Modern quilts are primarily functional and inspired by modern design. Modern quilters work in different styles and define modern quilting in different ways, but several characteristics often appear which may help identify a modern quilt. These include, but are not limited to: the use of bold colors and prints, high contrast and graphic areas of solid color, improvisational piecing, minimalism, expansive negative space, and alternate grid work. “Modern traditionalism” or the updating of classic quilt designs is also often seen in modern quilting.
There were many opportunities for guests to experience modern quilting at Road 2016. One way was to take a class with two of the popular modern quilter teachers, Natalia Bonner and Jenny Pedigo.
Natalia Bonner
Natalia taught six classes including Beginner’s Guide to Free-Motion Quilting and Incline, a quilt pattern from her book, 20 Modern Log Cabin Quilts. Natalia and her three year old stayed in Whittier with family for the week she was at Road. Natalia thought all of her students were awesome. As they sewed, Natalia would encourage and help her students. She even did some ripping out!!
In one of her classes, there were two ladies sitting across from each other who were both from Maryland. About half way through the class they realized that they were from the same quilt guild!!
Lynn Mysel from Beaumont, California said she “really enjoyed Natalia’s class on improvisational piecing. Even though I didn’t finish my project, I gained the confidence needed to continue when I go back home.”
Jenny Pedigo
Jenny enjoyed everything about her Road teaching experience — including the weather. She was really busy during the show, teaching two all day classes, Chic Kisses and Metro Rings, plus being a vendor for her company Sew Kind of Wonderful.
After attending both of her classes and borrowing other students’ supplies, two ladies finally decided that they “really needed to buy Jenny’s Quick Curve Ruler” so that they could make more of her projects when they got home.
Jenny couldn’t say enough about her “friendly” and “nice” students. Pam Russell and Karen Brohmer (pictured above) said they had a “so kind of wonderful time” in Jenny’s classes.
Road to California is a quilt show for all quilters!!
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