If you search the internet for definitions of modern fabric or modern quilting–and don’t get side-tracked by all the businesses who want to sell you fabric–you will see that folks don’t agree about what these terms mean. One source will tell you that modern fabric is distinguished by two-tone patterns, lots of geometric shapes, and a trend toward black and white prints with the occasional pop of primary color. Another source will tell you that modern quilting features solid fabrics with bright colors, bold prints, and geometric patterns.
Another source, The Modern Quilt Guild, had the most comprehensive definition. In part, it said:
“...several characteristics often appear which may help identify a modern quilt. These include, but are not limited to: the use of bold colors and prints, high contrast and graphic areas of solid color, improvisational piecing, minimalism, expansive negative space, and alternate grid work. ‘Modern traditionalism’ or the updating of classic quilt designs is also often seen in modern quilting.
“…It respects the amazing artistry and talent of the tradition of quilting, while allowing the quilter to challenge the "rules". In fact, if there were one rule in modern quilting, it would be that there are no rules. The concept of modern quilting is not meant to divide or segregate. It is meant to welcome new quilters, of all ages, to the world of quilting in a style that they can relate to.” (Emphasis added.)
Now that you have brushed-up on your knowledge of modern fabrics and modern quilting, take a look at the Alison Glass fabric and quilt pattern on this page. Bold colors and prints? You betcha! Geometric patterns? Yes! Could you set off the bright colors with almost-solid blacks, whites, and grays included in the Alison Glass Sunprint collection? Yep! Would you classify what you see as Alison Glass modern fabric? At Missouri Star, we classify Alison Glass as a modern designer.
We want to offer options for all of our quilters–no matter their preferred design style. For our modern quilters, we think Alison Glass is a great designer to have in our fabric shop. We love her bold, cheery, colorful fabrics. Therefore, we sell Alison Glass fabric by the yard and Alison Glass fabric bundles. We have prints from several Alison Glass fabric collections, but Sun Print 2022 is a special 10th Anniversary collection. It is available in a Sun Print 2022 Alison Glass Charm Pack as well as other Alison Glass precut fabric bundles.
We like the idea that there are no rules in quilting. (Well, maybe a few rules. Like keep your fingers clear of your rotary cutter!) But we are totally behind the idea that there is more than one good way to do things. And experimentation is the mother of a new quilt pattern or an easier way to make an old quilt pattern.
We hope that you will experiment with designers like Alison Glass to stitch a modern quilt pattern or put a modern spin on a traditional pattern. We are confident you will achieve colorful results!
