One of the questions we ask when we interview quilters for Meet the Maker is ‘How would you describe your quilting style today?’, and often they don’t resonate with one particular style and find it difficult to categorise themselves. There are some quilters who totally fit in a certain niche – whether it be paper piecing, fussy cutting, hand piecing, applique, or another technique – they’ve totally mastered it. In the case of fabric designers, it could be a certain use of colour that defines them. With some quilters, you might see a quilt and just know who the designer is from the look and feel. But there are other quilters, who like to dabble in all sorts of things.
Our team all consider themselves as ‘modern’ quilters, but we use the term loosely and not all the quilts we make will necessarily reflect a modern aesthetic. If you’ve ever worried that you don’t have a particular style, stop worrying, do what you love and enjoy the process!
We MEET the makers
In Issue 47, we MEET Preeti Harris from Sew Preeti Quilts, a modern quilter who likes bold, simple designs in bright colours, but rather than stick to a particular, distinctive style just works with what feels right at the time; John MacPhail from Art East Quilting Co, whose love of theatre and performing, led to costume design, and then quilting. John describes his style as quirky, illustrative and bold, and is best known for his traditionally pieced patterns and raw-edge applique pet portraits (they are seriously cute!); and Sarah Fielke, an award-winning quilt and fabric designer and inspiring business owner based in Sydney, Australia. Sarah finds it challenging to define her quilting style, as she doesn’t fit neatly into a particular niche. However, I think you’ll all agree that her bold, scrappy quilts, featuring hand applique and hand quilting, are instantly recognisable ♥
We MAKE and we MOTIVATE
Also in this issue, we MAKE happy HSTs and awesome applique, play with harmonious colours, and give you four life hacks to protect your creativity. We MOTIVATE you to cycle your stash and give you tips to having an organised, curated stash that you’ll enjoy making quilts with. We also chat about preparing for FPP, quilt design, customising quilt patterns to make them more ‘you’, navigating bulky seams when your free-motion quilting, and bring you a gallery of Star Wars quilts from May the 4th Quilt Swaps.
And inside every issue of Make Modern there’s a competition!
Inside every issue, there’s a chance to enter to win a great quilty prize and this one’s a beauty! Buy a copy of Issue 47 or sign up to a subscription then enter to win a Moda boxed ‘Good Hearted’ quilt kit with Sherri & Chelsi’s Sincerely Yours fabrics from Said With Love. valued at AU$230. The competition is open to readers worldwide and closes 19 August 2022.
Inside every issue of Make Modern magazine, including this one, are the full patterns (instructions and all required templates) for ten modern quilt projects, as well as lots of must-read articles written by quilters for quilters. Click here to see a full list of patterns and articles included as well as some extra sneak peeks inside the issue. If you’ve never read a copy of Make Modern, or it’s been a while, now is the perfect time to start.
And if you’ve got a question, I’m only ever an email away and would love to hear from you. I hope wherever you are in the world, you are safe, sheltered, and surrounded by fabric. Digital hugs from one quilter to another xoxo
New to Make Modern and want to know more about us?
Make Modern is Australia’s only modern quilt magazine. Independently published every two months by a team of quilters and read in 70+ countries, Make Modern is international. Each issue contains patterns for 10-14 projects, interviews with your favourite quilters from around the world, and articles to inspire and teach you something new. Our magazine is delivered as a PDF which you can read on your computer, tablet or smartphone, and print pages as you wish. Pattern measurements are in inches and yards.
About the Author
Lara is Make Modern’s Business Manager. Mama to two kidlets and a well-loved pup, Lara started quilting as a crafty outlet from her previous day job as a scientist. While quilting is Lara’s first love, her drive to live sustainably is a lifestyle on its own. She loves doing things that force her to slow down – hand quilting, mending clothing, baking sourdough, reading, stopping to smell the flowers, or chatting to neighbours in her little community in the Adelaide Hills. You can find Lara on Instagram.
Lara Motta
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A lil news from our team 😿
This isn't our usual newsletter. We wanted to share some news with you directly from the Make Modern team ...
