Grammy's Quilt Closet : The Modern Quilt Movement

The Modern Quilt Movement started about five years ago. It's been described as the natural evolution in quilting, and according The Modern Quilt Guild an international organization, modern quilting is a reflection of one's own style and personality. Even as some say it has its roots in rebellion ("break-the-rules" quilting), a set of principles that define and guide the movement, is beginning to shape the concept of the modern quilt. In general, modern quilts would share some of these characteristics, to name just a few:

~ Asymmetry in quilt design ~ Frequent use improvisational piecing ~ Bold colors, on-trend color combinations and graphic prints ~ Increased use of solid colors,including grey and white as neutrals ~ Simple, minimalist design using geometric shapes ~ Less emphasis on block repetition ~ Increased use of negative space ~ Designs exhibit influences of modern art and architecture ~ Reinterpreted traditional blocks ~ Unconventional block structures.

Modern quilts are primarily functional and inspired by modern design. Geometric shapes abound, mostly in solid colors, often against a white background. Sometimes, the new moderns get edgy and put social commentary in the quilts. Many Modern quilters consider themselves rebels, rejecting over-embellished styles in favor of radical simplicity.

Modern quilting has existed in many forms for much of the 20th century. It wasn't until the 2000's that quilts with a modern aesthetic began to appear in greater numbers and quilters began to describe themselves as modern. A defining event occurred in 1998 when Martha Stewart Living featured Denyse Schmidt, calling her quilts a “chic, modernist aesthetic." For many quilters in the early days of the movement, this was a key inspirational moment.

The growth of the movement was facilitated by four factors: the cultural shift of quality design being recognized by the general public, affordable digital cameras, the changing fabric industry and the rise of social media.

Even with these seemingly new approaches to quilting, it's easy to see how the modern movement gathers inspiration from the past. The artistic, free-style piecing of the Gee's Bend style of African American quilting, and solid color combinations of Amish quilt traditions are clearly influencing the movement.

Modern quilting is sometimes difficult to define because in many ways the definition is as individual as the quilter - changing from quilter to quilter. In addition to reflecting the individual personality and personal style of the quilter, it also reflects the current aesthetic of the day.

Modern quilting is also about the attitude and the approach that modern quilters take. It respects the amazing artistry and talent of the tradition of quilting, while allowing the quilter to challenge the "rules". In fact, if there were one rule in modern quilting, it would be that there are no rules.
The concept of modern quilting is not meant to divide or segregate. It is meant to welcome new quilters, of all ages, to the world of quilting in a style that they can relate to. In many ways, modern quilting takes us back to the basics of the early quilters, when women of the day used the colors and styles of their time to express themselves creatively"

Some Examples of Modern Quilts