Sunday, November 1, 2009

Tradition

Quilting is an age-old traditional craft. Quilts have long been seen as necessary, functional items, as well as works of handmade art. Participating in this craft, in whatever form, connects us to history, ancestors, and tradition.

Lately, though, it seems that contemporary quilters have moved away from traditional forms. This is a shame to me, because traditional quilt blocks are what first interested me in the craft. I love the sense of geometry and order that traditional quilts present. The calculated angles and symmetry appeal to me. At the same time, I love the look of modern quilts. Their irregular sense of space and inventive use of shape and color intrigue me.

This project idea was born out of my appreciation for both traditional and modern quilts. I wanted to marry my love for the traditional with the form and method of the modern. In this blog, Crystal and I will attempt to modify tradition-- that is, we'll each be using traditional patterns to create a modern quilt.

Interested in the experiment? Sew with us! We'll be posting tutorials for two different blocks each week, as well as discussing modern color and layout choice.

This ain't your grandmother's quilt sampler!

8 comments:

  1. I like the direction that you are exploring and look forward to following your blog and progress!

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  2. Sounds like fun! Looking forward to see where you take us on this quilting adventure :)

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  3. I am so happy to find this because even though I love modern quilts, I am also drawn to traditional patterns. I can't wait to see how this sampler comes together.

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  4. Wow, comments! Thanks for your enthusiasm, everyone. Our first tutorial will be posted on Friday, Nov 6. Stay tuned for other posts (musing and inspiration) until then.

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  5. I feel the same way, I love modern fabrics, but I am so drawn to pinwheels and geometric blocks with little tiny pieces, I am also totally addicted to English paper piecing hexagons. Great idea for a blog!

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  6. Yay! It's up! Looking forward to seeing what becomes.... :)

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  7. I'm looking forward to this. The whole modern/traditional continuum is something I think about a fair amount (quilt nerd). I don't know if I can take on anything else WIP-wise, though. Twist my rubber arm.

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  8. I'm really excited about this, too! I flip-flop between the two and would love to see what you have in store!

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