Sommaire pour Summer 2016 de Modern Patchwork

It is raining again! As a garden enthusiast and flower lover, I enjoy the rain. It not only refreshes the young plants in my yard, but also creates a beautiful scene outside my office window. As the bright sunlight is filtered through the grey clouds, the intensity of the colors changes. Greens are greener, and pinks are more pink. On days like today, everything seems fresh. Of course, you don’t need a rainy day for an excuse to pull out fabric and thread! Summer is the perfect season to take time in your studio for a “staycation.” This issue of Modern Patchwork, full of patterns, projects, and profiles, contains inspiration for the entire season. Such a variety! The galleries of quilts, home decor, and accessories are sure to move you…

One of the biggest criticisms of modern quilters is that we have “thrown out the baby with the bathwater.” That is, by embracing improv, modern design, and matchstick quilting, we are making technically poor quilts that will fall apart, aren’t square, or are messy. While I think most readers will disagree with those generalizations, as a teacher and recent judge for QuiltCon 2016, I can say that some simple things are missing from a lot of our quilts. This list isn’t necessarily about making show quilts—although if your quilts are being entered into QuiltCon or more modern categories in established shows it matters more—but about doing some simple things to make stronger quilts that wear well. So even if your personal quilt show consists of the quilt hanging over the…

Fiskars® 8" Folding Square Ruler Square off corners and cut half-square triangles, rectangles, or squares from 1" to 8" with this folding acrylic ruler. The clear, durable hinge allows the ruler to lie perfectly flat for exact alignment and folds in half for easy storage or travel. The ¼ " seam allowance makes for easy measuring and can be read on light, dark, and patterned fabrics. $16.99 fiskars.com SEW ADORKABLE 15 DIY Projects to Keep You Out of Trouble by Samarra Khaja Immerse yourself in the witty, smart, industrious, and creative world of Samarra Khaja as you stitch 15 projects that run the gamut from cheeky wearables to quirky quilts and home decor. This hilarious book is just as fun to read as it is chock-full of sewing projects. Go…

These small-scale curves make a big impact when paired with other curved blocks and energize your quilt when combined with high-contrast solids. Instructions on page 71 These small-scale curves make a big impact when paired with other curved blocks and energize your quilt when combined with high-contrast solids. MATERIALS Finished quilt 54" x 54" ■ Fabric for the quilt top — White, 2½ yds. — Blue, 1 3/4 yds. — Boysenberry, 1 3/4 yds. — Yellow, ½ yd. ■ Backing fabric, 3. yds. ■ Batting, 60" x 60" ■ Binding fabric, ½ yd. ■ Templates A and B, provided on insert ■ Template material DIRECTIONS All seams are ¼". See “Sewing Basics" for more information. WOF = width of fabric Press seams toward darker fabric. CUT THE FABRIC 1. Trace…

Based on the Nine Snowball Variation block from the 1930s, this bright and cheery wall hanging will look good in any home. Originally shown using templates and inset seams, today’s modern, simplified, piecing techniques makes construction straightforward. If you want a bigger quilt, simply make more blocks! Instructions on page 77 Based on the Nine Snowball Variation block from the 1930s, this bright and cheery wall hanging will look good in any home. Originally shown using templates and inset seams, today’s modern, simplified, piecing techniques makes construction straightforward. If you want a bigger quilt, simply make more blocks! MATERIALS Finished quilt 22" x 22" ■ Fabric for the quilt top — Orange, fat quarter (18" x 22") (Marigold) — Yellow, fat quarter — White, fat quarter (Natural) — Blue, 3/4…

This modern quilt is a great introduction to paper-piecing techniques—and easy enough to complete in a few weekends. Instructions on page 83 This modern quilt is a great introduction to paper-piecing techniques—and easy enough to complete in a few weekends. MATERIALS Finished quilt 60" x 60" ■ Fabric for the quilt top — Blue, ½ yd. — Green, ½ yd. — White, 3¼ yds. ■ Backing, 3 3/4 yds. ■ Batting, 68" x 68" ■ Binding, ½ yd. ■ Paper piecing pattern, provided on insert ■ Foundation paper for paper piecing, 9 sheets Optional ■ “Add-a-Quarter” Ruler© DIRECTIONS All seams are ¼ ". See “Sewing Basics” for more information. WOF = width of fabric NOTE: This is a basic paper-piecing pattern. Depending on your skill set, you may use less…

This graphic pattern—pieced with small and large triangles—makes this bag stand out in a crowd. Matchstick quilting gives it an elegant texture and sophisticated look. Instructions on page 88 This graphic pattern—pieced with small and large triangles—makes this bag stand out in a crowd. Matchstick quilting gives it an elegant texture and sophisticated look. MATERIALS Finished size 15" x 15" plus handles ■ Fabric for the exterior — Cream, ½ yd. cream — Dark and light orange, hot pink, aqua, teal, and yellow-green, fat eighth — Print fabrics, ¼ yd. each of 2 prints ■ Lining, ½ yd. ■ Muslin backing, 5⁄8 yd. ■ Batting, low-loft cotton, 5⁄8 yd. ■ Woven fusible interfacing, 20" x 1 ¼ yds. ■ Cotton webbing, 1 ½ " wide, 1 ½ yds. NOTE: Wider…

Quilted By Lee Vause The colorful pinwheels seen at parades and carnivals inspired this fat-quarter friendly quilt. The combination of color and curves energizes the design. Instructions on page 96 quilted by LEE VAUSE The colorful pinwheels seen at parades and carnivals inspired this fat-quarterfriendly quilt. The combination of color and curves energizes the design. MATERIALS Finished quilt 73½" x 73½" ■ Fabric for the quilt top (I used Flow from Zen Chic for Moda Fabrics.) — Bright prints, 40 fat quarters (18" x 22") — White, 3 yds. ■ Backing, 5 yds. ■ Batting, 80" x 80" ■ Binding, 5⁄8 yd. ■ Templates A + B, provided on insert ■ Template material ■ Acrylic ruler, 6½" x 6½" DIRECTIONS All seams are ¼". See “Sewing Basics” for more information.…

This quilt’s simplicity may become a staple in your go-to quilt designs. If you are using a standard-width fabric—not extra wide as in this collection—you'll get a chance to practice one of quilting’s most basic skills—joining strips with diagonal seams. Instructions on page 104 This quilt‘s simplicity may become a staple in your go-to quilt designs. If you are using a standard-width fabric—not extra wide as in this collection—you‘ll get a chance to practice one of quilting‘s most basic skills—joining strips with diagonal seams. MATERIALS Finished quilt 55" x 55" KIT: craftofquilting.com ■ Fabric for the quilt top (We used selections from The Denim Studio by Art Gallery Fabrics. These fabrics are 56"–59" wide and the following material requirements are based on this wider width. If you are using traditional…

The striking graphics on this quilt are perfect for the modern baby and the large-scale design means the quilt sews together super-fast—always a bonus! Need a simple wall hanging? Change the palette to customize this distinctive home decor—it’s great for any room. Instructions on page 109 The striking graphics on this quilt are perfect for the modern baby and the large-scale design means the quilt sews together super-fast—always a bonus! Need a simple wall hanging? Change the palette to customize this distinctive home decor—it's great for any room. MATERIALS Finished quilt 43" x 43" ■ Fabric for the quilt top — Mustard, fat eighth (18" x 11") — Pale blue, turquoise, orange, coral, grass, and indigo, ¼ yd. each — Sherbet, chocolate, raspberry, and chartreuse, ½ yd. each — Ocean,…

This was where Melissa Averinos started with her award-winning quilt, “My Brother’s Jeans.” Her brother, Michael, was a tile installer, as was her dad. The jeans were covered in gunk—the technically appropriate term for old paint, grout, and water. These were work jeans, jeans that showed a life of effort embedded into the fiber and seams. These jeans were what Melissa asked for after her brother’s suicide in 2009. Melissa didn’t started the quilt until 2015. She didn’t set out to make an homage to her brother nor a statement on mental health. It was simply one creation in her long history of art as a form of therapy, of using meaningful items to create. But it is a conversation starter and has given meaning to many. Since the quilt…

1 Valley Moda Fabrics Imagine a desert valley just before springtime, surrounded by coral rocks of the desert hillsides, wild flowers, and native shrubs. The natural beauty of southern Nevada, home to the mother and daughter team of Sherri & Chelsi, provides the inspiration for the rich colors and bold prints of this new collection. UNITEDNOTIONS.COM 2 Mostly Manor Studio 37 for Marcus Fabrics Memories of a cherished childhood with her grandparents inspired Victoria Findlay Wolfe's debut collection. A moderntraditional mix of color and pattern invites a quilter's individual artistry. Seven new Centennial Solids round out this exciting collection. MARCUSFABRICS.COM 3 Carkai Robert Kaufman Fabrics This playful collection of 28 fabrics in four color stories all play well together. The prints range from large-scale to geometrics to drawn lines, and…

Blocking a quilt will make the corners square and the quilt hang flat. This is important for show quilts, but also any quilt you want to finish straight and true. It is another step in the finishing of a quilt, but well worth the extra day or two. And since the vast majority of that time is drying, you are free to work on your next project! Not every quilt needs to be blocked. If your quilt is for a child’s bed and will get washed many times, then you don’t need to block it. If you are going to enter a show or the quilt seems very off-square, I highly recommend this step. Bonus! Wetting your quilt to block it automatically gives it the crinkly look so many of…

1 Maximize your workspace Having enough room to work is one of the keys to successfully quilting on your home machine. Many manufacturers offer drop-in tables that allow your machine to sit flush with the work surface. If you are limited on funds and trying to decide where to put your money, invest in the table first. Upgrade to a nicer machine as your skills (and finances) improve. Most drop-in sewing tables can be fitted with a custom insert that fits around the sewing surface of your machine. This allows for a greatly enlarged sewing surface and reduces drag while sewing. Another option is to buy an acrylic extension bed for your machine to extend your work surface. To create even more space while machine quilting, place a small table…

This quilt’s large blocks provide a great way to practice curved seams and the use of a variety of modern fabrics updates this traditional design for the modern home. Instructions on page 73 This quilt’s large blocks provide a great way to practice curved seams, and the use of a variety of modern fabrics updates this traditional design for the modern home. MATERIALS Finished size 78" x 94½" ■ Fabric for the quilt top — Variety of color-and-white prints in navy, light blue, salmon, and mustard, 60 squares total, each 10" x 10" (I used the Figures Collection by Zen Chic for Moda Fabrics.) — Background, variety of white-on-white prints, 4. yds. total ■ Backing, white, 6 yds. ■ Binding, 5/8 yd. or use scraps ■ Batting, 6 yds. ■…

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the United States National Park Service, this quilt is an abstract interpretation of the stunning sunrises from the top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park in Maine. Instructions on page 79 Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the United States National Park Service, this quilt is an abstract interpretation of the stunning sunrises from the top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park in Maine. MATERIALS Finished quilt 75" x 82" ■ Fabric for the quilt top — Yellow and blue in gradating colors, 7 fat quarters (18" x 22") of each NOTE ON FABRIC CHOICES: For each color, I used 6 solids and 1 subtle print. — Background, white, 5 yds. ■ Backing 5 yds. ■ Batting 82" x 90" ■ Binding, yellow and…

This simple-to-assemble-runner comes together quickly for a fun table runner—or a lovely housewarming gift. By making eight Flying Geese at a time, the blocks come together in no time. Instructions on page 84 This simple-to-assemble-runner comes together quickly for a fun table runner—or a lovely housewarming gift. By making eight Flying Geese at a time, the blocks come together in no time. MATERIALS Finished table runner 16" x 43" ■ Fabric for table runner top — Striped print, 3/8 yd. — Solids for Flying Geese, 2 charm squares (5" x 5") each of red, aqua, lime, and orange — White, 3/4 yd. ■ Backing, 1 yd. ■ Batting, 20" x 48" ■ Binding, ¼ yd. DIRECTIONS All seams are ¼ ". See “Sewing Basics” for more information. WOF = width…

Inspired by a Gee’s Bend quilt called “Birds In Flight” by Mertlene Perkins, this quilt uses negative space and subtle changes in color to create a delicate composition. By scattering some triangles, the “birds” appear to be flying away from the flock. Instructions on page 90 Inspired by a Gee’s Bend quilt called “Birds In Flight“ by Mertlene Perkins, this quilt uses negative space and subtle changes in color to create a delicate composition. By scattering some triangles, the “birds” appear to be flying away from the flock. MATERIALS Finished quilt 54" x 60" ■ Fabric for quilt top — Assorted solids and prints in blacks and dark grays, 1¼ yd. total — Gold, fat eighth (18" x 11") — Light gray, fat eighth ■ White, 3 ¼ yds. ■…

Quilted By Melissa Kelley This summer quilt is based on traditional quilting designs, but made modern by going big. Large blocks make the quilt come together quickly—plus it’s a great way to show off lots of scrappy color. Using different prints within the same color families adds visual texture. Instructions on page 98 This summer quilt is based on traditional quilting designs, but made modern by going big. Large blocks make the quilt come together quickly—plus it’s a great way to show off lots of scrappy color. Using different prints within the same color families adds visual texture. MATERIALS Finished quilt 72" x 72" ■ Fabric for the quilt top — Prints, 3⁄8 yd. each of 7 different colorways in dark pink, turquoise, light gray, orange, green, light blue, and…

Though it looks complex, this table runner uses a simple, Log Cabin-style construction method. Instructions include the traditional method, or try using a paper-based printed pattern. Instructions on page 105 Though it looks complex, this table runner uses a simple, Log Cabin-style construction method. Instructions include the traditional method, or try using a paper-based printed pattern. MATERIALS Finished runner 14" x 40" ■ Fabric for table runner — Side panels and backing, 1yd. — Braid, fat quarters (18" x 22") or assorted scraps for 100 rectangles 1¼" x 5" and 1 square 3" x 3" ■ Batting, 18" x 45" ■ Binding, ¼ yd. Optional ■ One roll of 2" x 4" Flying Geese and Braided Paper Triangles on a Roll, #1504 (See sidebar) DIRECTIONS All seams are ¼". See…

If you’re a fan of home and garden shows, design blogs, and interior decorating in general, you’re certainly familiar with the ubiquitous “exposed brick wall.” Downtown Baltimore row houses are full of them. Unfortunately, I’m out in the suburbs where exposed brick is rarely found. So, I made my own! Instructions on page 111 If you’re a fan of home and garden shows, design blogs, and interior decorating in general, you’re certainly familiar with the ubiquitous “exposed brick wall.” Downtown Baltimore row houses are full of them. Unfortunately, I’m out in the suburbs where exposed brick is rarely found. So, I made my own! MATERIALS Finished quilt 49" x 60" ■ Fabric for the quilt top — Brick colors, 4 assorted, ¾ yd. each — Plaster colors, 3 assorted, ½…

Celebrating the modern quilt movement in all its glory. modern patchwork is packed with projects for today’s quilters and sewists. The contemporary and fresh aesthetic of these projects pays tribute to the modern revival of patchwork, integrating traditional and innovative techniques. What are we looking for? Distinctive and unpublished original projects to suit every room of the house. We encourage you to submit projects that fall within these guidelines: ■ Modern quilts: all shapes and sizes ■ Home décor: pillows, quilt throws, and table toppers ■ Kitchen & dining: aprons, place mats, and table runners ■ Bags & totes: any shape, any size, for any occasion ■ Studio accessories: pincushions, organizers, and needle books ■ Baby stuff: play mats and baby quilts How to submit a project Send project proposals…

1. “I never start with an idea in mind. I just start.” So she cleared her studio, gathered the jeans, and began to improvise. 2. She was mostly drawn to the ruined parts; they were the most interesting. But it is hard to make a quilt from holes! Never mind sewing through the gunk on the jeans. 3. After cutting squares and placing them on the design wall the shape seemed obvious. “It basically made itself.” 4. There is still always sewing, made easier with soulful chain piecing. 5. Careful consideration of the denim patches created transparency in the crosses, augmenting the overall design. “There are so many things I want to do and a lot of jeans left. I just kept coming back to the crosses.” Melissa is not…

Amy’s earliest enterprising influence was her mom, Donna Martin, a home economics teacher who taught Amy to sew. Donna opened a craft shop in their Des Moines, Iowa, hometown that carried gifts, supplies, and fabric, and that’s where Amy absorbed her business skills. Amy also created a line of teddy bears for the shop, crafted from mink collars and jackets with interesting textures and designs she’d find at thrift shops. After earning a fine arts degree at the University of Kansas, where she experimented with jewelry making and glassblowing, Amy moved to Kansas City. Her mom had been licensing designer’s patterns for her shop and suggested that Amy create some of her own. In 1991 she did just that. Serendipitously, that was the same year that Kansas City hosted International…

Bill Volckening never intended to collect quilts. In 1989 he was studying for a masters of fine arts in photography at NYU when his girlfriend invited him to a quilt show. “She was at the Fashion Institute of Technology and would get lots of invitations,” he recalls. All Bill knew was that a woman from Kentucky would be showing some historic quilts in an uptown brownstone. He went along for the company. The woman turned out to be Shelly Zegart, a worldrenowned expert on American quilts. “There were beautiful old quilts draped all over the furniture,” Bill recalls. One in particular caught his eye. “I fell in love with a red, white, and green very elaborately pieced quilt that had a lot of quilting on it. The pattern was labeled…

MODERN ROOTS Today’s Quilts from Yesterday’s Inspiration BILL VOLCKENING Stash Books, 2016 114 pp., Paperback $27.95 Quilt collector and expert Bill Volckening shares 12 of his prized quilts with the hope that their rich history will inform and inspire today’s modern quilters. Examples of modernism in American quilt making are shown in a timeline of quilts. A particularly appealing section compares and contrasts antique/vintage quilts with their modernmade counterparts. Make your own modern treasures using Bill’s instructions, 21st century techniques, rotary cutting tools, and templates. The book also includes tips for alternate sizes, and discussion of each quilt in context. BEYOND COTTON Making by hand: stamp, print, dye, and paint KRISTA FLECKENSTEIN Lucky Spool, 2015 160 pp., Paperback $27.95 Looking to find your voice in a sea of commercial fabrics?…

The addition of pieced and solid borders around a central panel helps this quilt to grow. Featuring Highlight (Kona’s color of the year) and an ample amount of negative space, this quilt is a perfect opportunity to explore quilting designs. Instructions on page 75 quilted by ANGELA WALTERS The addition of pieced and solid borders around a central panel helps this quilt to grow. Featuring Highlight (Kona’s color of the year) and an ample amount of negative space, this quilt is a perfect opportunity to explore quilting designs. MATERIALS Finished quilt 100" x 100" ■ Fabric for the quilt top — White, 8½ yds. — Yellow, 3½ yds. (I used Highlight, Kona® Cotton by Robert Kaufman.) ■ Backing, 9 yds. ■ Batting, 110" x 110" (or king) ■ Binding, 3/4…

This mini quilt is a fantastic scrap-buster. Four blocks spelling “MAKE” are created with 1" strips in place. The quilt is inspired by the wonderfully geeky and 80’s-inspired font, “Edit Undo,” by Brian Kent. Instructions on page 81 This mini quilt is a fantastic scrapbuster. Four blocks spelling “MAKE” are created with 1" strips in place. The quilt is inspired by the wonderfully geeky and 80’s-inspired font, “Edit Undo,” by Brian Kent. MATERIALS Finished quilt 8 ½ " x 26 ½ " ■ Fabric for the quilt top — Pink, 10" x 10" — Orange, 10" x 10" — Green, 10" x 10" — Blue, 10" x 10" — White, ½ yd. ■ Backing, ½ yard ■ Batting, 12" x 32" ■ Binding, ¼ yd. DIRECTIONS All seams are ¼…

This quilt makes a dramatic statement using just two fabrics. It’s a great pattern for those who love to sew curves—and those ready to learn. Instructions on page 86 This quilt makes a dramatic statement using just two fabrics. It’s a great pattern for those who love to sew curves—and those ready to learn. MATERIALS Finished quilt 56" x 56" KIT: craftofquilting.com ■ Fabric for the quilt top — Off-white, 3 ½ yds. (Creme) — Black (includes binding), 3 yds. — Backing, 3½ yds. ■ Batting, 62" x 62" ■ Templates A, B, C, D, and E, provided on insert ■ Template material DIRECTIONS All seams are ¼ ". See “Sewing Basics” for more information. WOF = width of fabric MAKE THE BLOCKS 1. Trace the each template onto template…

Inspired by all the glorious cotton solids, create a garden using fat quarter bundles that will make you want stop and smell the flowers. This pattern combines simple curves to create perfect blooms for your personal garden. Instructions on page 93 Inspired by all the glorious cotton solids, create a garden using fat quarter bundles that will make you want stop and smell the flowers. This pattern combines simple curves to create perfect blooms for your personal garden. MATERIALS Finished quilt 72" x 72" ■ Fabric for the quilt top (I used KonaR Cotton by Robert Kaufman Fabrics in the Sunrise and Elizabeth Hartman Designer Palette Fat Quarter Bundles—with a few random purples and blues thrown in for fun.) — Petals, fat quarter each, 36 different colors — Coordinating prints,…

Equilibrium position: the straight angle of the string on which the pendulum hangs; the point of suspension. This quilt is all about the Y-seam—it’s set on point to accentuate the overall pattern. The large color blocks and negative space provide a great opportunity to play with value and color. Instructions on page 100 Equilibrium position: the straight angle of the string on which the pendulum hangs; the point of suspension. This quilt is all about the Y-seam—it’s set on point to accentuate the overall pattern. The large color blocks and negative space provide a great opportunity to play with value and color. MATERIALS Finished quilt 68" x 85" ■ Fabric for the quilt top (I used KonaR Cotton by Robert Kaufman Fabrics.) — Pink, deep red, purple, lilac, 1¼ yd.…

Transparency—the illusion of seethrough color—relies on value (the lightness or darkness of color) and intensity (how brilliant or dull a color is). Each block in this quilt uses three different values of approximately the same color and a similar intensity. Instructions on page 107 Transparency—the illusion of see-through color—relies on value (the lightness or darkness of color) and intensity (how brilliant or dull a color is). Each block in this quilt uses three different values of approximately the same color and a similar intensity. MATERIALS Block size 12" x 12" Finished quilt 36" x 36" ■ Fabric for the quilt top — Background, 3⁄8 yd. each of 4 different white-and-black fabrics. — Circles, 9 color groups, fat eighth (11" x 18") each in a light, medium, and dark value (See…

A quick reference guide to basic tools, techniques, and terms For the projects in this issue (unless otherwise indicated): ■ When piecing: Use 1⁄4" seam allowances. Stitch with the right sides together. After stitching a seam, press it to set the seam; then open the fabrics and press the seam allowance toward the darker fabric. ■ Yardages are based upon 44"-wide fabric. sewing kit The following items are essential for your sewing kit. Make sure you have these tools on hand before starting any of the projects: ■ ACRYLIC RULER This is a clear flat ruler, with a measuring grid at least 2" wide × 18" long. A rigid acrylic (quilter’s) ruler should be used when working with a rotary cutter. You should have a variety of rulers in different…

1 | When preparing to print the PDF, make sure that you are printing it at 100% and that there is no scaling. Check the settings for page scaling (should be “None”) and check the preview to make sure that you will be printing at full size. Make sure that the box labeled “Auto-Rotate and Center” is unchecked. (Instructions apply specifically to Adobe Reader; if using another PDF reader, check for similar settings.) 2 | To ensure that the pattern has printed at the correct scale, check the size of the TEST SQUARE. The Test Square on your pattern should be 2" × 2". 3 | To begin assembling the pattern, cut off or fold the dotted margin around each page. 4 | The pages are numbered in rows, so…