I was fortunate enough to check out the beautifully curated Modern Quilt Showcase, sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild. This exhibit was part of the quilt show associated with the 2018 International Quilt Market and Festival in Houston, Texas. Members of the Modern Quilt Guild from around the world submitted their quilts for this exhibit that uses traditional quilting techniques with a modern design aesthetic.
I was able to document all 20 quilts included in the exhibit. Unfortunately, the lighting in the show isn’t the best for photography.
Included in this virtual modern quilt show is a walkthrough video as well as both full and detail photos of all of the quilts. All descriptions were written by the makers.
If your quilt was in the show—congratulations! Please email me your Instagram link if it is not listed below and let me know if the pattern is available for purchase. I’d be happy to include in this post.
Enjoy the show!
A video walkthrough the show:
!["Number 16" by Miquel Huidor. Statement: "With this quilt I wanted to take a traditional shape, the triangle and really modernize it. The quilt is layered in images with the triangles, the hexagons, the stripes, and the small hints of color. I also explored moving away from printed quilt fabrics to more yarn-dyed fashion fabrics. The result is a more elevated finish to the quilt. [Design Source: Original Design] "Number 16" by Miquel Huidor. Statement: "With this quilt I wanted to take a traditional shape, the triangle and really modernize it. The quilt is layered in images with the triangles, the hexagons, the stripes, and the small hints of color. I also explored moving away from printed quilt fabrics to more yarn-dyed fashion fabrics. The result is a more elevated finish to the quilt. [Design Source: Original Design] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/01_mqgshowcase2018_miguelhuidor_full.jpg)
Statement: “With this quilt I wanted to take a traditional shape, the triangle and really modernize it. The quilt is layered in images with the triangles, the hexagons, the stripes, and the small hints of color. I also explored moving away from printed quilt fabrics to more yarn-dyed fashion fabrics. The result is a more elevated finish to the quilt.” [Design Source: Original Design]
!["Net Worth" by Sarah Lefebvre Statement: "This quilt was an entry in the Riley Blake Designs Spring 2018 Fabric Challenge. Titled literally because the middle part of the quilt top and quilting design reminded me of the "net worth" emoji. Titled figuratively because although it is complete, it is not perfect. We all need to remind ourselves that our perfectionism in quilts and in life, or lack thereof, does not equate to our personal net worth!" [Design Source: Half-square traingles, Flying Geese blocks] sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/02_mqgshowcase2018_sarahlefbvre_full.jpg)
Statement: “This quilt was an entry in the Riley Blake Designs Spring 2018 Fabric Challenge. Titled literally because the middle part of the quilt top and quilting design reminded me of the “net worth” emoji. Titled figuratively because although it is complete, it is not perfect. We all need to remind ourselves that our perfectionism in quilts and in life, or lack thereof, does not equate to our personal net worth!” [Design Source: Half-square triangles, Flying Geese blocks]
!["Felicitous Pickle" by Kelly Spell Statement: "This quilt was made for the 2018 rendition of the Cut It Up! Challenge hosted by the Chattanooga Modern Quilt Guild. In January, guild members swapped orphan blocks, unfinished pieces, and even a few completed quilt tops. The challenge was to take someone else's work, cut it up, and use it to create a new, modern quilt of your own design. I inherited one 12" Stack-n-Whack block and some scraps of fabric from Ann Hurley. Once I started sewing the fabric together, it resembled a Pickle Dish block—a felicitous result!" [Design Source: Stack-n-Whack block] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/03_mqgshowcase2018_kellyspell_full.jpg)
Statement: “This quilt was made for the 2018 rendition of the Cut It Up! Challenge hosted by the Chattanooga Modern Quilt Guild. In January, guild members swapped orphan blocks, unfinished pieces, and even a few completed quilt tops. The challenge was to take someone else’s work, cut it up, and use it to create a new, modern quilt of your own design. I inherited one 12″ Stack-n-Whack block and some scraps of fabric from Ann Hurley. Once I started sewing the fabric together, it resembled a Pickle Dish block—a felicitous result!” [Design Source: Stack-n-Whack block]
!["Infinite Magnification" by Christine Perrigo Statement: "When our guild chose antique quilts as inspiration for a modern challenge, I was immediate attracted to the Robbing Peter to Pay Paul block. The detail that I was intrigued with the most was that the petals did not meet at the corner of the blocks. In order to emphasize this detail I decided to play with scale and focus on just one of those intersections. This allowed me plenty of space where I could play with a wonky version of the traditional petal pattern in the quilting.” [Design Source: Robbing Peter to Pay Paul block] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/04_mqgshowcase2018_christineperrigo_full.jpg)
Statement: “When our guild chose antique quilts as inspiration for a modern challenge, I was immediately attracted to the Robbing Peter to Pay Paul block. The detail that I was intrigued with the most was that the petals did not meet at the corner of the blocks. In order to emphasize this detail I decided to play with scale and focus on just one of those intersections. This allowed me plenty of space where I could play with a wonky version of the traditional petal pattern in the quilting.” [Design Source: Robbing Peter to Pay Paul block]
!["Paper Round Quilt" by Jenny Haynes. Quilted by Joe Bennison Statement: "This design reminded me of newspapers stacked up ready for the paper round. I like the kick of that light blue newspaper on the top of the pile. I did find it a bit jarring at first, and I nearly remade that part. Now I'm very happy I kept it. My Swedish aesthetics are matchy-matchy by default, but I'm rebelling and loving every minute of it.” [Design Source: Mid-century modern style and the Drunkard's Path block] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/05_mqgshowcase2018_jennyhaynes_full.jpg)
Statement: “This design reminded me of newspapers stacked up ready for the paper round. I like the kick of that light blue newspaper on the top of the pile. I did find it a bit jarring at first, and I nearly remade that part. Now I’m very happy I kept it. My Swedish aesthetics are matchy-matchy by default, but I’m rebelling and loving every minute of it.” [Design Source: Mid-century modern style and the Drunkard’s Path block]
!["Big Island Sunset" by Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill Statement: "Inspiration for Big Island Sunset came from one of my most favorite places in the world, Hawaii. This modern interpretation of the spectacular sunsets on the west coast of Hawaii is entirely pieced from two blocks, a traditional Drunkard's Path and an elongated Drunkard's Path using all solids fabrics. Big Island Sunset was then quilted on a domestic machine using a walking foot.” [Design Source: Drunkard's Path block] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/06_mqgshowcase2018_shericifaldimorrill-wholecirclestudio_full.jpg)
Statement: “Inspiration for Big Island Sunset came from one of my most favorite places in the world, Hawaii. This modern interpretation of the spectacular sunsets on the west coast of Hawaii is entirely pieced from two blocks, a traditional Drunkard’s Path and an elongated Drunkard’s Path using all solids fabrics. Big Island Sunset was then quilted on a domestic machine using a walking foot.” [Design Source: Drunkard’s Path block]
!["Periodicity" by Cheryl Brickey Statement: "Periodicity shows the beauty and rhythm of periodic waves in this high contrast and vibrant quilt. It was quilted with horizontal rows of loops using a matching thread color for each section to give the quilt texture but not take away from the bold fabrics.” [Design Source: Periodic waves] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/07_mqgshowcase2018_cherylbrickey_full.jpg)
Statement: “Periodicity shows the beauty and rhythm of periodic waves in this high contrast and vibrant quilt. It was quilted with horizontal rows of loops using a matching thread color for each section to give the quilt texture but not take away from the bold fabrics.” [Design Source: Periodic waves]
!["Fringe Area" by Heather Black. Statement: "Fringe Area was designed for this year's Pantone Color of the Year quilt challenge. The Color of the Year for 2018 is ultra-violet, and I wanted a design that featured almost entirely shades of purple. I named the quilt Fringe Area because ultra-violet is just out of the range of visual light on the electromagnetic wave scale.” [Design Source: Pantone Color of the Year] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/08_mqgshowcase2018_heatherblack_full.jpg)
Statement: “Fringe Area was designed for this year’s Pantone Color of the Year quilt challenge. The Color of the Year for 2018 is ultra-violet, and I wanted a design that featured almost entirely shades of purple. I named the quilt Fringe Area because ultra-violet is just out of the range of visual light on the electromagnetic wave scale.” [Design Source: Pantone Color of the Year]
!["Crazy Town Roopetoope" by Irene Roderick Statement: "This quilt is one of the first quilts in what I consider my true voice. After trying to figure out what modern quilting was supposed to be, I threw caution of the wind and just started making elements, putting pieces of fabric on thew all then rearranging them until I found the perfect arrangement. I didn't pay attention to how to construct the pieces into a quilt, but only enjoyed playing!” [Design Source: Original Design] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/09_mqgshowcase2018_ireneroderick_full.jpg)
Statement: “This quilt is one of the first quilts in what I consider my true voice. After trying to figure out what modern quilting was supposed to be, I threw caution of the wind and just started making elements, putting pieces of fabric on thew all then rearranging them until I found the perfect arrangement. I didn’t pay attention to how to construct the pieces into a quilt, but only enjoyed playing!” [Design Source: Original Design]
!["Counterpart" by Riane Menardi Morrison Statement: "This quilt is my modern take on a Wedding Ring quilt. After getting married in fall 2017, I started designing and making quilts that represent my idea of home and family. This quilt design was inspired by two wedding rings—mine and my husband's. The 1/2 rings are appliqued on a wholecloth background. The quilt is hand-quilted using large sashiko thread in two colors. The quilting motif emanates from the center of the rings, representing two lives coming together.” [Design Source: Original Design] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/10_mqgshowcase2018_rianemenardimorrison_full.jpg)
Statement: “This quilt is my modern take on a Wedding Ring quilt. After getting married in fall 2017, I started designing and making quilts that represent my idea of home and family. This quilt design was inspired by two wedding rings—mine and my husband’s. The 1/2 rings are appliqued on a wholecloth background. The quilt is hand-quilted using large sashiko thread in two colors. The quilting motif emanates from the center of the rings, representing two lives coming together.” [Design Source: Original Design]
!["Striped Chaos" by Maria Shell Statement: "When making the quilts from my book Improv Patchwork—Dynamic Quilts Made with Line and Shape, I wanted to show the design potential present in the simple stripe, also known in the quilting world as a strip set. This quilt is an off-the-grid composition based solely on machine pieced striped fabric.” [Design Source: Traditional strip sets] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/11_mqgshowcase2018_mariashell_full.jpg)
Statement: “When making the quilts from my book Improv Patchwork—Dynamic Quilts Made with Line and Shape, I wanted to show the design potential present in the simple stripe, also known in the quilting world as a strip set. This quilt is an off-the-grid composition based solely on machine pieced striped fabric.” [Design Source: Traditional strip sets]
!["Passage No. 3" by Carson Converse Statement: "I strive to create order and calm amid anxiety caused by the increasingly inflammatory and divisive language that is so common these days. Focusing on creating 'quiet' quilts that push the boundaries of minimalism is meditative. I am reminded that we are a single stitch in a vast timeline. I am drawn to horizontal stripes, which remind me of rock strata. I made a connection between my quilts and my love of printmaking and architectural drawing. In addition to being a meditative process, this series is an opportunity to study the way stitched lines can alter values and create atmosphere.” [Design Source: Original Design] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/12_mqgshowcase2018_carsonconverse_full.jpg)
Statement: “I strive to create order and calm amid anxiety caused by the increasingly inflammatory and divisive language that is so common these days. Focusing on creating ‘quiet’ quilts that push the boundaries of minimalism is meditative. I am reminded that we are a single stitch in a vast timeline. I am drawn to horizontal stripes, which remind me of rock strata. I made a connection between my quilts and my love of printmaking and architectural drawing. In addition to being a meditative process, this series is an opportunity to study the way stitched lines can alter values and create atmosphere.” [Design Source: Original Design]
!["Show Up" by Sam Hunter. Quilted by Nancy Stovall. Constructed by Maria Cardenas, Nicole Howe, Linda Nussbaum, Amy Qualls, Matthew Stovall, Nancy Stovall, and Megan Woolery. Statement: "When Lisa published this design, Show Up, as a poster, I approached her to adapt the design into a quilt pattern. I am a self-professed 'word girl' and so was excited to help produce a pattern with such a timeless message. The construction was assisted by my sewing pals, the Stunt Sewists.” [Design Source: Design adapted by Sam Hunter from artwork by Lisa Congdon] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/13_mqgshowcase2018_samhunter_full.jpg)
Statement: “When Lisa published this design, Show Up, as a poster, I approached her to adapt the design into a quilt pattern. I am a self-professed ‘word girl’ and so was excited to help produce a pattern with such a timeless message. The construction was assisted by my sewing pals, the Stunt Sewists.” [Design Source: Design adapted by Sam Hunter from artwork by Lisa Congdon]
!["Geese Study #1" by Heather Kinion Statement: "This quilt is the second in a series of almost wholecloth quilts. I explored dense quilting stitches and used contrasting 12 weight thread to create a feeling of more piecing than is actually present. There are only two pieced seams in the top. I was influenced by the handwork of Chawne Kimber and Heidi Parkes along with the 'ghost' quilting of longarm quilters.” [Design Source: Flying Geese block] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/14_mqgshowcase2018_heatherkinion_full.jpg)
Statement: “This quilt is the second in a series of almost wholecloth quilts. I explored dense quilting stitches and used contrasting 12 weight thread to create a feeling of more piecing than is actually present. There are only two pieced seams in the top. I was influenced by the handwork of Chawne Kimber and Heidi Parkes along with the ‘ghost’ quilting of longarm quilters.” [Design Source: Flying Geese block]
!["70s Child" by Kristin Shields Statement: "This quilt came about when I decided to try out some improvisationally pieced curves. I made several sizes of blocks with various types of curves and then played with the arrangement until I came up with this. The bold shapes and colors remind me of mid-century design and since I'm a child of the 1970s I started to think about bell bottoms, bold graphics and certain colors. I remember vividly the abundance of avocado green, harvest gold, and orange during the 70s. I chose the harvest gold for that reason, but then updated it with turquoise, pink, and red.” [Design Source: Mid-century design] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/15_mqgshowcase2018_kristinshields_full.jpg)
Statement: “This quilt came about when I decided to try out some improvisationally pieced curves. I made several sizes of blocks with various types of curves and then played with the arrangement until I came up with this. The bold shapes and colors remind me of mid-century design and since I’m a child of the 1970s I started to think about bell bottoms, bold graphics and certain colors. I remember vividly the abundance of avocado green, harvest gold, and orange during the 70s. I chose the harvest gold for that reason, but then updated it with turquoise, pink, and red.” [Design Source: Mid-century design]
!["Give and Take" by Kari Vojtechovsky. Quilted by Christine Perrigo Statement: "Give and Take was created as a modern quilt with inspiration from a selection of antique quilts for the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum show 'How New is Modern?' I kept a curved element in the otherwise angular design. The similarities diverge from there, with Give and Take using an expanded color palette, expansive negative space, and boldly streamlined design. The quilting is a nod to the past with the addition of feathers but in a different and modern way.” [Design Source: Robbing Peter to Pay Paul block] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/16_mqgshowcase2018_karivojtechovsky_full.jpg)
Statement: “Give and Take was created as a modern quilt with inspiration from a selection of antique quilts for the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum show ‘How New is Modern?’ I kept a curved element in the otherwise angular design. The similarities diverge from there, with Give and Take using an expanded color palette, expansive negative space, and boldly streamlined design. The quilting is a nod to the past with the addition of feathers but in a different and modern way.” [Design Source: Robbing Peter to Pay Paul block]
!["Unchained Melody" by Jackie Benedetti. Quilted by Dionne Matthies-Buban. Statement: "I've always been intriqued by the 1930s pattern Jack's Chain and love how different the pattern looks depending on color placement. I was inspired to make a modern rendition using solids, lots of negative space, and my favorite colors. Dionne's quilting helped highlight the background blocks. Minimal quilting of the Nine Patch blocks helped make them pop. The entire top was hand-pieced except for the Nine Patch blocks.” [Design Source: Jack's Chain pattern] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/17_mqgshowcase2018_jackiebenedetti_full.jpg)
Statement: “I’ve always been intrigued by the 1930s pattern Jack’s Chain and love how different the pattern looks depending on color placement. I was inspired to make a modern rendition using solids, lots of negative space, and my favorite colors. Dionne’s quilting helped highlight the background blocks. Minimal quilting of the Nine Patch blocks helped make them pop. The entire top was hand-pieced except for the Nine Patch blocks.” [Design Source: Jack’s Chain pattern]
!["Mid-Century Modern Curve #1" by Carole Lyles Shaw. Quilted by Carol Byrnes Statement: "This is a functional quilt inspired by 20th century art. Specifically, the bold palette was inspired by Color Field painters and the curved motifs found in the works of Sonia Delaunay. The blocks are based on traditional Drunkard's Patch blocks that were improvisationally cut and fractured. I created negative space in and around the blocks and placed it in alternative and asymmetrical layout.” [Design Source: Drunkard's Path block] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/18_mqgshowcase2018_carolelylesshaw_full.jpg)
Statement: “This is a functional quilt inspired by 20th century art. Specifically, the bold palette was inspired by Color Field painters and the curved motifs found in the works of Sonia Delaunay. The blocks are based on traditional Drunkard’s Patch blocks that were improvisationally cut and fractured. I created negative space in and around the blocks and placed it in alternative and asymmetrical layout.” [Design Source: Drunkard’s Path block]
!["Radiant" by Maritza Soto Statement: "I wanted to make a compass quilt using a fresh modern palette. Inspired by the paintings of Kristin Farr, who in turn was inspired by barn quilts, I employed an analog approach to making this. I used a 10 degree wedge ruler and kraft paper to create paper piecing templates for the radiating wedges. I enjoyed how the result played tricks on the eye.” [Design Source: Original Design] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/19_mqgshowcase2018_maritzasoto_full.jpg)
Statement: “I wanted to make a compass quilt using a fresh modern palette. Inspired by the paintings of Kristin Farr, who in turn was inspired by barn quilts, I employed an analog approach to making this. I used a 10 degree wedge ruler and kraft paper to create paper piecing templates for the radiating wedges. I enjoyed how the result played tricks on the eye.” [Design Source: Original Design]
!["Color Glide-Summer" by Juli Smith Statement: "This really started as an exercise to explore how the same color array would react in different widths and with different background, but in the same quilt. I explored the world of color gradations to learn more about color values and hues. My goal was to use solids to find harmony and balance between the color and negative space. I call this color simplicity. Color Guide-Summer included 24 Kona solids against the white backdrop.” [Design Source: Original Design] displayed in the 2018 Modern Quilt Showcase sponsored by the Modern Quilt Guild at the International Quilt Festival in Houston](https://blog.wholecirclestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/20_mqgshowcase2018_maritzasoto_julismith.jpg)
Statement: “This really started as an exercise to explore how the same color array would react in different widths and with different background, but in the same quilt. I explored the world of color gradations to learn more about color values and hues. My goal was to use solids to find harmony and balance between the color and negative space. I call this color simplicity. Color Guide-Summer included 24 Kona solids against the white backdrop.” [Design Source: Original Design]
Want more quilts?
Check out the 2017 Modern Quilt Showcase here.
Check out the 2018 Best of QuiltCon traveling exhibit here.
9 Comments
Thank you for sharing the showcase with us. It makes me even more excited for QuiltCon in February! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing the showcase with us!
Thanks for posting the Showcase quilts.
Sheri, thanks so much for posting these fabulous quilts (including one of my favorites…Big Island)! Those of us who could not attend at least got a taste of the event.