Tutorials
12.5.2022
For Day 5 of the 7 Types of Quilters Gift Guide, we’re sending love to all the Modern Quilters out there! Modern quilting had it’s big introduction in the late 90’s and has been growing steadily ever since. Focused heavily on utilizing negative space, bold solids and simplistic designs, this movement isn’t slowing down any time soon! If your daughter is finally starting to quilt and seems to be leaning more towards modernism, or maybe your quilt bestie is in your local chapter of the Modern Quilt Guild, this gift guide is built just for them. I’m a more modern quilter myself (hi, this is Liz, your friendly Connecting Threads content creator!) and this list was constructed using items that I would love to see under my crafty Christmas tree – I hope you like it!
This fat quarter stack is a dream for modern quilters – muted tones with a subtle linen-inspired texture? Yes please! This Morning Skies set is a luscious look at our Faux Linen collection, in a color array that will tickle the fancy of any modernist on your list. Looking to pair it with a pattern? We definitely recommend the Cross Tile Pattern by Emily Dennis and Caper Quilt Pattern by Jittery Wings Quilt Co. – both are fat quarter friendly and great for any level of sewer!
2. Faux Linen Tonals Warm Thread Set ($18.06 – currently 15% off!)
To go with the Faux Linen Tonals Morning Skies Fat Quarter Sampler, we offer up the matching thread set! Warm tones to coordinate perfectly with your fabric, this Essential™ cotton thread is exceptional for piecing or quilting your finished project. It’s a fan favorite here at Connecting Threads, so we know it’ll make any quilter grin from ear to ear.
3. Modern Quilt Bible by Elizabeth Betts ($19.87 – currently 20% off!)
The name truly says it all – this book is a must have for the modern quilter in your life! It’s a reference guide, a technique manual and is chock full of artistic projects that will get your creative juices flowing. Betts herself is an incredible teacher – having previously written the incomparable Beginner’s Guide to Quilting – and worked with a brilliant line up of modern quilters to help get you inspired! This book is a gem and deserves a permanent spot on any shelf.
4. Quilt Modern Curves & Bold Stripes by Heather Black and Daisy Aschehoug ($20.76 – currently 20% off!)
Yes, it’s another book, but we promise that it’s worth it! Quilt Modern Curves & Bold Stripes is a fabulous entryway into a world a lot of modern quilters feel intimidated by – sewing curves and circles. Black and Aschehoug do a wonderful job of walking you through the basics, then they provide some retro-inspired designs that are ripe for modern makeovers! This book is worth every penny and will help any quilter embark on some fun, adventurous projects!
5. Olfa Rotary Circle Cutter ($31.50)
If you’re going to be snagging a copy of Quilt Modern Curves & Bold Stripes, this is its perfect companion gift! The ground-breaking patented ratchet mechanism of the rotary circle cutter easily and efficiently cuts clean, perfect circles from 1-7/8″ to 8-1/2″ every time. It’s a must have for quilters with a fondness for round designs and I personally adore mine (hi, Liz again!). It has a minimal learning curve – holding it upright and straight takes a bit of practice! – but once you have the basics down, you’ll never hand-cut a circle ever again.
Before we sign off, there’s one more gift we wanted to mention: a membership to the Modern Quilt Guild, or your local chapter of a Modern Quilt Guild. If you follow that link, it’ll send you over to the MQG’s Join Us page. There you’ll find information about a general membership, as well as a searchable map for a MQG in your area! Don’t worry if you live somewhere off the beaten path – there are MQGs in Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Australia, Europe, every corner of the continental United States and even Saudi Arabia! No matter where you live, there’s probably a guild nearby that is ready to receive a new member! And hey, just in case you live in a spot where there isn’t one? You can even start your own – MQG has a fabulous guide for how to start your own local chapter.
Happy holidays to you all and happy gifting!
