Not Your Grandma's Quilting

I was visiting one of my favorite places in Bloggy-land today, Cluck Cluck Sew, and Allison was discussing the topic of Modern Quilting.  Basically, what the heck is it?  And I won't lie...it really got me thinking all. day. long. on that very topic.  So, while it may be redundant of me to post on the same topic as Allison did today, I just have to think this out on the blog.  So sorry for a lengthy, text heavy post, but I hope you'll read on and share your thoughts.


So, what is Modern Quilting?  It has an entire guild devoted to it.  And the Oklahoma City Modern Quilt Guild (of which I am a member) has chosen "Defining Modern" as our quilt show theme.


Modern is defined as:

Definition of MODERN

1

a : of, relating to, or characteristic of the present or the immediate past

b : of, relating to, or characteristic of a period extending from a relevant
remote past to the present time

2

: involving recent techniques, methods, or ideas : up-to-date

Modern is such a broad term.  Do we use fresher, brighter fabrics?  Yes.  Do we use new patterns?  Sometimes.  Are solids making a come back?  Uh huh.  Do we like to break the rules?  As much as one can I guess.


I have to whole heartedly agree that MOST of modern quilting is just putting newer, bolder, brighter fabrics in place of the old brown blah Civil War fabrics.  (Before you get your undies in a bunch...I think ALL fabric has it's time and place.)  I definitely have a preference for these bolder colors.  But, it ranges from vintage inspired florals to graphic prints.  So, I guess the pattern would be the deciding factor?  Eh, most of it is based on traditional patterns anyway.  What if I used a ton of solids?  Well, the Amish do that already.  Oh, I know...if I just make it wonky.  Seriously...more with the wonky?  I'm just going to say it...wonky can be fun, but I think we're going a little overboard with the wonkiness recently.


Some even go so far as to say certain color schemes are "modern."  And while there's maybe a new wave of hot combinations, I really hope I'm not quilting with purely those schemes for the next ?# of years.


Being a type A personality I like symmetry.  I like to feel as though my pattern fills the quilt.  I don't like a ton of negative space in MY quilts.  I can appreciate them, and heck, I'd like to break out of my box and try one or two someday, but they're not really my personal aesthetic.  But, many modern quilters love that look.  So, where does that leave me?  Hmmm...  So, if I'm just taking bold fabrics and putting them into classic/traditional or traditionally inspired patterns...does that make me a traditional quilter?  I don't think so.


How about the rules of quilting...shortcuts, using poly thread instead of cotton for piecing.  Yeah, I do it.  If it makes it easier and won't hurt the quilt in the end why not?  But, does that make me modern?  No, it just makes the process faster.


So, we still haven't answered the BIG question.


In the end, I think it's a way for people like myself who love those bold and vintage inspired fabrics, used in traditional or non-traditional patterns, to connect in a meaningful way be it through blogs or in guilds, that pushes us to improve our skills, broaden our ideas, share what we learn along the way and to be accepting of those who want to learn the craft of quilting from beginning to end.


And if nothing else...Modern Quilting is a catchy term is it not?  Makes it sound fun?  Fresh?  Inviting?  If we called it "We're too Good for 'Traditonal' Quilting" I think we'd turn some people off and come across a tad snotty, no?  ;)  Or maybe we should rename it "Almost, But Not Quite, Your Grandma's Quilting".  Yeah?  You like it?  Okay.  Maybe not.


So, yeah, I'll call myself a "Modern Quilter".  There are worse things I could call myself I guess.  ;)


Sew Long for Now,
-Amanda-


P.S.  I'm working on resolving a keyboard issue on my main computer.  (Yeah...I, uh spilled a glass of water on it and now it doesn't work...go figure.)  So, as soon as I get that situation figured out I'll get back tot he NQA posts.  So stay tuned.  Thanks for your patience!

NQA Week #4: Making the Quilt Top

Are you ready to see all of your hard, and at times tedious, work pay off?!  :)

This week is so fun, because it's when you finally begin to feel as though you have a quilt.  (You won't yet, but you'll be a whole heck of a lot closer!!!)

This week we make the quilt top!!! WOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

So, gather up all of those lovely little "Disappearing 9-Patch" Blocks you made, find a spot on the floor or maybe a bed, or maybe a large table (or if you're super fancy and have a design wall...you could use that, but don't tell me...I'll be jealous.).  I like to sort my blocks into groups.  For this quilt I based them on the pattern and color in the largest block.  I just find it helps me to find a potential neighboring block faster as I create a layout.  But, organize how you like.  Some people just begin laying them out and switch things around as they go.  My mind doesn't work that way.

I should mention that you do NOT want to do this when your little ones are awake.  Seriously.  Don't.  Do it when they're in bed.  And if you take as long as I do to find a layout you're happy with...wait until they're asleep for the night.  Not nap time.  :)  Unless you have kids who have no interest in what you're doing...in which case...want to send them over to show mine that trick?  HA!  I kid.

Step 1:

What pattern should you use to lay them out?   The genius of this quilt is it really doesn't matter.  But, you do want them to be in a 9x8 layout.  Here is how I did it:

Mine is TOTALLY random.  My goal was not to have any pink squares touching each other in any way. Many people will have that pink block (or the disappearing block) alternate.  So in the first row it may be in the top right, then bottom right, top right, bottom right, and so on.  And on the next row they'd do top left, bottom left, top left, bottom left, etc.  Play with it...see what you like.  There is no "right way" here.

Some things to think about:
1)  Spread color and pattern throughout the quilt.  Once you have everything laid out...do you have a clump of a certain pattern or color in one area?  If so...do you like it?  If the answer is yes, then leave it of course.  But, if the answer is no...start swapping some blocks out.
2)  Don't be afraid to move blocks around.  I trade them out a lot to find what I like.
3)  Step away from the quilt if you get frustrated.  You don't have to get it done "right now."
4)  If I'm having a hard time "seeing" my quilt...I often take a picture of it and look at it on the computer screen.  Since it's smaller it's easier to notice areas that need work faster.

Oh, and can you find my mistake?  I found it when I was sewing the rows together:

Once you have a layout you're happy with (and make sure that it's 8x9...or that it's 8x8 if you're having a hard time making all of your blocks play nice) take a picture of it.  I like to have the picture up on my computer or iPad so I can reference it as I work.  That way none of the blocks get turned in the wrong direction as I go.

Step 2:

NQA Week #3: Making & Squaring the Block

Yay!  Week 3!!!!  :)  This week is a bit tedious, but I promise...it will make next week well worth time and effort you spent cutting and cutting this week.

So, last week I had you make 9 patches.  A 9 patch, as you'll recall, is just a block of 3x3 squares.  Today you're going to cut into your 9 patches so you can create the "disappearing" part of the pattern.  It is a "Disappearing 9-Patch" quilt after all.  Let's get started, shall we?

Step 1:

Start off by taking one of your 9 patches, fold it in half vertically and finger press firmly down the fold.  Then do the same to your 9 patch horizontally.  Finger pressing is exactly what it sounds like...pressing on the fabric with your fingers.  We do this when we don't want a permanent fold in the fabric, like you would get by pressing with an iron.

(Side note:  If this quilt was one where things had to line up VERY precisely...we would be measuring instead of folding and finger pressing.  But, since this quilt top is so busy and something being a tad out of line won't be glaringly obvious...we're not going to create extra work for ourselves.)

Now use those folds as guidelines for your ruler.  Do your best to line up your 9-Patch with the grid lines on your cutting mat just to keep things as straight as possible.  I used the fold lines I made on one of the more prominent lines on the cutting mat to keep everything straight.  I also made sure to see that the block was lining up decently with lines at the sides and top/bottom as well.  It won't be perfect b/c despite how hard we try our seams and original cuts won't always be perfect.  That's okay...we'll correct that in a bit.

Cut on the vertical fold with your rotary cutter (as pictured above).

Step 2:

Thank you! Thank you! No Applause...

Just throw money.  ;)

I am now the proud recipient of the Liebster Blog "Award".

My quilting-pal, and fellow OKCMQG member, Leslie, awarded me with this honor.  :)  She is quite the fantastic quilter and blogger herself so the fact that she thought of little ol' me just gave me a pick up to my day when I heard.  :)  I highly recommend you check out her amazing blog and take a gander at her work.  So inspiring!  Thanks, Leslie for the positive feedback on my blog.  :)  It's always nice to know that there are people out there reading and enjoying my work!

The Liebster Blog award is passed along to blogs with 200 followers or less.  

And the rules are as follows:

1. Thank your award presenter on your blog and link back to him/her.2. Copy and paste the award to your blog.3. Present the Liebster Award to 5 blogs that you think deserve to be recognized.4. Let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.5. Have faith that your followers will spread the love, too!

So, now I get to share some of my favorite "smaller" blogs with you!  :)  There are so many fabulous blogs out there it will be hard to choose, but...here are my 5 picks for you.  Alas, here are 5 of them in no particular order.  :)  Please take the time to go and check them out. They're definitely worth the visit!

1. Erica's blog Kitchen Table Quilting is fairly new to the interwebs, but her bold and stylish color choices always leave me looking forward to her next creation.  :)  I can't wait to see what else she has in store.
2. Jemellia, from JemJam, is another OKC Modern Quilt Guild bud.  I love her straight forward approach to life and quilting/sewing.  There is nothing this girl can't tackle when she sets her mind to it.  Now if she could just set her mind to updating her blog regularly with all of the fabulous projects she is working on all of the time!  I have deemed her the "Queen of the Tedious" because she takes tedious projects on with a vengeance.   So...maybe the Liebster will be a bit of incentive to get her to update...at least one time.  ;)
3. Simply Southern Girl is a blog I have been watching for some time.  While not directly quilting related, I still enjoy the homey southern atmosphere Britain creates as well as the great tips on purchases and some yummy recipe ideas.  :)  
4. Marny and Jill's blog Modern Quilt Relish is new to me, but is a great example of truly modern style of quilt.  Very inspiring.
5. This last one I don't even know how many followers she has, so I may be cheating, but I find the quilts over at The Fox's Den to be incredibly refreshing and fun spot to visit.

I hope you will go and show these bloggers some love.  :)  Thanks for the love and encouragement you give me!  I know that I appreciate each and every comment.  Every blogger likes to know when they're doing a good job.

Sew long for now,

-Amanda-

"Home Sweet Chalet"

Yeah...I don't have a chalet, but if I did it would have this color scheme in it.  I love the vintage feel of the hexagons and cute little prints.  The colors are soft but also pop really well...I am in LOVE!!!

I asked my mom for all but one of the fabrics I used to make the hexies back on my last birthday (most are from the "Hideaway" line by Lauren & Jessi Jung).  I had NO clue what to do with them though (and I still have a bunch left), but the prints were just the right size for some English Paper Piecing Hexagons I had lying around.

I had seen gorgeous EPP on nanaCompany.  I am a HUGE fan of her blog, and she really got me into the idea of hand work overall.  So many inspiring ideas over there.  And Amy is the reason I felt inspired to buy the Hexagon papers in the first place.  :)  Thanks, Amy!!!

Fast forward many months...as the hexagon papers sat untouched in a drawer for a while.  (I was still intimidated by the hand work and also with the daunting task of making something sizable.)  And then I went to my first OKC Modern Quilt Guild meeting where I met Elizabeth...the queen of the mini-quilt!  :)  While Amy's work was often small and fun little projects that I loved, I just felt like I didn't have any place for that in my house.  Silly me!!!  I have been missing out!!!!!  After I saw two of Elizabeth's mini quilts I was sold on that concept as well.

That's when I finally decided to give it a go.  This mini that I have named "Home Sweet Chalet" is pieced by hand and appliqued by hand onto that super soft and luxurious white handkerchief linen.  I then hand quilted it with some creamy pearl cotton.  

The backing is a simple dulled down teal with cream pin dots from American Jane.  And then to help with the vintage feel I chose a lovely bubblegum solid (I believe it's a Moda Bella Solid) for the binding.  The binding is the only part of this project that is partially done by machine, although I did hand-stitch it to the backing.  The layout is just random.  I thought about flowers, but really in the end, I just wanted it to look a smidge scrappy.

Let me tell you.  This was sooo rewarding on so many levels!  I enjoyed the (and still am) rewarding feeling of doing most everything with my own two hands.  I just never thought it possible before I tried it.  I loved that I had a project that I could sit on the couch with my family and work on.  My kids felt like they were a part of the project as they helped me organize and lay out my hexagons, and my son loves to say, "Oh, Mommy.  It's so pretty!"  :)  But, in the end I think it really made me feel a connection to those ladies of long ago who made every quilt by hand.  Such an amazing connection to feel.

I'm loving it above my pie safe where I intend to store the many quilts I hope to make year after year.

Sew long for now!
-Amanda-

NQA Week #2: Making the 9 Patch

Hopefully everyone had a chance to get their 5" squares cut last week.  If not...no worries.  Just finish them up and continue along at your pace.  :)  That's the nice thing about an online quilt-along.  No official deadlines.

This week we're going to make our "Disappearing 9 Patch" blocks.  I will have important "tips" about arranging the 9 patch and pressing seams so make sure to read through everything before you get started.

Lets begin, shall we?

Step 1:

You are now going to take those 5" squares you cut and place them into 3 x 3 blocks.  This gives you a total of 9 squares in your block.  I like to lay mine out one 9 patch at a time and then sew it together before moving on to the next one.  It makes me feel like I'm making progress.

For the purposes of this quilt-along I kept my center square the same color in every block so you can always tell where my center is.  If you chose to buy a half yard of a solid color...this is what you will do with that solid.  If you are using a layer cake or random assortment of fat quarters without a solid...then you will just randomly place your fabrics into the 9 patch.

Some things to keep in mind:  Avoid placing like colors side by side.  However, as you can see...it's fine to have the same color occurring multiple times throughout the 9 patch.  Try to avoid putting the exact same print in varying colors right next to each other.  You can see below...I have 2 of the straight line vines, and 2 of the wandering flowered vines in this 9 patch, but they are not next to each other.

9 Patch Layout

Once you get a 9 patch laid out we can begin sewing them together.  Ready?  You can do this...!

NQA, Week #1: Prep & Cutting

Woo!!!  FINALLY we get to get started on our quilt.  I know it seems like a long time to y'all who are waiting to get started, but frankly this has flown by for me.  There is a lot of prep work involved in making this kind of a quilt-along.  Who knew?!

Just a little sneak peek. 

First off...a pep talk.  Making a quilt may come across as intimidating to some of you.  Don't let it scare you.  If you can sew in a straight line, you can make a quilt!  Do not be intimidated by perfection!!!!!  Seriously.  If you are in this for perfection...just toss that idea out of the window right now.  Learn to embrace mistakes.  Make them work for you as best you can.  Seams that don't line up exactly?  No one will notice, I have plenty of those.  Quilting that gets flubbed?  No one will notice.  Your toughest critic is yourself.  I chose a Disappearing 9-Patch Pattern for our quilt-along which will help to make any mistakes disappear.  So, tell your inner critic to shove it where the sun don't shine, because you are going to relax, enjoy the process, and have FUN!!!!  ;)

Now on to the instructions!  Ready to get working?  Good!