept!

Breaking the "traditional rules" -

The so-called "rules" that some quilters like to break - aren't really "rules" at all. They are the hints and tips that grandmothers, mothers, aunts and cousins used to pass on to new quilters. There are tips and tricks for matching corners, seams, and points - and for making complex designs. These tips and tricks have become so ingrained in quilting culture that they are seen as "rules" - but they are just helpful hints, tutorials, and "how-tos". It's the stuff we blog about!!

The 1/4" seam allowance, for instance, just makes matching seams easier - simply because patterns are drafted with 1/4" seams. If you have no pattern - you don't need the 1/4" seam allowance! Go figure!

And before you get on my case for losing my points and my 1/4" seam allowance - let me say this -

I mess up when I'm not paying attention - and I just laugh it off - it's less stressful for me that way. And I like quick and easy sometimes, too - BUT - I have taken the time to learn how to do it correctly - and precisely. (And I have the ribbons to prove it!)

I lose my 1/4" repeatedly – and I jokingly blog about it – it makes for some funny stuff -
but I also FIND it again when I need it!

I DO KNOW HOW!

And though I see a certain beauty in simplicity - and "modern" designs -

I also see an "OMG!! How did she DO that?" - in a complex traditional design.

I'm hoping for one of the latter to appear in my Quilt Journal someday - aren't you?

BECAUSE –

IF IT WAS EASY - ANYONE COULD DO IT!



But then again - it's probably just me.