What do you think?
Modern, traditional, or both?
Recently I have been having a discussion with a member of our local quilt guild that has really gotten my wheels turning...
The discussion basically boils down to this:
What makes a "modern" quilt?
A "modern" fabric?
A "modern" quilter?
In my opinion, there is a lot of crossover between what is considered "traditional" quilting and what is considered to be "modern" quilting.
When Denyse Schmidt was here a couple of weeks ago, I was so pleased to hear her echo this sentiment, the idea of which could not be more beautifully illustrated than in her latest book, which, ironically enough, is entitled Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration.
So, with an undeniable "modern quilt movement" going on right before our very eyes, what makes the modern quilt movement "modern?"
If you study some of the prints we carry by "modern" designers, you'll see that they are often riffs on vintage fabric designs that have been recolored and revived into a "modern" palette.
Take a look: Jennifer Paganelli, Amy Butler, Denyse Schmidt... they are all reinterpreting historical designs to have a more contemporary sensibility.
Think of some of the most popular projects in the modern quilting world today: they are also some of the most traditional (English paper piecing, embroidery, foundation piecing, applique).
So, where do we draw the line between "modern" and "traditional?"
The conclusion I have come to is that "modern" quilting means taking the best ideas from "traditional" quilting, but then reinterpreting those ideas to suit today's quilter.
That may mean eschewing the traditional idea that every quilt needs a "light," a "dark" and a "medium" (or any contrast at all for that matter), in favor of a more "blended" grouping of colors.
It may mean that you use large prints in small applications.
It may mean that your points don't have to match up.
It may mean that you use a fabric other than quilting weight cotton.
It may mean that you mix and mingle different types of fabric in a single quilt
Wait a minute, though... doesn't that sound like I'm describing the very origins of quilting itself???
Back in the day, these ideas had to be adhered to in order to preserve fabric and get the most from every last scrap to keep your family warm.
Today, though, these ideas are followed to express one's creativity.
And one more thought...
I believe that since quilters who identify themselves as "modern" are more likely to ease up on some of the "traditional" rules, they are also more likely to have a positive, encouraging experience.
This may explain why there seems to be a rift between "traditional" and "modern" quilters.
I've heard a lot of new quilters (who would most likely identify themselves as "modern") complain that their local, "traditional" guilds and even some "traditional" fabric stores just aren't friendly, and they make them feel as though their quilts aren't real or don't merit any attention because they weren't made using traditional skills and ideas.
My discussion with the local guild member has lead me to draw my own conclusions about what "modern" means, but I would also like to ask for your help:
What do YOU think makes a "modern" quilter or quilt?
What do YOU think of "traditional" quilting methods and quilt guilds?