PREMIER ISSUE MODERN QUILTS - Machine Quilting Unlimited

EDITOR’S LETTER
Ever since we announced this new adventure,
I have been asked “What is Modern
Quilting?” There are many answers to
this question. Modern quilting is a fresh
approach reflecting each quilter’s personality
and personal style. Modern quilters
embrace functionality, simplicity and minimalism,
and use asymmetric designs in
their approach. They reinterpret traditional
blocks and patterns, and are often inspired
by modern art and architecture. Bold
colors, graphic prints and simple quilt lines
are favored, as well as solids. White and
gray are used extensively as background
and as neutrals.
Welcome to the Premier issue of Modern Quilts Unlimited! We
are very excited to share new quilt designs, products and information
about this growing genre. We kick off the first issue with
designers we are sure that you will recognize—Jacquie Gering
(Improvisational Quilter), Angela Walters (Quilting Modern) and
patterns from Alex Ledgerwood, Alissa Haight Carlton and Shea
Henderson, to name a few. And the quilts! Starting with Katie
Spencer’s Crooked Cabins on the cover, and going all the way
through the last quilt in the magazine, we are blown away by
the talent in this issue.
Modern quilters are diverse—young and
more experienced, men and women, expert
and novice. Rules are resisted, and tra-
— The Modern Quilt Guild
ditional techniques are evolved. The use of
internet and technology is integral. Sharing the aesthetics expressed by the early pioneers
of quilting and bringing a modern perspective truly defines the movement.
We thank Samantha and Allen Bales
of STUDIO2B in Denver for allowing
us to take over their showroom for
the styled photos in
this issue. To read
the story about
their journey from a
mechanics shop to
a high-end modern
showroom, visit our
Web Extras page at
www.modernquilts.
mqumag.com.
“Modern quilters bring
a bold new aesthetic to
a craft dominated by
traditional and art quilting.
The clean lines and stylish
color schemes prevalent
in modern quilting appeal
to fans of sophisticated
modern design.”
Try your hand at improvisational quilting.
Just pull together a pile of your favorite
fabrics and sew. Relax. You do not always
need a pattern; just piece together sections
that please you. Keep building on
this base and soon you will have a feel for
what works. Slice the pieced sections, turn
them and re-sew. Start with small pieces,
and if you do not like the results—put it
aside and start anew. You may find later
that these rejected pieces will work in a
future project.
Embrace color! Use brights, solids, prints—
whatever meets your needs. Try mixing
different prints. Graphics and florals used
together may surprise you! Take a look at
blogs and Facebook pages for inspiration.
Go MODERN!
Vicki Anderson
Editor in Chief
Modern Quilts Unlimited
Volume One, Number One
Editor in Chief ...................Vicki Anderson
Managing Editor .................Carol Zentgraf
Associate Editor. ............. Diane Rusin Doran
Editorial Assistant .............Rhonda Anderson
Technical Editor. ....................Jenifer Dick
Web Content Manager. ............. Emily Vanek
Advertising Manager. ............... Sara Duffert
Circulation Manager. ...............Tiffani Hahn
Graphic Designer ...............Jonathan Miller
www.jlmgraphics.com
Photographer. ........Gregory Case Photography
www.gregorycase.com
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MODERN QUILTS UNLIMITED is published four times per
year (February, May, August, and November) by Meander
Publishing Inc, PO Box 918, Fort Lupton, CO 80621. Customer
Service: toll-free 800.910.1925, ext. 4 or email info@
mqumag.com. Our submission guidelines can be found on
our website at www.mqumag.com. The Publisher assumes
no responsibility for unsolicited materials. The editors reserve
the right to edit, shorten, or modify any material submitted.
Entire contents copyright 2012 by Meander Publishing Inc
and the contributors. All rights reserved. Reproduction in
whole or in part, including photocopy and web usage, is prohibited
without the expressed written permission of the publisher.
Articles in MODERN QUILTS UNLIMITED are for inspiration
and personal use only. MODERN QUILTS UNLIMITED
and/or Meander Publishing Inc are not responsible for any
liability arising from errors, omissions, or mistakes contained
in the magazine. MODERN QUILTS UNLIMITED does not recommend,
approve, or endorse any of the advertisers, products,
services, or views advertised therein, nor do we evaluate
any claims made by the advertisers. Printed in the USA.
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Please send an email query titled “Article for
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electronic) and products of interest to our readers.
Please send samples or review copies to
PO Box 918, Fort Lupton, CO 80621.
Advertising Rates: Available upon request:
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MEANDER PUBLISHING INC
Founder/CEO. ...................Vicki Anderson
Vice President ................Richard Anderson
Editorial Director ...................Kit Robinson
IT Director/Webmaster ............. Emily Vanek
Printer ...........Citizen Printing, Fort Collins CO
Mission Statement: To provide a forum for
discussion and exchange of ideas for the
betterment of quilters worldwide.
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6 MODERN QUILTS UNLIMITED | Fall 2012