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Denyse Schmidt: Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration: 20 New Designs with Historic Roots
Denyse Schmidt is one of the leading quilters of the 21st century. Known as a “modern” quilter, she actually draws much of her creative vision from quilts of the past. In Denyse Schmidt: Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration, Schmidt pays homage to the quilters and quilts that came before her. Each of the 20 traditional quilt designs she has reinterpreted here (among them are Irish Chain, Mariner’s Compass, and Orange Peel, to name a few) is introduced with a lively overview of the pattern’s history. Instructions are illustrated, templates are provided at full size on a pullout pattern sheet, and a complete techniques section is included at the back of the book.
Praise for Denyse Schmidt: Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration:
"Denyse Schmidt's contemporary art quilts are things of enduring style and beauty, but few fans realize her 16-year career as a textile artist began when Schmidt fell in love with tried-and-true, centuries-old traditional quilt patterns . . . Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration is the artist’s return to this fertile terrain, featuring her colorful and updated take on 20 time-tested designs. Full-page photos of gorgeous quilts full of those bold geometric shapes that first inspired her provide ample motivation, while detailed instructions, a pull-out book of templates, and a section detailing tools and techniques offer plenty of how-to support, even for novice makers." —American Craft Magazine
"The book contains 20 traditional quilt styles that look exceptionally modern, hip, and fresh, with limited color palettes and minimal use of prints. To me, it is the best of both worlds—tried-and-true patterns with stories to tell, interpreted by this talented woman who helped define modern quilting. The modern/traditional debate is moot here, which is refreshing and wonderful." —Sew Mama Sew!
“It's been 7 years since Denyse Schmidt's first book, and believe me, this new volume was well worth the wait...Whether you consider yourself a traditional or modern quilter, there is plenty of inspiration here, in projects that play with the tantalizing pairing of vintage patterns and contemporary colors. Although Denyse explains the origins and alternate names of many of the patterns, she rarely offers them straight: she riffs off old patterns like Mariner's Compass and Wagon Wheel and strips them down to stark basics." --Meg Cox, Journalist, Author, and President of the Alliance for American Quilts
"Denyse Schmidt never ceases to inspire us . . . We are very excited to announce her latest book, the simply breathtaking Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration. Delving back to the traditional styles that first sparked her passion for quilting, Denyse gives these twenty quilt patterns a modern spin with bold, beautiful fabric choices." —The Purl Bee
"In this book, [Denyse] shows off a new gamut of wonderful quilts . . . She writes in such a quiet and contemplative way, reminding me that quilting at its best isn't meant to be done in a hurry to crank something out." —Spoonflower.com
Praise for Denyse Schmidt: Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration:
"Denyse Schmidt's contemporary art quilts are things of enduring style and beauty, but few fans realize her 16-year career as a textile artist began when Schmidt fell in love with tried-and-true, centuries-old traditional quilt patterns . . . Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration is the artist’s return to this fertile terrain, featuring her colorful and updated take on 20 time-tested designs. Full-page photos of gorgeous quilts full of those bold geometric shapes that first inspired her provide ample motivation, while detailed instructions, a pull-out book of templates, and a section detailing tools and techniques offer plenty of how-to support, even for novice makers." —American Craft Magazine
"The book contains 20 traditional quilt styles that look exceptionally modern, hip, and fresh, with limited color palettes and minimal use of prints. To me, it is the best of both worlds—tried-and-true patterns with stories to tell, interpreted by this talented woman who helped define modern quilting. The modern/traditional debate is moot here, which is refreshing and wonderful." —Sew Mama Sew!
“It's been 7 years since Denyse Schmidt's first book, and believe me, this new volume was well worth the wait...Whether you consider yourself a traditional or modern quilter, there is plenty of inspiration here, in projects that play with the tantalizing pairing of vintage patterns and contemporary colors. Although Denyse explains the origins and alternate names of many of the patterns, she rarely offers them straight: she riffs off old patterns like Mariner's Compass and Wagon Wheel and strips them down to stark basics." --Meg Cox, Journalist, Author, and President of the Alliance for American Quilts
"Denyse Schmidt never ceases to inspire us . . . We are very excited to announce her latest book, the simply breathtaking Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration. Delving back to the traditional styles that first sparked her passion for quilting, Denyse gives these twenty quilt patterns a modern spin with bold, beautiful fabric choices." —The Purl Bee
"In this book, [Denyse] shows off a new gamut of wonderful quilts . . . She writes in such a quiet and contemplative way, reminding me that quilting at its best isn't meant to be done in a hurry to crank something out." —Spoonflower.com
160 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 1, 2023
Gorgeous quilts complete with the stories about the different patterns fill the pages of this groundbreaking book.
October 1, 2013
The quilts in this book are truly gorgeous. I loved reading the history behind each quilt pattern and seeing how Denyse Schmidt reimagined them for a modern sensibility. I especially loved the Irish Chain, Courthouse Steps, and Shoeman's Puzzle.
April 22, 2025
I would love to take a class from this teacher at some point, and while I did not know that I wanted to do this--I am still quite new to this modern quilting world--she did teach at QuiltCon this year, and I could have stumbled upon her. Again, I did not know.
The thing is that this book is not about lettering, which is what I would love for her to teach me.
This is some very close to traditional quilts that have a bit of a modern twist--the cover is a giant log cabin, just two colors, one block--that is not the norm. The book is largely in solids, which certainly the Amish worked in traditionally, but they are also not the least bit scrappy. There are a lot of curves in the works, and quilts that work in tiny pieces, but overall, I did not pick out one quilt from it to make, but was glad that I read through it.
I am trying to book learn some modernity in quilting--also attend video lectures--but also see and understand more about what I don't know, what I could learn, and what to think about pursuing when I mfind myself with more time on my hand.
The thing is that this book is not about lettering, which is what I would love for her to teach me.
This is some very close to traditional quilts that have a bit of a modern twist--the cover is a giant log cabin, just two colors, one block--that is not the norm. The book is largely in solids, which certainly the Amish worked in traditionally, but they are also not the least bit scrappy. There are a lot of curves in the works, and quilts that work in tiny pieces, but overall, I did not pick out one quilt from it to make, but was glad that I read through it.
I am trying to book learn some modernity in quilting--also attend video lectures--but also see and understand more about what I don't know, what I could learn, and what to think about pursuing when I mfind myself with more time on my hand.
December 16, 2017
I liked short histories of different quilt patterns, but I wanted more of it. I may try a few of the patterns or simply draw inspiration from it. Not a bad book, but few things really stood out to me.
June 25, 2017
from library / turned every page / basically a coffee table book of her approach / the actual quilting tends to be all-over repetitive , ie, figure 8 / solid fabrics predominate
February 24, 2015
Cut fabric edges with pinking shears if you plan to prewash.
Cut a fabric swatch of each of the fabrics you have so you can mix and match without hauling everything out
When choosing colors for a quilt, use 70% plain fabrics and 30% prints.
The basket weave pattern is the solution to what pattern to put on the back of a table runner I am imagining.
(I have it all pieced and I learned that the darker pieces need to read 100% dark. I had a couple of blocks where the "dark" printed piece really had more light space that read light, so the basket weave didn't carry through well on those blocks. Maybe next time I will use solids- I used all prints! Failure to follow the 70/30 plan!)
I'm finding this book a little cold, clinical, lacking in personal detail about the quilts, and beyond my abilities so far. Also every quilt is either orange or turquoise. I'll keep reading.
In the end, I found the technical how-to section at the end the most helpful.! I guess I do need clinical!!
This book also made me realize that the quilt books I am enjoying most right now are about the "process" and not the "product". I like surprises, insights, stories.
I did find the cover especially interesting. At first I saw it as plain colors, but over time I saw that there was variation in the colors. I hope to use this idea when I get to make a court house steps square.
Cut a fabric swatch of each of the fabrics you have so you can mix and match without hauling everything out
When choosing colors for a quilt, use 70% plain fabrics and 30% prints.
The basket weave pattern is the solution to what pattern to put on the back of a table runner I am imagining.
(I have it all pieced and I learned that the darker pieces need to read 100% dark. I had a couple of blocks where the "dark" printed piece really had more light space that read light, so the basket weave didn't carry through well on those blocks. Maybe next time I will use solids- I used all prints! Failure to follow the 70/30 plan!)
I'm finding this book a little cold, clinical, lacking in personal detail about the quilts, and beyond my abilities so far. Also every quilt is either orange or turquoise. I'll keep reading.
In the end, I found the technical how-to section at the end the most helpful.! I guess I do need clinical!!
This book also made me realize that the quilt books I am enjoying most right now are about the "process" and not the "product". I like surprises, insights, stories.
I did find the cover especially interesting. At first I saw it as plain colors, but over time I saw that there was variation in the colors. I hope to use this idea when I get to make a court house steps square.
June 6, 2012
After a glance-through: I think I'm going to have to buy this one for myself. 20 quilts that are a happy marriage of the things I love about traditional quilt blocks and DS's minimalist/modern improv-ish aesthetic. Even though I don't remotely need any more quilts in my life right now, I might have to start one asap.
***
Such good inspiration! I feel like there's a good variety of quick patterns and challenging projects (the Tobacco Leaf quilt will BE MINE one day), and of course, lots of colorful quilts to ogle for motivation. I like DS; she's solid and doesn't feel like some of the modern quilt fluff out there.
***
Such good inspiration! I feel like there's a good variety of quick patterns and challenging projects (the Tobacco Leaf quilt will BE MINE one day), and of course, lots of colorful quilts to ogle for motivation. I like DS; she's solid and doesn't feel like some of the modern quilt fluff out there.
May 7, 2012
I Loooooooove Denyse Schmidt so much. Here she explains 20 historic quilting designs, as well as provides instructions to make modern versions of these traditional motifs. Pay careful attention to her fabric choices, too. I highly recommend her earlier book as well: Denyse Schmidt Quilts: 30 Colorful Quilt and Patchwork Projects. I totally wish I had her talent and drive.
July 22, 2012
I don't think I'll wind up using this book, and having read it once, I feel like that was enough. Which is my way of saying I wish I'd borrowed it from the library rather than buying it. It's a very nice book, beautifully bound, with lots of beautiful photos and good information, but the quilts in it just don't speak to me (except for that one on the cover, which is spectacular and the reason I bought the book to begin with). It's not complete enough to be useful as a reference book, so if the patterns aren't speaking to me either, then I'm not sure how useful it'll be to me.
February 24, 2016
A couple I am friends with gave me a copy of this book for a gift, they know how much I love quilting. I was thrilled with the photographed quilts the first time I thumbed through the volume. What a book. This was fun, full of quilt history and great reading, lovely to look at, and lots of instructions for creating the quilts shown. This is a gift I am thrilled I got! Every quilter would love this book. Modern, traditional, young or old.
August 21, 2014
Yes, great book! Love seeing how Denyse Schmidt takes some of her very favorite traditional quilt patterns and makes them her own. Not sure that I will follow any of the patterns in this book to the letter, but it is wonderful inspiration to make a quilt of my own based on some of these wonderful patterns.
February 14, 2016
I am enough of a quilter to look at these designs and decide if I am capable of making the quilts. Mostly I am able - except for one thing - I don't do templates. If I was to undertake any of the quilts in this book, I would have to revise the directions to make the piecing easier. I did enjoy the short introductions to each of the designs. They are informative and interesting.
May 1, 2013
I like this book a lot, but I wouldn't buy it. It would be easy enough to find any of these traditional quilt patterns for free online and use modern fabrics and color ways to make them, which is essentially what this book is. Having said that the instructions and patterns are good and the book itself is informative and beautiful.
October 28, 2012
Like a good recipe book that I love, this has a little bit of story about each quilt, a good technique section with lots of diagrams for the steps, and has a few patterns I would make. And when the hubby glanced through it, he proclaimed "there are some nice quilts in here".
January 8, 2013
A good book for quilting ideas and inspiration. Some of the ideas are vary basic: chevrons, whole cloth, rail fence. Yes, she does a modern take on these, but I was hoping for more.
Also her quilting is really uninspired. She does the same s curve for almost every quilt.
Also her quilting is really uninspired. She does the same s curve for almost every quilt.
August 19, 2013
There are some absolutely beautiful quilts in this book. I checked it out from the library but now I would like to buy my own copy because I can see myself wanting to make so many of the quilts inside.
December 19, 2014
I love this book. Denyse Schmidt is a brilliant designer in her own right, but being able to place her modern designs in the context of quilting history and traditional designs is an extraordinary treat.
Her studio in Bridgeport CT is a place I want to visit to see this process in situ.
Her studio in Bridgeport CT is a place I want to visit to see this process in situ.
October 7, 2012
This book had tons of quilts that I could see making. Great inspiration.
January 12, 2013
A modern take on historic quilts. Wonderful.
February 22, 2013
Beautiful! I don't want to take it back to the library!
crafts
May 23, 2013Found one quilt in this that I'd like to make. The rest are ok, very Denyse Schmidt-style.
October 1, 2013
Nothing too interesting in this one, some good finishing techniques. Might be fun to try a tied wholecloth bed cover sometime.
May 19, 2014
Interesting history. Good pictures.
Read
May 10, 2015go back to Ocean Waves design, p. 53
April 5, 2017
While the quilts themselves are far more meticulous and detailed than I would ever make, I do *love* the historical background and wonderful stories she has for each pattern. Postage Stamp was my favorite. The designs are beautiful and well laid out for someone looking for a sewing challenge.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews