Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Oh, Fransson!

Being new to quilting and even newer to the modern quilting I do not know Elizabeth Hartman's work well.  I have though had the privilege to see some of her work in my hands. Yesterday at the meeting of the Salt Lake Modern Quilt Guild, we were privileged to meet her and she showed us a few of her quilts.


I have to say sorry up font these pictures were taken with my phone.  She showed us first a couple pillows she made.  One thing I though was interesting is the word sew and the heart above are both appliqued on. but the point that she made is when she appliques that she quilts them down with the rest of the quilt where as some people don't quilt on their appliqued items.


It is interesting that how some quilts you see one person loves them and another does not.  I for example didn't care for the house quilt below.  But in the above picture the quilt on the table I loved (sadly did not get a picture of it, but thought that it was fantastic).



Again the quilt above I don't like at all, but the one below I loved.  


The above and below these are font and back of the same quilt.  I totally love this quilt.



The above quilt she talked about and people loved it.  I was not at all interested until she turned the quilt over.  Below is the back of this quilt.  Now I love this back.  The front I would hide underneath.


All in all I had a good time.  Each and every time I go to guild meeting I keep getting sadder and sadder about the whole experience.  I love the modern quilts, but I don't seem to be making them well enough.  Last nights guild meeting I did not bring any thing, mostly because I am sort of  embarrassed that I don't quilt modern enough to fit in.

This post is not a review per say of our meeting, but a review of me.  In my giveaway post (oh ya a giveaway is going on if you missed it) I asked what type of quilter you are.  I am wondering what kind of quilter I am and what kind I want to be.  I love some things modern like I pointed out on the quilts above and other things are just not me.  Is it wrong to hate one quilt and love another?  I have to say I really did enjoy Elizabeth and would suggest if you have never done so to visit her blog Oh, Fransson!  She has a few Craftsy classes one of which are free, (Creative Quilt Backs with Elizabeth Hartman) if you have the time I would suggest you go take it as she does a amazing job at teaching.  She will also be at HMQS I would guess teaching classes this Thursday-Saturday here in SLC, UT.

16 comments:

Vroomans' Quilts said...

First - do not compare yourself to someone else in your work. Whether a modern or traditional - everyone has their opinion on whether it appeals to them and why or why not. To find your 'niche' you truly need to experience it all. Learn the block names and their history, learn the fabric companies, their lines and their designers, learn the various techniques, play in color and play in muted. Play with tradition and play with modern. Play in mini size and play in large. Do not become a 'narrow' quilter - there are too many of them. Once you have soaked it all in you will find true happiness in your work - happiness, not a 'niche'.

Sew Surprising said...

I think Vroomans sized it all up nicely. The two biggest things people tend to get hung up on are, comparing themselves to other bloggers/quilters and feeling that a title is required if you quilt, such as modern etc. You will discover what brings you enjoyment when you sit and assemble and suddenly have that ahhhh moment :)

Teresa in Music City said...

Richard, you really don't have to be one or the other! One of the things that is so great about creativity is that you do what only you can do - and that means whether it is modern or traditional or somewhere in between, it is yours and therefore it is great! For myself, I am basically a traditional girl, but with a decidedly modern twist! I love the colors and coolness of the modern quilts! But I still love to see borders and really wonderful quilting on them. I love the traditional blocks, but I also love seeing those same blocks expanded and morphed into something new and fresh! I'm definitely not one or the other, and no quilter has to be. And I think that is GREAT!!!

StasaLynn said...

Richard, everyone here is saying all the things I was thinking when I was reading your blog post! All I can add is that I believe we all really love to make quilts, whether they are modern or traditional. We love color, texture, weight and contrast.... some days we want to use a template and others we want to piece.... but it all boils down to creating something beautiful...

And the best part is that we are all here to support and cheer each other on!

Keep creating beauty and having fun!

Gene Black said...

As everyone else has said "you make YOUR quilts" that is the way life and creativity works. Go where your heart leads.

LethargicLass said...

Just as there is no designer where I love *every* piece of fabric they have produced, there is no quilter where I have loved *every* quilt made (well... Red Pepper Quilts is close lol) There are many modern quilts I don't like, but many that I do... if you like Elvis, does that mean you can't like Mozart?

giddy99 said...

You don't have to choose!

I wish we had a modern quilt guild where I live (I would have to drive an hour to/from, and I travel for work too much already). I plan to join a more traditional guild around here, and freak them out with modern quilts. ;)

Lorna McMahon said...

I am attracted to modern quilting, too.... BUT, I don't quilt modern enough either! LOL! And I don't feel I would enjoy the process much if that is what I was shooting for. Each quilter's journey is their own. Besides, there is nothing new under the sun. Modern is in the eye of the beholder. Keep calm and just quilt!

Cindy F said...

I have a hard time categorizing myself and I'm thinking that's okay. I agree with the others in that you do what you love and that's the important thing. What I find sad is you didn't show anything you've done. I can't remember whether or not you've shown your orange and gray double helix to the guild cause I think that would be considered modern and it's a wonderful quilt. I think most people would be encouraging when you show your work and if you want constructive criticism you can ask why something doesn't work and what would they do to make it better.

Flo @ Butterfly Quilting said...

I agree with what has been said here...and you have some wonderful work to show off!! And as for liking one quilt and not another...I find that even my tastes change over time and I find myself drawn to a quilt design that I didn't like a few months before! Or I will look back at something that I loved, and wonder what I saw in it before!
So...be your own creative self!

Mike Pearson said...

I tend to be old fashioned. There aren't many modern quilts I like, but once in awhile. Some quilts you don't have to like, but you can still appreciate the work that went into it :)

Heather said...

I would say the same as the earlier comments. Just be your self. Learn the technques and then do your thing. It doesn't matter the label, if you decide your quilt is modern, then it is. I belong to a very traditional guild, they use traditions patterns and floral fabrics. I love brights and different settings and try to rev them up. but it doesn't work very well. So I keep doing my thing and enjoying it.

Anonymous said...

Maybe your mistake is in looking for a label. What's wrong with liking what you like and not worrying about whether it is modern or traditional, art or comfort? I see about one in ten modern quilts that I like and probably two in ten traditional ones that I don't. If you're going to spend a lot of hours doing something, do it to please yourself and not someone else. =)

Tiffany said...

I think most people wouldn't consider me a modern quilter, but that's okay. I don't like all things "modern" nor do I like all things "traditional" I just like what I like, and make things accordingly. I don't expect everyone to love my work, but I want to love it. That's what matters in the end I think - whether or not you love it and enjoy doing it :)

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

If I were to label myself, I'd say I'm a traditional quilter. I'm not big into art quilts or modern quilts, but, I have found many quilts in both categories that I really like. My tastes have changed since I first started quilting 12 years ago. I consider that a very good thing. It means that I'm growing, and willing to try new things. Don't pigeonhole yourself, and don't worry about what the others think. If you like it, then that is the most important thing.

Unknown said...

As one who is also just starting down the Modern Quilting road I share in part your feelings. I too just attended a retreat where four modern quilt artists were present. Technique wasn't an issue for me but design and color were. The artists and other participants were kind and helpful in their feedback and should we ever establish a Modern Quilting Guild in my area that is what I would expect. The whole concept of Modern Quilting is finding your own ways of combining fabric and yourself in a quilt. I find that so liberating.

All this being said, I don't think any quilter should be defined or judged by the type of quilt they make. I love traditional quilts as much as Modern Quilts. I love hand made quilts. I love whole cloth quilts. I love landscape quilts. My goal is to at least try all the various techniques and types. Right now I am on a Modern Quilt binge but still admire the beauty of all the creative quilters out there.

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