Over the past few weeks I’ve been devouring two new books on modern quilting, specifically “Quilting Modern” and “Modern Patchwork.” I own the former, thanks to a gift, and have borrowed the latter from the library.
These books are modern in more than their sensibility. All the authors started as bloggers and developed followings as they honed their quilting skills and designs. Also, the books have been marketed online through a network of quilting blogs, another modern touch. No, the SQ was not one of those blogs.
To cut to the chase, both books offer quilters good introductions to modern quilting. They give lots of quilt patterns, plus instructions on the mechanics of quilt construction. “Quilting Modern” presents more individual techniques that can be used in other quilts, stresses improvisation, and has 21 projects. “Modern Patchwork” presents 12 specific quilt patterns that contain techniques you could use differently, but that aspect isn’t stressed. The latter is directed at intermediate quilters who are ready for more than wonky log cabins, but want to make stylish quilts that fit in a more modern home. I’m paraphrasing the author.
My feeling is the “Modern Patchwork” quilts would be more technically challenging to make. They are much “sewier” i.e., precise piecing of curves, curved machine applique, etc. The author says her goal was to create patterns that “promote precision piecing and thoughtful fabric selection.”
Given that statement, I guess you can figure out which book the SQ prefers. However, for many quilters “Modern Patchwork” will provide unusual, pleasantly challenging sewing possibilities. And that’s not a bad thing.
The Snarky Quilter 