Considering creeping back to the dark side

[Catllar]

I've not done any patchwork for years but I seem to have time on my hands and a bed what needs a quilt. Trouble is I get bored rigid repeating the same block over and over. Looking for something contemporary and  interesting for a queen size bed. Got any ideas where I can go for inspiration? I've had a look quickly on the google web this after and just keep coming up with bloody folk-y down home stuff - not my cuppa at all.

[Acorn]

I'm currently trawling through the Quilting Company website looking for a pattern for a baby quilt.  They seem to have quite a few that are non-traditional. 

[BrendaP]

If you don't want to make multiple copies of one block, or even two blocks then it's either got to be a sampler quilt with each block different - but that does usually look folk-y.  The other option is an ambitious all-over appliqué design.

https://www.quiltingcompany.com/category/applique-quilt-patterns/

https://www.getasquiltingstudio.com/product/geometric-applique-quilt-pillow-pattern-dw

http://www.robertascustomquilting.com/2013/03/horse-applique-quilt.html

https://www.amishcountrylanes.com/Pages/hs4293.shtml

or a Hawiian style appliqué
https://www.hsq.net/Bed/tiare_b.htm

or possibly a mariner's compass

https://cvquiltworks.com/blogs/blog/12659753-quilts-on-the-bed

[Deafoldbat]

You could try something like this.

https://www.jenkingwelldesigns.com/shop/Booklets/p/Gypsy-Wife-Pattern-Booklet-by-Jen-Kingwell-Designs-x24626834.htm

[rubywishes]

@Catllar have you considered one of Judy Neimeyer paper pieced patterns? There are some amazing ones if you like a challenge and something eye catching. Some of her patterns don't involve repetitive blocks but rather have one big central motif made up up of all different blocks. There is some repetitiveness in the construction but the intracacies of it I think outway it.

[Catllar]

Oooooh  just got back from dance class to find all this help - thank ladies - off to do some trawling!!

[datcat23]

I created a quilt for my niece, that was neither folk'sy or overly cute.  I used a pattern called the Solstice Quilt, from Pat Sloan.   It was a sew-along, where she released a block a week, over 26 weeks.  I changed one block slightly (from a grandma basket to a heart), and I ended up repeating one block, because I didn't like one at all.  But, done in monochrome, with a little touch of red, its a reasonably modern quilt.  I did not however, quilt it.  Got my girlfriend to do that on her longarm. 

Solstice Quilt by Dani, on Flickr

[Renegade Sewist]

Datcat is on the right track-and I love her quilt. Google or Pinterest search modern quilts. Especially search "modern sampler quilt patterns". Odds are good you'll find something.And Dani is right; monochrome, heavy on gray, often where white might be used traditionally, and pops of red, yellow or turquoise seem to recur on the modern quilts. The blocks are usually less fiddly, so easier to piece and very dramatic.

Welcome back to the Darkside. 

[b15erk]

I've just been looking at these: Japanese Quilts

They are amazing....

Jessie

[Iminei]

Trouble is I get bored rigid repeating the same block over and over.

Which is basically what P&Q is all about ... If you dont want to make a selection of different blocks, ie a sampler quilt, even if you pop a modern twist with the colours into the mix, because of the Old timey folky feel, then maybe pick a subject any subject and applique, like @StitchinTime 's beautiful Linus offering this year .... 



Any block made into monochromes instantly gives a more modern look....



(just blowing my own trumpet a lil)

and did you see this spectacular from Helen Howes ...



It played havoc with my IPad as I was trying to photograph it as the website address kept coming up in view ... but it did photograph nicely.

Have a look at some of this years FOQ offerings ...

[Catllar]

Wow and wow! Those FOQs are amazing. I need to keep reminding myself that this won't be hung on the wall and will be on a bed, so the visual will be different. You've all given me plenty to consider. Thank you.

[Catllar]

I've just been looking at these: Japanese Quilts

They are amazing....

Jessie

That is some amazingly complex work - the one with the sashiko embroidered circles is a total labour of love!

[Catllar]

I'm quite liking the feel of this one - although it is blocks.

http://www.happyquiltingmelissa.com/2014/10/out-for-stroll-finish-and-tutorial.html

[Ploshkin]

The starburst quilt in the middle of the FOQ collection is eminently doable and quite stunning.

[Iminei]

The starburst quilt in the middle of the FOQ collection is eminently doable and quite stunning.




It also won Visitors Choice!

It was lovely, simple, stunning with a smattering of bling!

But as a caveat I personally wouldnt try that first out of the traps as they are 60 degree diamonds ... lots of bias edges and Y seams!