I am emerging from the Thanksgiving weekend with a renewed appreciation for family and life in general. The traditional meal turned out great, and I had a chance to hang out with my two younger sons. How about you? Was yours filled with lots of family members, or was it a quiet celebration? That was all good but I am ready to go back to the business of quilting. How about some modern quilt projects to make in a weekend?
[Edited June 6, 2020]
Have you seen the book “Modern Patchwork – 12 Fresh Quilting Patterns to Inspire your Creativity” by the designers at FaveQuilts, and published by Leisure Arts? Oh… you are in for some treats of the modern kind!
I love the Crossweave Table Runner above, designed by Carolina Moore. Strips and squares in solid fabrics and striking colors are expertly assembled to lend a sleek geometric look to the runner and add a splash of color to your dining room.
The quilts in Modern Patchwork appeal to quilters of any skill level, so you can choose the one that fits your abilities right now, or jump right into the more involved ones as the instructions are detailed with plenty of diagrams to help you through every step.
The Square Dance quilt, another by Carolina Moore, is perfect as a wall hanging or table topper. This one-block project shows how fabric placement can turn a simple quilt into a cool piece of art with lots of movement and interest.
Fabric placement is, for me, the most important aspect of quilt design. Once, a magazine wanted to publish one of my designs but I was told the Editor would ‘recolor’ it and let me know which fabrics to use. Say, what? That email prompted a polite phone call where I explained the only reason a quilt design was called mine was because of the way I placed the fabrics in the design. Sure, pick the fabric line, but let me do my magic with it!
The designers who contributed to this book definitely know what I am talking about. And that is why you can make any of the projects your own as you carefully select and place the fabrics you like – solids or prints, traditional or novelty – on the blocks: they will all look perfect in any of the designs in the book.
The smaller home decor projects featured in the book are great for when you need a quick project for a gift, or if you are just dipping your toes in the modern quilting trend and would like to see how your first attempt at a modern project might turn out.
This Iron Bag, designed by Becky Jorgensen, will come in handy when, after an afternoon of sewing with your quilty friends, you get a phone call and have to leave in a hurry. How to carry a hot iron? There you go. After casserole Pirex holders, the iron bag is the best thing since sliced bread!
Kim Lapacek played with fabric gradations on the blocks and on the background of her Ombre’ Patchwork Quilt above, adding layers of texture to the design. The row-by-row construction makes it an approachable project despite its complex look.
The Rainbow Refraction Pillow by Ann Butler Designs can be customized for different occasions or rooms of your house. The photograph above reminded me that an easy way to tie in the decor is by adding a small object with the same colors of your main artwork to another corner of the room.
Speaking of photography, I always pay attention to the stylist’s staging ideas. Beyond showing us how a project may be used, a photography stylist gives us fresh decorating ideas. Excuse me while I go to my family room and move some of the furnishings around!
Modern Patchwork is a great addition to my quilting library. You know I love all quilts, particularly those modern quilt projects to make in a weekend. I have designed a few of them (check out these free modern quilt patterns, Yin and Yang, and Engaged for starters). However, I do have a friend who would love this book, too. Ha! I have just crossed a gift off my list!
Have a fantastic day,
