Traditional, or Modern

This is not my usual sit down at the computer and write a few words and put up some photos of my work in progress for the week.  I have been mulling over this topic for a few weeks now and have put in a bit of thought to this post.  So bear with me - maybe even get yourself a cup of tea or a glass of wine! 

What type of Quilter are you? We hear so much about modern and traditional quilting and it occurred to me that there may not actually be a huge difference.  Our quilting group has a challenge for the summer months once again.  We have now completed two different challenges -

Seasons in 2013

and Illusions 2016

and this year's challenge theme is Modern!  Yes just "Modern" the only stipulation this time is that it has to be a small quilt measuring no bigger that 24"x24" with a hanging sleeve or corners so that it can be displayed.  As you will agree this theme is open to all sorts of interpretations.  No I have not yet decided what I'm doing!

The definition of Traditional according to the dictionary is “following the customs or ways of society for a long time without changing”.  So in quilting terms I guess it means using square quilt blocks which have passed down through the years such as ninepatch, logcabin, stars, rail fence, bear paw, tumbling block, etc and using warm coloured fabrics with small designs and patterns.  I think these quilts, which were two of my early quilts depict the traditional theme although they were both machine pieced and quilted the only handstitching was securing the binding.

Homecoming

Call of the Wild

Willow Pattern - This one used scraps but had one fabric which featured in every block -
Another class challenge using one fat quarter 

Although not used in these particular quilts, scraps of fabrics from old or worn clothing would be used to make warm three layered blankets and quilts to keep the cold out during the long dark winter months.  Traditional methods would of course be hand stitching - no sewing machines or long arms for quilting.  Each block would be stitched by the fire by hand then layered and stitched or tied to make the quilt.

So what is Modern?  The definition of modern is “something relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past.  In quilting terms though some say modern is negative space, low volume or solid fabrics, improvised piecing.   Pieced or appliqué circles are not unknown, even triangular blocks have made an appearance as have diamonds in rainbow colours and hues.  No borders, binding the same fabric as the background, quilting straight-lines or echos usually on the machine are also features of the modern quilting movement.

So perhaps this one is classed as modern?

Twister - using templates and low volume background fabric, solids and quilted with circles

or these?

Improv Blocks - Quilted in straight lines following the improv angles

Woven Circles using solid fabrics

Refractions - Definitely Modern!

But how would you class this one?

Log cabin blocks in vibrant bright rainbow colours - is it traditional or modern?

In my opinion modern can be traditional too.  What is wrong with using traditional blocks? What is wrong with using scraps? I love some of the traditional blocks, but why not use nice bright modern fabrics, there are some fabulous fabrics available now, a huge colour selection of solids and blenders are now available by all the manufacturers at varying prices to suit every pocket and can can be utilised for the making of a modern quilt.  I am still a piecer or a topper (I am not so good at choosing the actual design to quilt the sandwich) - I love the cutting and stitching together of small pieces of fabric but modern quilting can also be appliqué, confetti, mosaic indeed any medium you care to choose.

I think we should have a new category,  Fusion - ‘the process or result of joining two or more things together to form a single entity'.  The meeting of old and new.  The bringing together of the old traditional blocks and teaming them up with bright new fabrics and methods.

The quilt I am working on this week is perhaps a Fusion quilt.  The Half Square Triangle is  a quick and easy traditional block, but the fabrics i am using are bright and cheery and the background is a low volume white on white modern swirl.  I have a layout which I think is quite modern and I haven't seen it before but it does not have solid fabrics, improvised piecing nor will it have the binding the same as the background.  I'm not sure yet how it will be quilted but it will be called my fusion quilt.

The ultimate goal in quilting is not whether it is traditional or modern, whether it is dark or light whether it is blue or green, cotton or linen.  The ultimate goal in quilt making is your own enjoyment.  The pleasure of making  an item whether it be large or small, whether it is a gift or whether it is to be kept for yourself is the main goal.  The enjoyment comes from the pleasure of making and transfers on to the pleasure of giving it to a recipient who you hope will enjoy the comfort and warmth it will bring to them.  If you are not enjoying the process of quilting, stop and put it aside for another day.  Enjoy your quilting journey whichever label or name you want to use.

If you have managed to stick with me to the end o this post I would love to hear your thoughts and views on the subject.  Drop me an email, or post a comment below. Happy stitching!