What is modern quilting?
There are as many answers to this question as there are modern quilters.
Modern quilts and quilters:
- Make primarily functional rather than decorative quilts
- Use asymmetry in quilt design
- Rely less on repetition and on the interaction of quilt block motifs
- Contain reinterpreted traditional blocks
- Embrace simplicity and minimalism
- Utilize alternative block structures or lack of visible block structure
- Incorporate increased use of negative space
- Are inspired by modern art and architecture
- Frequently use improvisational piecing
- Contain bold colours, on trend colour combinations and graphic prints
- Often use grey and white as neutrals
- Reflect an increased use of solid fabrics
- Focus on finishing quilts on home sewing machines.
What is The Modern Quilt Guild?
In The Modern Quilt Guild’s words:
“The MQG developed out of the thriving online community of modern quilters and their desire to start meeting in person. The founding guild was formed in Los Angeles in October of 2009. Through blogs and the Internet, word spread quickly of the fun they were having and soon guilds started popping up everywhere.” Learn more at themodernquiltguild.com
Who can join the Vancouver Modern Quilt Guild?
Anyone with an interest in modern quilting! Beginners are welcome and you will find lots of inspiration in this group. Quilters who consider themselves traditional or art quilters are also warmly welcomed to try quilting with a modern aesthetic.
I’m a new quilter, am I out of my league?
Don’t be intimidated. Our group is friendly and encouraging and we’re excited to see new quilters just getting started. No quilting experience is required to become a member. You can come to a meeting before you’ve even completed your first quilt.
What’s a typical meeting like?
Social, fun, informative and supportive. During the business portion of the meeting, we talk about upcoming guild events and projects and share information from other guilds and from the MQG. We often have a guest speaker presenting a technique or showing their work. We take a break to socialize then continue with everyone’s favourite—Show and Share. The meeting often concludes with draws for door prizes and block lotto blocks.
I’m an introvert. Do I have to speak in front of a crowd if I come to your meetings?
We want you to feel comfortable at our meetings. Show and Share is optional and we have many members who prefer to watch and be inspired rather than share their work.
What does it cost?
There is no charge for your first meeting. Subsequent meetings are $10 each. You can find information about annual memberships here.
I live outside of Vancouver, can I come to your meetings?
Absolutely. We have members from all over the lower mainland at our meetings. People come from North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Delta, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Surrey, Langley, and Maple Ridge. If you live in the Valley, you can also check out the Fraser Valley Modern Quilt Guild who meet in Abbotsford.
I don’t live in Vancouver, are there other modern quilt guilds in Canada?
Yes, there are several guilds in Canada. Check out the MQG website to find the guild closest to you themodernquiltguild.com/join
I’m planning a visit to Vancouver, can I drop by a meeting?
Definitely. We welcome visitors to our meetings. In addition to visitors from the Fraser Valley MQG, we’ve had guests from Merritt, Seattle, Portland, and Israel and we’d be pleased to add your town or country to that list.
What is a sew-in?
A sew-in is an open sewing time where members work on their own projects in a blissful atmosphere of quilting and chatting. Sew-ins are usually five to six hours long. We supply the tables, chairs, irons and cutting mats. Participants bring their sewing machines, supplies and projects.
Do you accept fabric donations?
We are not able to take donations of fabric or sewing supplies. A Vancouver organization that accepts donations is Our Social Fabric—you can find more information on their website.
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