Do you put yourself into a quilting category? Are you someone who normally quilts in only one particular style? Have you explored different quilting techniques and options? Most of us who have been quilting for a few years have tried a number of techniques and have found that with which we are most comfortable.
Years ago quilters made templates out of cardboard and traced every piece that went into a quilt. Fabric came from clothing scraps and most quilts were hand stitched. We have come a long way from that, no matter which style we prefer!
There are, of course, those that still love to create all parts of their quilts with hand sewing. Hand quilting will never go out of style, and machine quilting is also very beautiful.
Some people only make a quilt using a pattern. Patterns provide all the shapes and measurements and yardages for you and many look forward to stress-free sewing with them! Both traditional quilters and modern quilters use patterns, but their fabric choices and design styles are quite different. Those using the ‘modern’ term also love to include some improvisational piecing into their designs.
‘Art quilter’ is a relatively recent term and the quilts in this area often incorporate surface design techniques such as painting, screen printing, unconventional materials and embellishments, raw edge applique–an ‘anything goes’ attitude.
Many of our experienced quilters have explored dozens of these techniques. It’s my opinion that you need to learn all the tricks in order to find what part of the quilt world that you like best. Remember those commercials with Mikey? Try it–you’ll like it!
We don’t have to fit into a single quilting category. We may feel like different things at different times. However, the more tools that you have in your quilting toolbox, the easier it will be to pick and choose what works best for you.
Take a chance. Try something new. Expand your quilting knowledge. You may find something exciting to explore in the quilting universe. It’s a big place, with room for all of us and every style. Enjoy!
Blogger: Kathy Schmidt, Quirks Ltd. – First published in 2016