Modern Quilts

Modern Quilting

Quilting continues to be popular- indeed it has become a multi-billion-dollar industry – although today it is seldom done out of necessity. While some quilters use modern patterns, fabrics, and machines to express their creativity, others continue to produce these works of art entirely by hand using traditional patterns and designs.

During the physical exhibit of Pieces of the Past, several local quilters loaned their recently made creations as examples of how the art of quilting has continued and changed over the decades. Designs range from traditional to contemporary and whimsical to abstract. Some follow patterns closely, and some create their own designs.

Quilts continue to be made as gifts, to mark special events such as graduation or retirement, for warmth, and as art objects. Most of today’s quilters continue the traditions of including scraps from past projects in future ones and getting together with like-minded needleworkers to share their passion.

Cindy Brouillard, "Plain Spoken"

Cindy Brouillard of Mosinee, the creator of this design, comes from a family of quilters that includes her mother and aunts.  Trips to Amish quilt auctions with her mother, where she saw their beautiful quilts made with solid-color fabrics, were an inspiration for this project.

In the fall of 2007, Cindy began to cut pieces from her abundant stash of solid-color fabrics with the intention of completing the quilt over the winter.  As sometimes happens, the work was begun but then set aside for several years.  In the spring of 2016, Cindy resurrected the project and the quilt was completed several months later.

This quilt, named “Plain Spoken” has several dozen solid-color cotton fabrics, some hand dyed.  It is a simple pieced pattern with randomly placed colors.  When looking at the quilt, Cindy sees a modern design that reminds her of the simple Amish quilts she saw years before.

Sue Ziebell, "Bello!, Bello!, Bello!"

Sue Ziebell of Wausau, the creator of this design, has been quilting for more than 20 years.  She began this quilt in 2015, got sidetracked with other projects, and finished it in October 2016.  The quilt is machine pieced and quilted.

This quilt, named “Bello! Bello! Bello!” was made for her son, Zachary.  It features a delightful yellow Minion character from the Despicable Me movie.  For those not familiar with the movie, Minions use the greeting of “Bello!” instead of hello.

Pat Brooks Gaska, "Flowingwater 1"

Pat Brooks Gaska of Rothschild, the creator of this quilt, had been doing many types of needlework when she decided to add quilting to the list in the early 1970s.  Originally wanting to “use up” her many fabric scraps from other sewing projects, she was quickly drawn in by the endless possibilities for creative and colorful designs.

Over the years, Pat has made traditional, reproduction and original art quilts.  She draws inspiration from quilters throughout history and those in the local and worldwide quilting network.

This beautiful quilt, designed by Pat, is named "Flowingwater 1." It was inspired by the beauty of light reflecting off the surface of crystal clear water.  It is machine pieced and quilted with purchased, mostly batik, fabrics and embellished with clear beads.  In the various sections, quilting suggests flowing water, rocks and grasses.

Lisa Nowicki, "Anna's Choice"

Lisa Nowicki of rural Athens created this quilt along with her daughter Anna. They began the project in 2013 and finished the following year.

Anna chose the fabric because she loved the bright colors of the coordinated designs. 10” pre-cut fabric squares were purchased in a bundle, referred to as a “layer cake,” a pattern was chosen and the mother/ daughter duo constructed the quilt for Anna to use on her bed.

The finished quilt was named “Anna’s Choice.”