I just finished my mini-quilt for the Quilt Expo!


Title:  "The More Things Change..."
Size:  15" wide x 20" tall
Fabrics:  Cottons, velvet, satin, silk, suede, lace
Techniques:  Foundation piecing, free piecing, hand quilting and machine quilting

Quilter's Statement (this will be included with the displayed quilt):  

When I started thinking about modern quilting and how it differs from "traditional" quilting, I became interested in the history of quilt techniques.  I wanted to create an evolutionary chart showing how a traditional quilt block changed over the decades and transformed into a modern quilt block.

I focused on the log cabin block, which is one of the most classic blocks in quilting and is considered distinctively American.  Each block is made in a 5 or 10 inch size, includes a classic red center (symbolizing the "hearth" of the log cabin home), and features a traditional half-dark, half-light layout.

For each block, I have incorporated fabrics, patterns and quilting from a specific time period or style:  (i) Civil War era; (ii) Amish style; (iii) Victorian era; (iv) 1930's Depression era; (v) pineapple technique (a classic variation on a log cabin block) and (vi) modern "wonky" style.

While I intended to show a simple evolution of quilting, I soon discovered that each traditional block included touches that we call modern!  The Amish style uses bold, large swaths of solid colors, the 1930's era features an offset center square and novelty fabrics, the Victorian era uses varieties of fabric, decorative stitches and "wonky" block placement, etc.  The final modern block is actually a striking combination and reinterpretation of all of the aspects of the various "traditional" blocks!  The modern techniques that we currently use are not so modern after all.

After exploring this link between traditional and modern quilts, I feel even more connected to the history of quilting.  Over the centuries, quilters have added their unique style and creativity to quilt techniques, which may have been considered modern or radical to their fellow quilters of the time.  Over many decades, those radical ideas become considered "traditional" techniques.  It will be interesting to see how quilting evolves over the next century, and whether our current "modern" techniques will be considered "traditional" a few decades from now.

I am happy to see that the old adage is true:  "The more things change, the more they stay the same!"

Click HERE for more photos of the quilt! 

I will be teaching a combination design/curve piecing class at the City Quilter in September. I have taken the traditional Drunkard's Path block - added a few half-square triangles and created a new block that I call Infinite Possibilities. The pattern looks great in all fabrics and would create a fun scrap quilt.

The Drunkard's Path block provides endless possibilities for design and with the addition of these new elements it seems like the possibilities have increased.  Here are some samples that I made (they are hanging at the shop).

This sample uses Asian inspired fabrics

30s Repros add fun to this one - it sort of reminds me of those adaptors I had to use in those old 45 records

This design reminds me of Art Deco fans

I call this one Millstone - stepping up the color/value placement helps to create a secondary design.

Here is the same pattern as with the 30 Repros - creating an entirely different look. What would happen if you switched out the lights for darks, and darks for lights - come and find out!

I call this one Waves - someone called it Falling Leaves - what would you call it?

I hope you might consider taking the class (here is a LINK to the class schedule- the class is on page 3). The class meets for two sessions, September 15th and 29th from either 12-2 or 6-8.  We will be dealing with color/value placement and block arrangement as well as different techniques for curve piecing. I am using a commercially available template which makes cutting out the pieces a breeze.  Drop me a note at bigrigquilting@gmail.com if you have any questions and spread the word to others who you think might be interested.

Thanks!

John

On Saturday, a few folks got together for a Patchwork in the Park day!  We met in Central Park and found a shady spot under the trees near the Great Lawn.  The weather was warm and beautiful, and it wasn't too crowded in the park.

We all brought our handwork projects, which included a lot of English paper piecing (hexagons, diamonds, flowers, etc), beading, handquilting, sashiko and even embroidery on paper!  It was a great, relaxing day, and it was a wonderful way to catch up on the latest sewing and non-sewing news!




The next Patchwork in the Park day will be Saturday, July 23rd (raindate is the 24th).  Can't wait to see you all there!

It was great seeing everyone at yesterday's Guild meeting!  Our June meeting was the last formal get-together of the season, but a number of people expressed an interest in informal meet-ups this summer!  For August, we have the Alliance of American Quilts events (see sidebar on the right), and the Friday night event at Victoria's is selling out quickly...don't forget to buy your tickets!

For July, we are doing TWO meet-ups (to accommodate people's vacation schedules)!  We will be holding two "Patchwork in the Park" days, where folks can meet up to enjoy the summer, chat, eat lunch, and bring their handwork and/or show-and-tell with them!  Come to both!

Dates:  
Saturday, July 9th (raindate:  Sunday, July 10th)
AND
Saturday, July 23rd (raindate:  Sunday, July 24th)

Time:
11:00am to 2:00pm

Location:
Central Park, just WEST of the Great Lawn (under the trees in the shade).  Enter the park at 81st Street from the West side or the East side.  It is hard to give an exact location depending on the availability of space, but just walk along the trees on the western edge of the Great Lawn ballfields to find us.   Click here for a map (the Great Lawn is in the middle).

To Bring:
--Lunch and drinks for yourself.
--Dessert for the group (optional).
--Picnic blanket or sheet.
--Handwork projects!  Ideas:  quilt bindings, English paper piecing, applique, quilt labels, embroidery, mending, crocheting, a drawing sketchbook.
--Show and tell (optional and very informal).

Notes:
--If is is not raining on the morning of the event, we will hold it as usual.  Thundershowers are common forecasts for the summer, but they usually happen in the late afternoon.
--If it is raining on the morning of the event, I will post a notice on the Blog that we will hold the event on the raindate.
--Feel free to include crafting-inclined friends (even knitters...gasp!) and significant others.  Warm-weather fun is all-inclusive!  Just warn them that it will be a sewing-focused day, so they should bring a book or other way to entertain themselves.  :)
--Feel free to post questions on the blog!  See you soon!

If you are in the neighborhood, stop in for a treat!

The Quilters’ Guild of Brooklyn:
Charming Contemporary Quilts Exhibition
Cortelyou Road Library
April 2 - 29, 2011
1305 Cortelyou Road
Brooklyn, New York
Opening Reception
Saturday April 2, 2-4 PM

Gallery Hours: Tuesday 10-6 Wednesday 1-8 Thursday 1-6 Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-5

Click for more information:  Cooper Hewitt Show