Whether traditional or modern, there are so many ways to piece a quilt there will always be a new pattern to sew!
Traditional patterns have been reworked in so many creative ways, and it is a true testament to the strength of their design. Bear Paw, Churn Dash, Log Cabin, complex curves like New York Beauty or Double Wedding Ring. Any traditional quilt block pattern can be used to create a magnificent quilt.
I think I adore the traditional blocks because of the rich history that connects these patterns to our past. From the Westward Expansion Nine Patch to Victorian Crazy Quilts to early 20th century Irish Chain… each pattern carries with a story of quilters long ago and today that bring needle and thread to join small bits of fabric together and create a heartwarming quilt.
Modern quilters have taken the concept of pieced quilts and transformed them into a cultural aesthetic that is dominating the quilt industry. A unique confluence of influencers, fabrics and social media, modern quilts aren’t traditional quilts with modernized fabric nor are they art quilts. Minimalist, improv, or highly graphic, modern quilts embrace many of the design elements used in the graphic design industry.
English Paper Piecing
The allure and addiction of English Paper Piecing is real.
Some time ago, I started English Paper Piecing the Sue Daley Paper Lanterns sewalong. I mean, it’s over, but I’m still sewing!
Foundation Paper Piecing
Foundation Paper Piecing is such a backwards way to create a quilt – literally. In this method, a paper pattern is used as a foundation and fabric is sewn on a piece at a time, in reverse. There is lots of flipping and trimming and pressing, but the result can be a very detailed image.
I have created one FPP quilt – the Hocus Pocus quilt along from Fandom in Stitches. It was incredibly challenging for me because having to think in reverse is a quilting skill I had not yet tried.
