Denyse Schmidt: Quilts, Books + Stationary, Oh My!
By Christine M. Liu, Guest Writer, decor8As one of the millions dabbling in the vast creative depths of DIY culture, I have seen things like knitting, crocheting, and felt appliques shed their old-fashioned status and become the next new hip. iPod cozies are the new tea cozies, and grandmothers meet glampunkers at modern craft fairs.
One craft that has shied from the limelight a bit is quilting.
At least for me, quilting seems still relatively entrenched in the German Dutch tradition and midwestern generational home-making. Yesterday, my roommate (in true presidential holiday spirit) was cruising daytime TV and became engrossed in a very old-skool 'America Sews' crafting show on PBS. Though it was an interesting (if not somewhat unpalatable) fragment of American culture, it completely reinforced the traditional, old-fashioned quilting scene.
That's why I'm spectacularly impressed by Denyse Schmidt's quilts, which are fresh, modern, and a long way from the tacky, fussy quilts that might come to mind. Quilting meets couture: the bright colors and geometric lines are paired with soft textiles and comforting construction. Denyse is a RISD alum and does a fabulous job of tradition reinterpretation.
I cant get enough of the deep colors and playful stitching!
Denyse has books published by Chronicle that teach basics and offer patterns for many quilting projects. More images here on Amazon.
She was commissioned to create a chain link coverlet for Crate and Barrel:
Also find some of her delightfully cute photo books and stationery in the dots + jots and what a bunch of squares series...
She's such a talented designer, I can't wait to try making one of her quilts someday! Her books are high up on my wishlist.
-Christine M. Liu
Labels: Christine Liu, crafty, stationery
posted by decor8 @ 2/21/2006
5 Comments:
I'm in the middle of making her Big Zig quilt, but I'm already plotting which others I'm going to tackle eventually. They are all just so cool!
I made my first "modern" quilt and am totally hooked. I've been looking for books that teach you how to take traditional ways and put a new spin on them. I can't wait to make my next one!!!
Yeah about that quilt Brent...are you going to let me share the fabulous photo you sent me, or what?
You guys, it's sooooo cool - this block quilt Brent made. It looks like he made it with flannel and men's suits or something. It's an absolute stunner.
I'm the middle of making a quilt too, although mine is constructed with antique inspired fabrics and I plan to add robin's egg blue velvet piping around the edge. It's a twin size, so only to be used as a throw or an accent peice on my bed.
Brent, I'll make a deal with you...I'll post mine if you post yours! :)
Holly
Brent wrote in last night (offline) and surprise! He's very excited to show decor8 readers his ahhhh-inspiring quilt...so with that being said, look for his quilt coming to decor8 within the next 24 hours!
:)
Holly
Hi,
Being a Denyse Schmidt fan, I thought you would like to know...Denyse is guest writing on www.QuiltersBuzz.com for the next few posts. Talking about her fabric line and other new stuff in the works.
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