January 29, 2019

Modern Traditional Texture Sampler

I have two quilts that will be at QuiltCon this year. This is one of them!


I made this quilt to feature different free motion textures in my upcoming book. Rather than quilting a bunch of individual small samples I thought I would rather have one nice finished quilt to show. The stimulus to create it was practical, but I think it turned out really lovely! I designed the quilt during the Winter Olympics last year and I'm pretty sure I was under the influence of seeing all those different flags from around the world!


I picked the colors from the Pure Elements Solids line, and Art Gallery Fabrics sent me some to work with. I forced myself to work outside of usual color scheme and that was downright successful! It feels very energetic.

The most fun thing about this quilt is that my sister helped me make it! So the very first quilt she ever made is already in a quilt show, how about that? As usual I was behind schedule on the book because how does anyone get it all done you guys and she offered to help. It was so fun helping her do cutting and patchwork for the first time! Every block that was squares and/or rectangles she put together herself. The ones with angles I took care of. I think it worked out great.



When we started I gave her free reign to use whatever colors she wanted from the 13 that I had picked, with the recommendation that in any individual block the colors were analogous (lying right next to each other on the color wheel). I am certain that her color instincts are different than mine and that is where she really left her mark on this quilt.

I arranged the blocks and pieced them together. Then I got to quilt the top in all the lovely designs I had put in the book.



It was fun! I'm glad it will hang at QuiltCon. I'm a little self conscious about the back of the quilt: there was some funny stuff with the thread tension on the back in a couple of the blocks and I didn't notice when it was happening. It wasn't terrible, but I thought that some people might look at the back of the quilt too and I felt a little embarrassed. I tried to see if I could darken the red thread with a marker to match the backing better but that didn't work, so oh well. I can be calm about it.


It is sometimes hard for me to pick categories for my quilts from among the ones available for QuiltCon. I picked "Modern Traditionalism" because it is a sampler quilt, with a definite modern flair, incorporating some classic blocks as well as a ton of negative space (because how else are you going to show off your FMQ?).


I kept reasonably good notes of what I did when I made this quilt. Right now I am working on testing the angular blocks to make sure I wrote it down right, so I can get a pattern written! My goal is to have the pattern out around the time the book comes out, in early April. Does anyone who works kind of fast want to help me test a few blocks?

17 comments:

Christine B said...

This is a lovely quilt which must have been fun to work on with your sister. Can't wait for your new book! Christine xx

Gene Black said...

Wow, your sister did a great job. I hope you win a prize for this one. :-)

Ellyn said...

what a lovely quilt! I'll look for it at Quiltcon

JanetD said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
JanetD said...

Oh I so love this!! The colors are gorgeous and I love the idea of having places to try different fmq patterns- I think I need my sister to do this with me when it comes out. She’s just beginning to fmq. I’d love to test some blocks for you!!

Quiltdivajulie said...

I can test a block or two - and if I can't do it right away when you send it to me I will absolutely let you know so I don't put you behind on your time frame. Looking forward to your new book!!!

Sandy said...

I can do a bit of testing for you. My machine is currently getting a spa treatment, but I expect it back in a few days.

Brenda Perry said...

Love the new quilt and I'd love to test blocks anytime for you!! What fun to work on your quilt with your sister!

bumblebee53 said...

beautiful quilt - totally unique! it's nice to see you posting again!

Unknown said...

I would be willing to test a block or two. I am going to QuiltCon and cannot wait to see your quilt in person.

KaHolly said...

What fun to work with your sister, and what an awesome beginning lesson for her! It’s absolutely delectable and will be a great addition at QuiltCon. I’m kind of a pokey sew-er, or I’d jump right in and volunteer to make a few blocks for you. Hopefully, you’ll need pattern testers another time when there’s no hurry.

Lisa J. said...

I love this quilt. Too bad I work kind of slow! See you and it at quilt con.

Elsie Montgomery said...

Very cool design! Love the closeups of the quilting. Thanks for inspiring us.

Farm Quilter said...

Love the quilt and the quilting!! You know, it is amazing what applique does for the back of a quilt!! You need labels and such back there as well, right??? Make it a fun label in pieces that covers up the areas you want to hide!! Been there, done that!!!

Susan said...

I like the overall look of it. It reminds me of London Bridge - the first one, when it was still in England.

Charlotte Scott said...

Love it and can definitely see the flag influence. I love flags and have a really old triangle flag from a British yacht club that I'm trying to find a place for on my wall.

Sarah Craig said...

I'll be happy to test a couple of blocks for you if you still need testers!

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