QuiltCon 2020 in Review
QuiltCon 2020, the annual quilt show of the Modern Quilt Guild, in Austin was a strong, vibrant modern quilt show— let’s take a look at the quilts and the themes from this year!
(This post contains affiliate links)
It’s that time of year again, Rockstars! Broken ankle and all, I hopped on a plane last week (with my lovely friend Darcy) to visit Austin, Texas for the Modern Quilt Guild’s annual show, QuiltCon! As the name suggests, this event is part show, part educational event, part shopping, and a FULL extravaganza! While it is technically a “work trip” for me, I have been known to describe it as “an industry party.” The energy and hype are always high at QuiltCon, and this year was no exception!
What was exceptional this year, though, was that, unlike the last two years, I didn’t have any official responsibilities or plans. Though an industry professional, I went to QuiltCon “just as an attendee” so I could really enjoy the shopping and the show and so I could be free to socialize as much as I wanted (which, I have to say, would have been fun no matter what, but this shift was something I was extra thankful for this year as I was on a knee scooter with the broken ankle). I’m quite certain I did more shopping this year than previous years, I spent more time with the show, and I gained a whole new outlook on fabric because Darcy, my friend who came with me, is a garment sewist and not a quilter, so it was just a totally fresh take on things!
(Also, huge shout out to Darcy as I could not have made this trip without her. She was so incredibly patient and helpful with everything from luggage to ice packs to commiserating over bad airport security procedures as I did this slightly reckless thing of flying halfway across the country with a freshly broken ankle. Also, she made us matching skirts— with pockets!! You can read her QuiltCon reflections here)
Previous Reviews
Before I continue, if you have not read my reviews from the last three years, you may enjoy those:
2020 Show Tour Video
Includes much of the Modern Traditional, Negative Space, Handwork, and Applique categories
(Please pardon the video being vertical. Driving the knee scooter made holding the phone hard enough and horizontal even harder)
QuiltCon Review Video
Best in Show
Reflections and Observations
In previous years, I have shared a selection of quilts and then simply included some bullet points at the end regarding my observations of the show. This year, however, I noticed a number of strong themes, so I’m going to share my observation, then share a selection of quilts from the show to illustrate. As you likely know, QuiltCon hangs hundreds and hundreds of quilts, so you’ll have to forgive me for sharing limited examples or we’ll be here till Atlanta 2021!
(note bene: throughout the galleries below, the title and maker information for the quilt will be shown to the right of the quilt image, and you can click to enlarge the image)
Colors
To be honest, coral and teal have always been favorites at QuiltCon (between you and me, I suspect it has to do with these being colors in the MQG logo— not in any real “favoritism” way, just in a “primed preference” sort of way). The trend continued this year, and I suspect the presence of coral was strengthened by the 2019 Kona Color of the Year, Living Coral. Overall, the colors of this show tended to be very bright and saturated, and I totally loved it!
Fabrics
Two years ago in Pasadena, I was elated to see more prints used in the Modern Quilting world. Over the last two years, however, I’ve seen a powerful return to solid fabrics. There were still prints at the show, but they were mostly used as accents or in bindings and occasionally for texture. I did notice several quilts with prints that used older lines of fabric, and it made me wonder if the growing waves of stash busting and making do with what we have may have influenced these choices.
Quilting
If you ask me, the amazing Jacquie Gering’s influence through her book WALK was evident throughout the show. While, again, I had seen more FMQ in 2018 which then declined further in 2019, this year the strong machine quilting them was creative walking foot quilting.
Circles
Where non linear quilting shone, though, was in the abundance of circles. There were free motion quilted circles, ruler work circles, pieced circles, appliquéd circles… circles circles circles. Last year I observed an increase in curved piecing which I took to be a sign of the maturing of modern quilting skills and aesthetics, and I think that trend continued powerfully this year.
Handwork
Another trend that continues to rise is that of hand stitching, especially hand quilting. A noteworthy number of quilts outside the handwork category were partially or entirely hand quilted. As with the slightly older print fabrics I observed, I wonder if this trend is connected to an increasing awareness of “making do,” of savoring the project and supplies at hand, and of seeking a more reflective way of making quilts.
(Along with this, a small thing, but there was a whole lotta sparkle at this show! I don’t know which company did such a phenomenal job marketing their metallic thread this year, but they KILLED it, and I saw tons!)
Applique
My first QuiltCon, in 2017, I made the observation that the Applique section seemed a bit anemic compared to stronger categories like minimalist design and improvisation. Let me tell you, that has CHANGED. In fact, to my rather great surprise, I think the Applique category was my favorite this year (Minimalist Design was also one of my favorites this year, a notable change from last year when I really didn’t enjoy it #unpopularopinion). Modern Quilters are using Applique to push some fascinating boundaries, and I LOVED the colors used and textures created.
Piecing Size
Two years ago, the mantra of QuiltCon seemed to be “How small can I piece it.” but we seem to have returned to “normal” and oversized piecing once again that so lends itself to bold, graphic effects.
Xs & Log Cabins
In addition to circles, Xs and Log Cabins also highly popular shapes. For the Xs, I couldn’t help but wonder if The 70273 Project may have “put it in the water.” As far as log cabins, well, they’re fabulous!
Political & Social Statements
If you’re familiar with The MQG and the modern quilting movement, then you might have just laughed and said, “well, duh.” Honestly, you’re not wrong— QuiltCon has a strong history of being a show that will hang quilts making powerful political and social statements, usually left leaning ones. While I personally choose not to mix the content of my quilts and my politics, I always enjoy being challenged by these quilts at the show. They make me think, and that, of course, is the part of the deepest calling of art— to communicate and call us to think more deeply about difficult and relevant issues.
Closing Thoughts
The bottom line of all these observations, of course, is to see how ideas can get “in the water” of a creative group such that hundreds of makers from all over the world can be sharing themes and yet each expressing their own take on those themes. As with previous years, I continue to believe the skills and tastes of the modern quilting movement are maturing, and I continue to deeply enjoy attending this show.
Last year, I concluded my review by pondering if I indeed belonged “in the modern quilting movement.” On the one hand, I guess the answer must be yes since one of my Lanterns of Hope quilts hung in the show (right on trend with those circles, log cabins, and that coral, I might add!):
But, I think the answer is yes on a deeper level because of my joy around the show, even for quilts that are not like the ones I make (which still tend more traditional that most of the ones at QuiltCon). Most of the biz coaches I follow have a simple rule when it comes to making decisions: “If it’s not a HELL YES then it’s a no.” QuiltCon has always been a “hell yes” kind of event for me, even if it meant driving half the night to be there for just one day, figuring out how to get there when we working our debt snowball, or braving travel on a broken ankle. I love the creativity and the voices of my fellow modern quilters, and I just can’t wait for the show to come here to Atlanta next year in 2021!!
The Patronus Quilt that I quilted for Kate Brennan was displayed in the Aurifil Booth as well
