Latifah Saafir, presented a Lecture and Trunk Show during Road to California. She gave the history of Modern Quilting then shared some of her modern quilting work along with some insights on why modern quilting is unplugged i.e.; “cool, hip, original, fascinating, and likeable.”

The 2 A’s of Modern Quilting

Attitude and Aesthetic

One’s Attitude and Approach to modern quilting should be: “I don’t have to be perfect to start.” Never be afraid to try. With Latifah’s first modern quilts, she followed a pattern. Experience brought confidence, where today she makes her own designs. Latifah’s signature pattern is the Glam Clam: clam shells blown up to 12 inches. The Aesthetic of Modern Quilting has distinct qualities that incorporate:

Functionality – Made to snuggle, give as a gift or as artwork

Asymmetry

Reinterpreted Traditional Designs- Take traditional blocks and motifs and mixes it up

Minimalism and Simplicity – which are harder to design

Negative Space

Modern Art and Architecture

Improvised yet Intentional Construction

Bold colors, on-trend color combinations, and graphic prints

Gray and White is neutral

Incorporates Solids – cheaper to use and can better express the quilter’s voice

Binding can also be used to frame the quilt

When quilting her own quilts, Latifah shared that she “loves walking foot quilting” with her domestic machine. She encouraged the guests that they “can do it” too. Her tips for walking foot quilting: “Be Conscious. Take Breaks. Have your machine on a table.” In the end, Latifah pointed out, modern quilting is like all quilting: “cutting fabric and sewing it together like everyone else.”      ]]>