London Modern Quilt Guild: "A Journey to the Land of Modern Quilting" Oct.2nd and 3rd
Presenters from the London Modern Quilt Guild: Kristen Box-McCoy, Linda McLaren and Gail McHardy-Leitch
The Oxford Quilters' Guild was treated to a presentation of some of the best modern quilts from the London Modern Quilt Guild Canada's 5th anniversary Quilt Show in September. Kristen, Linda and Gail were exceptional ambassadors for the LMQG. They shared their love for modern quilting and they provided an excellent insight into the design elements and techniques of Modern quilting.
The London Modern Quilt Guild (est. 2015) is affiliated with a larger organization, the Modern Quilt Guild (est. 2009) with over 14,000 members world wide. MQG mission is to support and encourage the growth and development of modern quilting through art, education, and community. It provides considerable support and inspiration to its members through an online webpage. Members can enjoy, Modern Monthly (an online magazine), Webinars (both live and archive), block studies and Free Patterns. The MQG hosts QuiltCon, the largest modern quilting show of its kind. The next Quilt Con will be held Feb. 20-23, 2020 in Austin, Texas.
A central question posed and answered in the presentation was: What is Modern Quilting? It is easy to see that there are distinctive characteristics for both Traditional Quilting and Modern Quilting; but it is important to note that Traditional Quilting and Modern Quilting more accurately are representations of a Quilting Spectrum. This leaves room for cross-over styles such as Modern Traditionalism.
I'm just going to quote the Modern Quilt Guild's definition of Modern quilting to be completely accurate: "Modern quilts are primarily functional and inspired by modern design. ..(they have) several characteristics ...(which) include: the use of bold colors and prints, high contrast and graphic areas of solid color, improvisational piecing, minimalism, expansive negative space, (creative use of scale) and alternate grid work."
Many of us recognize the use of bold colour and negative space as quintessentially modern but we are less familiar with some of the techniques used by modern quilters. Improvisational piecing (sometimes called free piecing or liberated piecing) is just what it sounds like: sewing together fabric without always measuring and cutting to precise measurements. Kristen described it as "making my own custom fabric" which is what the finished blocks looked like. It's a neat way to use up small scraps of fabric and to add dimension and interest to quilt blocks. Alternate Grid work is another design element that often appears in modern quilts. There are many ways to employ alternate grid work. I have supplied a chart in the Glossary for this Blog to offer up interesting options for quilters wishing to apply alternate grid techniques in their quilting.
Finally, I wanted to highlight the London Modern Quilt Guild's outreach program with the ladies of the Limberlost Community Chaplaincy. The goal of the outreach program is "to teach ladies from program to sew and quilt: offer opportunities for fellowship and to share the love of quilting." They meet weekly on Tuesday afternoons from 1-3pm at 1481 Limberlost Road, unit 137. Volunteers are welcome as are donations. This program has given the participants not only a chance to learn how to use a sewing machine, as some have never had the opportunity, but it also provides them with a much needed break from their difficult lives. LMQG have seen participants blossom and feel good about their newly found skill. It is a joy to work with these ladies. I definitely encourage anyone in our guild to reach out and offer support through donations or voluntarism to this program. If you are interested, please contact the LMQG Outreach at:
Look for the companion Glossary for this Blog.
Your Quilt Muse.