Maybe, I should just stick with "quilter".
What do you think?
Monday, June 18, 2012
Labels
Over the weekend I got caught up on my blog reading. One post, in particular, has stuck with me and caused me to ponder. The writer is a popular blogger and pattern designer. Allison's color selections and style generally tickle my fancy, so I was intrigued by her writings regarding modern vs. traditional quilting--particularly as they apply to her. She has decided that she is not a modern quilter, but instead, a fresh traditional quilter. My thought is, if she isn't a modern quilter, then what am I? Yesterday, my sewing table was full of this...
As I experimented with this...
using this book as my guide...
Yes, a traditional pattern....called Hands All Around...and yet, my fabric choices make it only a cousin to the original antique shown in the book.
My contemplation is this: If I use a pattern to make a quilt today, is it not modern?
Does it have to be free form and geometric in design, like my Signals quilt, to be called modern?
Am I only a modern quilter when I create something liberated but a fresh traditional quilter when I lean toward repeat patterns using colorful fabrics? Ack! Maybe, I don't know who I am!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I think "quilter" is an excellent label. While I am mostly drawn toward more traditional colors (though I do not like Civil War era fabric colors), the techniques and quilting I do are not traditional - I machine piece and machine quilt. I have been dabbling in more contemporary colors and designs but I don't think anyone would ever call me a modern quilter.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, your block is gorgeous!! Your colour choice is perfect! Secondly I find it a tricky topic too! I think others tend to see our style better than we do ourselves, because they can stand back and critically observe. We are probably personally attached to our work to be that honest (?) I am not sure how I would describe myself, so I just say I'm a quilter too!
ReplyDeleteI love the Hands All Around block, so very fresh and do I dare say modern?
ReplyDeleteCan we interchange contemporary with modern? or is it different??
Fun to think about!
I like the term modern traditionalist but just quilter suits me just as well ;-)
ReplyDeleteDoes it matter, I really think you are a beautiful quilter who loves all the beautiful fabrics that are being given to us to sew with. I am just a fabric nut so you call me anything. LOL
ReplyDeleteI like 'quilter' as well. I don't want people to stereotype me or my quilt style...don't like the 'us' and 'them' attitude some folks have. You have a unique, beautiful style that keeps me coming back to read your blog! Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteYou are a quilter for sure! Modern is in the eye of the beholder.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Rose
http://sewmuchtosay.blogspot.com
I think the term "modern" has more to do with the quilter, not what they're making. I consider myself a modern quilter because I like to try new techniques and follow my own path. If my path leads me to a classically traditional pattern, that's okay. My color choices and construction methods will most likely not be traditional. I think a modern quilter is anyone who makes what they like, when they like, and doesn't let other people tell them it's wrong.
ReplyDeleteYou can change it to "artist." Then you don't have to decide what kind of quilter. :-) People get so attached to labels, don't they? I understand the purpose behind them but so frequently, they're insufficient.... Modern is a spirit, I think, and less a label.
ReplyDeleteI'm not keen on the pigeon holing of ones quilting style.
ReplyDeleteIf you like traditional, I dont see why this means you're limited to only making trads and vice versa. I think a fusion of both is good.
Peace and love xx
I think 'quilter' is perfect. You make beautiful quilts, I wouldn't get caught up in labeling yourself :o)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I think I'm a "quilter" too. I'm modern, in that I'm quilting right now, as opposed to hundreds of years ago :) But quilts that catch my eye vary quite a bit. I'm for equal-opportunity beauty :)
ReplyDeleteI decided to stick with "quilter" too. It goes right next to my "gal who loves fabric" title! :)
ReplyDeleteI like contemporary quilter. A quilter of the now :)
ReplyDeleteIf I have a vote it would be for QUILTER. Very pretty block. :)
ReplyDeleteOr worse yet, I used more traditional fabrics in a modern block?!?!?
ReplyDeleteI vote Quilter too!!!!!
Just a plain ole quilter that loves fabrics, whatever they may be. Loves designs old or new.
I don't much care for labels - my style is still developing. Most of the quilts I make are made from fabrics given to me to "do something with". Sometimes that's traditional, like the log cabin hanging on my design wall, ans sometimes it's improv, like the ten blocks I made this morning. The again, if I added embroidery, wouldn't I be making a quilt the Victorian women called "crazy"?
ReplyDelete