Jennifer Coppolo, Material Girls
Hello, quilting friends! This month, we’re talking about two distinct styles of quilting: Modern vs. Traditional. Whether you’re a fan of the old traditional ways or you prefer the new modern methods, there’s a place for every stitch and every style under the quilting sun.
Let’s begin with the traditional quilts that our ancestors made. Traditional quilt blocks are like well-loved recipes passed down through generations. It’s all about intricate patterns skillfully hand-stitched together into beautiful quilts. Think of the classic Log Cabin or the grand Carpenter’s Star. These designs are examples of the bread-and-butter patterns of traditional quilting. Each piece of fabric tells a story, with scraps of fabric often repurposed from worn-out clothes or leftover household materials, making every quilt a tapestry of personal history. Traditional quilters often gather at quilting bees, hand stitching layers of fabric around a large quilt frame, and swapping stories as freely as fabric squares. It’s a community affair, with each stitch binding friends and family a little closer together. The dedication to perfecting each stitch by hand speaks volumes about the patience and love poured into every quilt.
So, you might ask, how does a modern quilt differ from a traditional quilt? Modern quilting brings a breath of fresh air to the quilting scene with bold patterns, vibrant colors, unusual fabrics, and innovative techniques. Modern quilters aren’t afraid to break the rules. They play with negative space, asymmetry, and unconventional designs. You might see a modern quilt that looks more like abstract art than a bedspread and that’s the beauty of it!
The tools quilters use have also evolved. Modern quilters might use digital fabric cutters, machine embroidery, and long-arm quilting machines to bring their visions to life. It’s a blend of technology and artistry, where the old needles and thread meet cutting-edge creativity. It’s a movement that embraces diversity in design and expression.
Both styles of quilting have a following today. But hold onto your thimbles, because here’s the kicker: you don’t have to choose one style over the other! Quilting, like life, is all about balance. Many quilters find joy in blending the old with the new. Imagine a classic Log Cabin quilt with modern, geometric patterns or a traditional Carpenter’s Star with a twist of bright, contemporary fabrics. The possibilities are as endless as your fabric stash! Modern or traditional, every quilt has a place in our hearts and our homes.
If you’re inspired to explore the world of quilting, we warmly invite you to join us at Robson Ranch Material Girls Studio. It’s a haven for quilters of all styles and skill levels where creativity flourishes and friendships are stitched together. Come share your stories, swap fabrics, and be part of a vibrant community that loves quilting as much as you do.
Until next time, keep those needles sharp, your fabric bright, and your quilting spirit even brighter!