Modern Quilts

Issue May/June What makes a quilt modern? The answer to that question is explored in this attractive publication from the Modern Quilt Guild. Beginning with a brief history, which offers an overview of the movement, with mention of the quilts of the Amish and Gees Bend, the art quilts of the 1960s and leading proponents such as Nancy Crow, we learn that modern quilting first gained traction as an aesthetic of its own in 1998, with the Guild forming ten years later. For a more detailed explanation you will have to rely on your eyes. Over 150 pages are dedicated to full colour plates of bold, eye-catching quilts, which are loosely arranged into categories under modern traditionalism, solid/graphic colour palettes, improvisation, minimalism, expansive negative space, scale and alternate gridwork as a means of classifying some of the identifying characteristics of this movement. Whilst the MQG is fairly young and yet to fully theorise the development and history of the modern quilt, it is a phenomenon to be taken seriously (the MQG has over 12,000 quilters in 39 countries) and this book reveals how the modern quilt is as exciting and diverse a textile medium as any. * Embroidery * I know so many traditional quilters, but modern quilts are so very interesting, not only from an artistic and design viewpoint, but also that most of us live in modern homes and these quilts fit better into our lifestyles. Subtitled 'Designs of the New Century' this book reveals modern quilt design. It explains the role of the Modern Quilt Guild and showcases some of the best modern designs. The history of modern quilting is tackled in chapters dealing with the stages: Before 1998; 1998-2004; 2005; 2005-2008; 2009 each highlighting key years and developments and finally the movement becoming mainstream. It's a brief written history, fabulously illustrated with incredible quilts. That's the focus of the book - the quilts. You'll see simplicity, minimalism, deconstruction, blocks, text, colour, early improv, geometrics, pictorials and much more. No patterns, no how-to, just visual delight tracking the early beginnings of modernism right up to today. -- Karen Platt * www.karenplatt.co.uk *