Emily Cier's Quilt Remix

This book is a joy, a lively take on quilting, fresh for today.
Quilt Remix–Spin Traditional Favorites into 10 Fresh Projects by Emily Cier.

It has 10 projects that feature traditional quilt patterns with a surprising contemporary twist,
using basic piecing and appliqué techniques and organized into beginner, intermediate, and advanced sections.

There is just something about how Emily has grown her own aesthetic from the rich fertile ground of traditional quilting that appeals to me greatly. I think these projects will appeal to the younger sewers out there especially, who want to make quilting their own. Though Emily never intended to join the "Modern" quilting movement, (and there are whole guilds devoted to it now) she allowed as to how her work fits in with that genre of quilting.

I asked her about that.

aa: What is the "Modern Quilting" movement, and do you consider yourself a part of it?

ec: What is the Modern Quilting movement... I think that depends on who you ask.

A lot of the common answers I've seen are:
a) improvisational quilting
b) traditional quilt patterns using modern fabrics
c) modern patterns
d) more art-type applique quilts
e) quilters talking/collaborating over the internet

I've always been one to make whatever I like and just hope other people like it. I never do anything just because it's the fun thing to do that week according to someone else. I do think I am part of it (now that someone gave it a name!) and would fall into the (c) category using my list.


The colors in the book are clear and cheerful:

And the directions are sharp and totally accurate. I can vouch for this from personal experience, as the Technical Editor for this book, Sandy Peterson, is the same fine pro who was my Technical Editor as well. As a former engineer, Sandy has the perfect mindset and skillset for making sure all measurements and construction instructions are perfect. For a quilt like the one above, that is a good thing.

But it was the quilt below that well and truly grabbed me, for its ease of construction and bright modern look.

You could follow the exact cutting guidelines in the book, or you could totally improvise with the strip sewing, cutting out your basic shapes to fit the pattern afterward.
This makes it ideal for the young sewer. There is a log cabin project in the book that would suit the beginner as well.
But once the new quilter gets this quilt done, she will want to make the more difficult ones.

As you can see, I have a stake in this!

My niece, Qwen, got a new sewing machine for Christmas. She is nine, and already has made boxers for her brothers, p.j.s, even a jumper for her school uniform.
I think it is high time she made her first quilt, and I want it to be from Quilt Remix!

If you would like to win a copy of the book, leave a comment to this post. I will put the names into a hat and pick a winner one week from today, January 19th. Be sure and leave contact info!