Quilting Mod : C&T Publishing

It is my pleasure to introduce Cheryl Brickey and Paige Alexander's Modern Plus Sign Quilts.

This book gave me a positive impression with its vibrant photographs, well-illustrated instructions and innovative ways to use a popular shape in modern quilts. Inspired by the past, the included plus quilts are current in technique, design, and fabric choice--giving new life to a classic. It would be a great addition to any quilting library. An overview of fusible machine appliqué, making half-square triangles two at a time, foundation paper piecing, and binding will increase your skills and confidence as a quilter. To sum it up, this text is a great value with a total of 16 quilt projects in a variety of sizes and difficulty levels.

Purchase Modern Plus Sign Quilts from Connecting Threads ($16.93), C & T Publishing ($25.95), Amazon ($20.93) or the authors, who offer signed copies.

I created the Tribal Plus quilt from the book. Below is the version of Tribal Plus from the book.

Photo by C&T Publishing

My version uses fabrics from Art Gallery Wanderer.

To complicate matters, I used many of the same colors as the pattern, but in different places.

I also used directional fabrics. The book states, " The patterns in this book were written for non-directional prints and include directions for cutting and piecing that make the most efficient use of the fabric. If you decide to use a directional print, such as a stripe or a group of houses, you may need additional yardage beyond what is stated in the materials list. You may also need to alter the cutting or piecing instructions. We highly recommend making a test block to see what alternations might be necessary." Did I read that before sewing? Nope, so that's on me.

If you use directional prints for this pattern, you'll need to: A. Be less compulsive than I am about sideways horses and houses. or B. Cut some of the pieces length of fabric instead of width of fabric. Or better yet, read the preceding pages before you launch into making your pattern and choose a non-directional fabric.

As for me, I loved using my luxurious, stashed April Rhodes prints; I have no remorse. This pattern was so slick, there's likely to be a next time, during which I'll actually read and follow all the instructions. Probably. Maybe. Eh, who am I kidding?

Tribal Plus finishes at 60.5" x 62.5", so it was a nice size for quilting on my domestic machine.

I echoed 1/2" away from the edge of the gold sections using a ruler foot. Angela Walters has a new Craftsy class on that subject, or you can join Craftsy Unlimited if you prefer a subscription model. In the gray section, I used Connecting Curves with Petals from Dorie Hruska's Making Connections book. In the mint section, I used straight lines after seeing a genius idea on Yvonne of Quilting Jetgirl's IG feed. The red was filled in with spirals.

It always amazes me to see the variety possible with the same pattern, but different fabric choices and quilting. Check out projects from the other quilters on the hop to see the versatility of Modern Plus Sign Quilts.

MODERN PLUS SIGN BOOK HOP SCHEDULE

Tuesday, March 13th

Signature Plus

Soma @ Whims and Fancies
Ann @ Brown Paws Quilting
Kitty @ Night Quilter

Tribal Plus

Sophie @ Luna Lovequilts
Afton @ Quilting Mod
Shelley @ The Carpenters Daughter Who Quilts

Wednesday, March 14th