Make Modern Issue 43

FROM THE EDITOR Around here, every day starts with a coffee. I wear blue jeans nearly every day. I read the same authors and listen to the same musicians most of the time. You could say I’m a simple girl who knows what I like and where I’m comfortable. And yet, it’s taken twenty something years for me to have the quilting epiphany I had the other day. Simple quilts are okay. Simple piecing is okay. Simple quilting is okay. In fact, sometimes those simple things are downright glorious. And if simple gets it done, that’s even better! So on that note, I’m going to be at the sewing machine, quilting a bunch of quilt tops with a deliciously simple stipple. Fast, easy, effective, and a totally okay way to…

Deviate RACHELLE CRAIG ROCK SOLID This stunning quilt uses many hallmarks of modern design – negative space, contrasting values, solid fabrics, unexpected layout – to create an eye-catching design. Stick to the colours Rachelle used or play with your favourite vibrant colour combination for a custom look. fabric note: Rachelle used Kona Cotton Solids for Robert Kaufman in: Charcoal (C1), Corn Yellow (C2), Carrot (C3), Valentine (C4), and Cerise (C5). materials 3 yds black solid fabric (C1) – this includes ⅝ yd for binding ⅝ yd yellow solid fabric (C2) ⅝ yd orange solid fabric (C3) ⅝ yd pink solid fabric (C4) ⅝ yd purple solid fabric (C5) 3 ½ yds backing fabric 60” x 70” piece of batting Quilt Size: 54” x 63” preparation and cutting 1. From the…

TIPS + TECHNIQUES 2, 4, 6, 8, HSTs We Appreciate! by ALYCE BLYTH There are a variety of ways to make half square triangle (HST) units from two squares of fabric – two, four or eight at a time*. And which method you use, depends on what you're making! So let's have a look at each of these methods and why you may or may not want to choose them. *There are also other methods using various notions and tools, but we're just sticking with fabric today. Two At A Time Making HSTs two at a time is quite possibly the most common way of making them. To figure out what size squares you need to cut, all you need to know is what finished size you need (what size…

Diamond Lily LYNETT MUHASO STRIKING SOLIDS The combination of a design set on point, lots of negative space, bold solids and interesting secondary patterns make this a fabulous modern quilt with plenty going on. If you wanted a different look, you could switch the background colour, or swap solids for scrappy prints. fabric note: Lynett used Kona Cotton Solids for Robert Kaufman in Ice Frappe, Royal, Canary and Smoke; and Leutenegger Quilters Cotton in Hot Pink. materials ¾ yd pink solid fabric (1) ¾ yd blue solid fabric (2) ¾ yd mint solid fabric (3) ¾ yd yellow solid fabric (4) 2 ¾ yd grey solid fabric (background) ½ yd binding fabric 4 yds backing fabric 70” x 78” piece of batting Block size: 7 ½” unfinished Quilt size: 64”…

DIY DESIGN Making Plans by TARA GLASTONBURY About this time of year, I start dreaming up possibilities for the year to come. If you’re like me, the ideas vastly outstrip the hours I have to complete them, so planning is important. Mine starts with the quilts I want to design for the following year. How I decide which ideas to bring to life, which have potential for another time, or which I should let go altogether, depends on a few factors. First, I like to release at least two patterns a year, and for me to release a pattern I want it to have longevity. I’d rather it was still selling years from now, than being hugely popular for five minutes before the next big thing comes along. Now, there’s…

Interconnected BROOKE SHANKLAND PIECE AND LOVE This quilt features clever interconnected piecing that becomes the focal point. But we also love the use of a bold print for the background and a low volume fabric for the piecing for an unexpected twist on the use of negative space. fabric note: Brooke used the Fleuron Haven print from the Kismet collection by Sharon Holland for the background, and the Gran Piano Trinkets print from the Trinkets Fusion collection by April Rhodes for the foreground; both from Art Gallery Fabrics. The background fabric should be a nondirectional print as you will be piecing lots of different shapes together, busy florals are perfect. The foreground fabric should be a tone-on-tone print or solid that contrasts well with the background. materials 2 ¾ yds…