Date of this Version 5-2012 Copyright (c) 2012 Ellen Rushman Abstract
A THESIS Presented to the Faculty of The Graduate College at the University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements For the Degree of Master of Arts, Major: Textiles, Clothing & Design, Under the Supervision of Professor Michael James. Lincoln, Nebraska: May 2012
This study explores the modern quilting movement from the perspective of members of the Modern Quilt Guild (MQG), a new guild that includes both online and in-person elements. Twenty-six members of seven MQG’s across the United States were interviewed. The interviews focused on the factors that draw participants into the MQG as well as how the art/craft debate shapes the experiences of modern quilters. This study concludes that modern quilting is both an attitude and an aesthetic. The attitude of modern quilting encompasses common themes among participants like the lack of rules dictating their quilting practices and an open and inviting atmosphere at meetings. The attitude portion of modern quilting was present to some degree in all participants of this study. The current aesthetic of modern quilting emphasizes clean lines, minimalism, and solid fabrics, among many other characteristics. All the participants of this study did not embody the aesthetic of modern quilting. The results suggest that all participants are drawn to the guild due to the attitude of modern quilting whereas only some participants are inclined to join due to the aesthetic of modern quilting. The aesthetic of modern quilting does not appear to be tied to the art/craft debate in that most participants did not link the differences between art and craft to their own work. The study also illustrates the excitement, motivation, and enjoyment that surrounds MQG membership for the participants of this study.
Hi, Lucinda -
ReplyDeleteI just met Ellen at a meeting of the Cleveland Modern Guild! She is new to the area and just sat next to me... Super nice girl, She has some beautiful quilts and awesome quilting.
I really miss you guys. Hope all are well. Congrats on the sales!!
Hi Paula! We miss you too! I hope you are enjoying your new Cleveland MQG and maybe we can do a combined gathering or swap of some sort. Happy Thanksgiving! Lucinda
ReplyDeleteLucinda, Thanks for sharing this thesis. I did find it interesting and thought provoking too. For me it was the aesthetics first as seen in mags, books and at quilt shows. As I look at quilts I have made in the past I most enjoyed making quilts with simple design lines. It seems that quilts that had drawn my attention finally have been given a name.
ReplyDeleteThe attitude of lack of rules or at least a relaxing of what is acceptable has inspired me to explore trying to machine quilt my own quilts. I especially am drawn to straight or simple lines of quilting. I have several small tops together that I plan to quilt myself - some for practice and some for gifting/using.
Certainly the most exciting part of MQG for me is the open and inviting attitude at NW Ohio meetings. Another reason to give thanks this year!!
Cheryl we are glad to have you be part of the group. I'm a bit like you - I'm attracted by what I've seen and am challenging myself to make - but I love the relaxing attitude the most! See you soon. Happy Thanksgiving!
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