Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Modern Quilt Month 2015 (part 2)

We've designated  both July and August as Modern Quilt Month 2015. We've enjoyed seeing the modern quilts at various shows, and summer seems like the perfect time to feature these fun quilts. Here is part 2 of Modern Quilt Month !

Blockade, 31 x 47, by Martina Hilgert-Vervoort , Germany


Martina explains about her original design,  "We face the world smiling; it's just a facade. We don't allow for much of our inside to show on the outside. That's self-protection-- at least, that's what we are convinced of. Sometimes, we set up barricades, which make it almost impossible to communicate with our environment. It's hard to.....overcome blockages."  We admire this quilt for its superb sense of texture and its lovely monochromatic shades of blue, with contrasting yellow-orange.

Close up, Blockade by Martina Hilgert-Vervoort


Martina continues, "I constructed my quilt by integrating 3/8' narrow strips of fabric. I used mono-filament thread for quilting in order to achieve the structures I envisioned." Martina's quilt is comprised of hand-dyed cotton fabric, which was pieced and quilted on her domestic sewing machine.

Intra-Galactic Journey by Evelyn Link and Chris Lynn Kirsch


Third place winner in the Pieced Modern Quilts category in the 2014 Arizona Quilters Guild Show,  this work is a collaboration quilt inspired by quilt teacher Andi Perejda's class,  "Circle of Illusion."  The circle, flying geese pattern, and quilting was contributed by Evelyn. The Mariner's Compass in the center and more quilting was contributed by Chris.

Intra-Galactic Journey by Evelyn Link and Chris Lynn Kirsch


Beautiful "ice-cream sherbet" colors of tangerine, apricot, peach, and lemon provide a dynamic contrast to the dark background. This design reminds us of a beam of light traveling through the night sky to an unknown world.

Intra-Galactic Journey by Evelyn Link and Chris Lynn Kirsch


We really admire the accurate piecing and workmanship which adds to the "op art" visual effect of "Intra-Galactic Journey."

Who Won in London 2012, 46 x 48", by Caroline Wilkinson, United Kingdom


Caroline notes of her original design,  "My inspiration was triggered by the London Olympics in 2012. My idea was to celebrate this exciting event with a quilted piece which suggested a race to the viewer."

Close up, Who Won in London 2012 by Caroline Wilkinson


Caroline continues, "Swimming was my special interest, which influenced my choice of colors. The quilt is made with fabrics dyed at home and commercial cottons." Her work is machine pieced, machine appliqued, and machine quilted. The base layer of strips is pieced, and the the upper layer of little strips is shifted slightly to give a zig-zag movement to this intriguing pattern.

Color Explosion by Kathy Kent (Virginia)


Color Explosion received the third place award for pieced quilts in the AccuQuilt Go Challenge at the 2013 AQS Quilt Week in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The requirement for the challenge was that all the pieces had to be cut on an AccuQuilt machine. Kathy has been sewing since she was 11 years old and reports that she has compiled a huge fabric stash. She has used a great collection of light and dark values here to give a sparkling, watercolor wash effect to this eye-catching modern quilt.

Close up, Color Explosion by Kathy Kent


Kathy enthusiastically notes, "I love all of the steps to making a quilt, ......and the best part, hand quilting." She hand quilts all her creations, and this one is beautifully done in a traditional grid pattern.

Charming Chevrons, 46 x 54",  by Christa Watson (Nevada)


Christa notes that she loves solid fabrics with lots of machine quilting. She was inspired by "bold and beautiful [Kona cotton] solid charm squares."  This was her first attempt at making a modern quilt (in 2012) and she quilted it on an older Bernina.  It was exhibited at AQS Quilt Week 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Close up, Charming Chevrons by Christa Watson


These vivid solid colors show an excellent contrast and distinction between the  edges of chevrons. A PDF pattern and instructions is for sale in her ChristaQuilts Pattern Store. We recognize this design, created from half-square triangles, as the traditional Amish "Streaks of Lightning" pattern.  The newest version of the quilt will be in a brand new colorway and layout designed by Christa.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2015 World Quilt Show in Florida (Blockade and Who Won in London), the 2014 AQS Quilt Week in Phoenix (Charming Chevrons and Color Explosion) and the 2014 Arizona Quilters Guild show (Intra-Galactic Journey).

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Modern Quilt Month 2015 (part 1)

The modern quilt movement is growing. We've enjoyed seeing the modern quilts at various shows, and summer seems like the perfect time to feature these fun quilts. Here is part 1 of Modern Quilt Month!

Fury in the Forest by Monika Hancock, quilted by Debbie Stanton


This great quilt is based on the Tiny Textured Trees project by Carolyn Friedlander, in Modern Baby: Easy, Fun and Fresh Quilt Designs (2013).  You can see a photo of the quilt in its original colorway at Carolyn Friedlander's blog.

Close up, Fury in the Forest by Monika Hancock, quilted by Debbie Stanton


Third place winner in the Small Pieced Quilts category, Monika notes,  "This is a modern quilt of the forest. The forest is on fire; below the forest ground, life is still flourishing." Debbie Stanton's longarm quilting pattern uses warm hues of thread in flame-like shapes which clearly expresses the theme conveyed by Monika. 

Flying Kite Tails, 52 x 60", by Joni Morgan (Danville, Kentucky)


With Flying Kite Tails, Joni Morgan had fun with wonky flying geese and medallion quilting.  This quilt was completed at Gwen Marston's Beaver Island Quilt Retreat.  We love the "kite tails" that circle the center medallion.

Close up, Flying Kite Tails by Joni Morgan


A variety of fun prints were used to construct the pink, blue, green, orange and yellow rows in the center of the quilt.  The gray background provides a neutral backdrop for the  colorful composition.

Forbidden Fruit, Wicked Appetite Series # 6  by Sandra Branjord


Sandra says,  "This is the sixth quilt in the series going back to Adam and Eve and that first forbidden fruit (apple).  Machine piecing, appliue, trapunto, and quilting play out the story. "

Close up, Forbidden Fruit by Sandra Branjord


Here is a great example of Sandra's trapunto work in her original design,  as she creates the vines of the Garden of Eden in an eye-catching zebra print.
  

The serpents are done in bold geometrics, which helps to draw the eye towards them, so that they are not lost among the large, high-contrast circular shapes.

Modern on Westcott by Donna Hilliard, quilted by Jeannie Rogers


Second place winner in the Modern Quilts category at the 2015 Arizona Quilters Guild Show, Donna writes, "I came up with the design. Jeannie came up with fabrics. We wanted something modern and a challenge to quilt." The lime green, black, arctic white, and gray comprise a clear, bright palette that is most refreshing on a hot summer day.

Modern on Westcott by Donna Hilliard, quilted by Jeannie Rogers


This close up shows the wonderful variety of pattens that longarm quilter Jeannie Rogers used on Donna's original design.


Here is another view of the creative quilting motifs used in each panel of this modern quilt.

Rainbow Quilt, 56 x 74",  by Grit Kovacs (Germany)


Grit explains, "This quilt was sewn by hand and is made out of 1095 pieces, all from scraps. The pattern is made out of squares and honeycombs. The chosen colors have always been an inspiration to me and so, this time I have made a quilt out of them. So, this has turned out to be my own  personal rainbow."

Close up, Rainbow Quilt by Grit Kovacs


Grit continues, "The quilting was all free-hand without any pre-designs, and it is my testimony to my love for free motion-quilting." Look at how nicely all these set-in seams turned out! The workmanship and accuracy are fabulous.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2015 Arizona Quilters Guild Show (Fury in the Forest, Forbidden Fruit, Modern on Westcott),  the 2015 World Quilt Show in Florida (Rainbow Quilt) and the2014 AQS Quilt Week in Phoenix (Flying Kite Tails).

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Free pattern day: Christmas Table Runners!

In today's post we're featuring 50 free patterns for table runners, table toppers and place mats.  And don't miss our Free Pattern Days for Christmas Quilts (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3), quilted Christmas Stockings and Christmas Tree Skirts 
To go to a pattern: Scroll down the page until you see the quilt you like, then click on the words "CLICK for PDF download" (or the hyperlinked website name) in the title above the quilt.

Note: Please check out our eBay shop for great bargains on quilt patterns and collectible items! 

Gather Round table runner and placemats, free pattern at McCall’s Quilting (CLICK for PDF download)

  Silent Night Table Topper, free pattern by Debbie Field (CLICK for PDF download)

Candy Cane Placemat, free pattern by Cindy Kratzer at Gray Barn Designs (CLICK for PDF download)

Boxes and Bows table runner, free pattern by Jen Daly for Moda Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Bright Christmas table runner & quilt, free pattern by Janet Houts for Andover Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Peppermint Forest table runner, free pattern and tutorial by Amanda Niederhauser at Jedi Craft Girl (CLICK for PDF download)

Winter Waltz Table Runner, free pattern at Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Tree runner, free pattern at Robert Kaufman Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Winter Essentials placemat, free pattern at Studio E Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Starry Ornament table runner, free pattern at Flamingo Toes (CLICK for tutorial and pattern)

Gnome Christmas table runner, free tutorial by Carol Swift for Thermoweb (CLICK for tutorial)

Modern Trees Table Runner, 14 x 84",tutorial by Michelle Hart for Janome (CLICK for PDF download)


North table runner, free pattern at Art Gallery Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Christmas Blossom Table Topper, free pattern at Jordan Fabrics (CLICK for video tutorial) + (CLICK for PDF download)

 
Gingerbread Season Runner, free pattern at Lewis & Irene (CLICK for PDF download)
 

Merry and Berry Tree Top Runner, 54 x 26”, free pattern by Wendy Sheppard for RJR Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download


Gifts Galore runner, free pattern by Mari Martin for Connecting Threads (CLICK for PDF download)
 
 
 https://d384mi819045d8.cloudfront.net/i/_/_products/991516/991516.jpg~w=1500,h=1500,q=90,v=1
 
Improv Trees table runner, design by Kaylee Rose, instructions by Jean Wells (CLICK for PDF download)


Renewed Traditions, free pattern at Marcus Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)
 


For Little Lucy, free pattern at Marcus Fabrics (CLICK for free pattern)
 

Renewed Traditions, free pattern at Marcus Fabrics (CLICK for free pattern)

 
Happy Holiday table runner, free pattern by Kona Bay Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Christmas Ribbons table runner, 17 x  51", free pattern at Maywood Studio (CLICK for PDF download)


Frosty Feathers table runner, ~19 x 50", free pattern by Linda Ambrosini for Hoffman California Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Merry and Bright table topper, 50 x 50", free pattern at Carol Moellers Designs (CLICK for PDF download)


Merry and Bright Placemats, free pattern at Carol Moeller Designs (CLICK for PDF download)


Jingle All The Way table runner, 17 x 38”, free pattern by Debbie Beaves for Maywood Studio (CLICK for PDF download)


Pomegranate and Berry Table Topper, free pattern at Buzzin Bumble (CLICK for tutorial and templates


Christmas Spin Table Runner tutorial by Sharon Burgess at Bernina (CLICK for tutorial

 

T'was The Night table runner, free pattern by Heidi Pridemore (CLICK for PDF download)


Winter Table Runner, 20 x 40, free pattern by Jean Ann Wright (CLICK for PDF download)


Christmas in July table runner tutorial by Kelly Nagel at Sulky blog (CLICK for tutorial


Christmas Splendor Table Runner, free pattern at Quilting Treasures (CLICK for PDF download)


Peppermint Table Runner and quilt, free pattern by Grace Wilson for Maywood Studio (CLICK for PDF download)



Table Tinsel runner, free pattern by Fons and Porter (CLICK for PDF download


Pop of Poinsettia table runner, 20 x 47", tutorial at All People Quilt (CLICK for PDF download)  


Picture Perfect Poinsettias, 14 x 38”, by Joli Hines Sayasane for Quilters Newsletter (CLICK for PDF download

Scandi table runner, 12 x 48", by Hilary Gooding at Andover Fabrics (CLICK for Scandi Snowflake PDF)  


Snowflakes runner, ~ 6" x 30", by Karen Montgomery at All People Quilt (CLICK for PDF download

 

In From The Cold projects by Kate Spain for Moda Fabrics; free PDF patterns: (CLICK for placemat pattern) + (CLICK for Table Runner pattern) + (CLICK for Quilt pattern) (see photos below)


In From The Cold quilt, 50 x 62", free pattern by Kate Spain for Moda (CLICK for PDF download)


S'mittens Table Runner, 21 x 47", free pattern by Erin Russek at McCalls Quilting (CLICK for PDF download)



Christmas Splendor table runner & and placemats, free pattern at Henry Glass Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)

Desert Bloom Table Set, free pattern at Blank Quilting (CLICK for PDF download)


Holly Jolly table runner, 34 x 70", free pattern at Studio E Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


Rosebud table runner, 21 x 49", free pattern by Jen Daly at Quilters Newsletter (CLICK for PDF download)

The rosebud block is an easy log cabin variation:


Snowville placemat and table runner, free pattern by George and Linda Wheeler at Windham Fabrics (CLICK for PDF download)


 

Bountiful Harvest table runner, ~25 x 55", free pattern by Julie Weaver for Quilters World (CLICK for PDF download)

Scandi runner, free pattern at Makower UK (CLICK for PDF download)

Noel table runner, free pattern by Sally Ablett for Lewis & Irene (CLICK for PDF download)

Peppermint table runner by Mari Martin, free pattern at Connecting Threads (CLICK for PDF download



Image credits:   This post was updated on October 4, 2023. All images are copyrighted by their owners. Please respect their generosity in sharing their free patterns, and the restrictions they have placed on the use of these designs. Complete information can be found at the designers' websites provided in the links.  Some of these are tutorials while others include downloadable (.pdf) patterns; we have tried to note which is which in the titles.  We update our links every 6 months as needed; however, websites may change their pages in between updates.  If any links are broken we'd love to know; please email us at quiltinspiration {at} gmail {dot} com.
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