Be Madly Modern

Be Madly Modern: A Celebration of AfroModern Quilting

Quilt Challenges| Quilt Africa Fabrics Challenges| Quilting
October 31, 2024•2 min read

Modern Quilting: A Contemporary Twist on Tradition

Modern quilting throws out the rule book and embraces improvisation, asymmetry, and bold color choices. It's about expressing your unique voice through fabric and stitches.

Think minimalist designs, graphic elements, negative space, and an emphasis on the quilting itself as an integral part of the design.

Modern quilting emerged in the early 2000s as a fresh take on a time-honored craft. It's characterized by:

  • Bold Colors and Minimalist Design: Think solid fabrics, high contrast, and a focus on negative space.

  • Improvisational Piecing: Embracing spontaneity and intuitive design choices.

  • Modern Techniques: Exploring new methods like free-motion quilting and minimalist binding.

  • Personal Expression: Quilts that reflect the maker's unique style and perspective.

Enter AfroModern Quilting: A Fusion of Cultures

Now, imagine infusing the vibrant spirit of Africa into this modern aesthetic. That's the essence of AfroModern quilting, a style pioneered by Carole Lyles Shaw.

Carole Lyles Shaw: The Pioneer of AfroModern Quilting

 Carole Lyles Shaw, a visionary quilter and author who brought a unique perspective to the modern quilting movement. She saw the potential of fusing the bold aesthetics of modern quilting with the rich cultural heritage of African fabrics. She championed this fusion, creating stunning quilts that celebrated both her heritage and her artistic vision.

Carole coined the term "AfroModern Quilting," and her work beautifully captured the essence of this style:

  • Vibrant African Prints: Incorporating the rich colors, patterns, and textures of African textiles.

  • Improvisational Flair: Embrace spontaneity and intuitive design, often with asymmetrical layouts, by combining the bold colors and patterns of African fabrics with the improvisational spirit of modern quilting.

  • Modern Aesthetics: Minimalist design, bold use of color, and a focus on negative space.

Her work was a celebration of bold colors, improvisational piecing, and a deep respect for cultural heritage.

Sadly, we lost Carole in 2024. But her legacy lives on, and the "Be Madly Modern" Quilt Challenge is our way of honoring her vision and keeping the spirit of AfroModern quilting alive.

Why You Should Join the Challenge

This challenge is for YOU, whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting your journey. It's a chance to:

  • Explore your creativity: Dive into the world of modern and improv quilting with African fabrics.

  • Honor a legend: Celebrate the legacy of Carole Lyles Shaw and contribute to a growing collection of AfroModern quilts.

  • Connect with a community: Join a global network of quilters who share your passion.

  • Expand your skills: Learn new techniques and push your creative boundaries.

  • Find your voice: Express yourself through the art of quilting.

  • Be part of something bigger: Contribute to a vibrant community and honor a quilting pioneer.

Ready to Be Madly Modern?

Join the challenge today to celebrate AfroModern Quilting and let's stitch together a vibrant tribute to Carole Lyles Shaw!

https://challenge.quiltafricafabrics.com/join-be-madly-modern-challenge

Let's create a vibrant tapestry of AfroModern quilts that honor Carole's spirit and inspire generations to come.

#BeMadlyModern #QuiltChallenge #CaroleLylesShaw #AfroModernQuilting #ModernQuilting #AfricanFabrics #QuiltingCommunity #QuiltAfricaFabrics #QuiltAfricaTribe

As an African who was not familiar with the process of modern day quilting, Miriam was fascinated with photos of the beautiful quilts displayed in Pinterest. This led her to take the plunge and create her first quilt in 2016, using online resources as there are no quilt shops in her country. As an architect, the creative process of quilting was familiar and she loved the fact that she could incorporate her culture. The process of creating that first quilt using the fabrics of her heritage led to the start of her business, Quilt Africa Fabrics. The scarcity of resources on quilting with African Fabrics was the deciding factor in birthing the African Fabrics Movement and launching the annual Quilt Africa Fabrics Online Show and the virtual Quilt Africa Fabrics Guild/BOM. She considers herself honored and blessed to be accepted by the quilting community. She views her business as a vehicle for introducing and supplying the beautiful, bold and exciting fabrics of Africa to quilters and textile artists the world over. Miriam lives in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria in Western Africa with her husband and 3 children who are very much a part of the African Fabrics Movement.

Miriam Galadima Benson

As an African who was not familiar with the process of modern day quilting, Miriam was fascinated with photos of the beautiful quilts displayed in Pinterest. This led her to take the plunge and create her first quilt in 2016, using online resources as there are no quilt shops in her country. As an architect, the creative process of quilting was familiar and she loved the fact that she could incorporate her culture. The process of creating that first quilt using the fabrics of her heritage led to the start of her business, Quilt Africa Fabrics. The scarcity of resources on quilting with African Fabrics was the deciding factor in birthing the African Fabrics Movement and launching the annual Quilt Africa Fabrics Online Show and the virtual Quilt Africa Fabrics Guild/BOM. She considers herself honored and blessed to be accepted by the quilting community. She views her business as a vehicle for introducing and supplying the beautiful, bold and exciting fabrics of Africa to quilters and textile artists the world over. Miriam lives in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria in Western Africa with her husband and 3 children who are very much a part of the African Fabrics Movement.

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