Modern Art Quilters - Newsletter October 2025

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Not Our Usual Palette, But... HH and I have recently been reviewing our archived Newsletters (HB writes). Since the founding of the Modern Group within the Quilters' Guild, between us we have been responsible for over sixty editions and, although we like to bring you new things every month (as well as the quirky and downright odd) we were wondering if any of the themes we have used in the past could stand revisiting. One thing that was singularly missing from the roll-call of newsletter subjects, which have included various colours, shapes, techniques, blocks and concepts, was the colour brown. Mmmm... it's not a colour you often find in Modern Quilts. It's more usually associated with the more traditional side of things. Personally my stash contains multiple boxes of, for example, green in all shades from lime and chartreuse to khaki and forest and that's before it starts to shade into green blues and jades. I have one small box of brown. Watching the trees take on their Autumn plumage over the past couple of weeks makes me think that perhaps I ought to be working in the earthy, natural tones of the season. After all - orange is my favourite colour, but I am more likely to combine it with a bright turquoise or magenta than anything more tonal. AitchBee and Helen Howes Contact us direct on newsletter@modernartquilters.co.uk Why not forward this message to your quilty friends who might enjoy our ramblings. They can CLICK HERE to go straight to our newsletter sign up page. HEADER IMAGE: A detail from AUTUMN FOREST by Helen Howes. CLICK HERE to visit Helen's TREE PATTERNS webpage.
SPRUCED UP! By HB - patterns & kits available for this delightful light-up Christmas wall hanging. Yes, there's a more traditional red, green & gold version available too!	HH likes to Counter-change colours - these delicious postcard kits make two cards in (lots of) alternating colours
Click on any picture in this Newsletter to read more. These are mostly links to external websites and blogs - have fun and enjoy looking!
	10 "fall" quilts - lots of fairly traditional patterns, which we are sure you can "modernise" without too much trouble...
	Sewing machines for beginners - this time we talk about choosing threads, a subject dear to both our hearts...
	Jette Clover - This artist has been working for a long time with text and printing, more Art than Modern, but with a very interesting muted palette. The link takes you to her New Work page but the rest of the website is well worth exploring
	HB and The Quilter's Apprentice (who is becoming a personality in his own right these days!) will be at the GREAT YORKSHIRE QUILT SHOW at Doncaster Racecourse this weekend (3rd - 5th October). Click on the image to view the organiser's website and find all the details. If you are at the show, swing by our stand and say "Hi" - we'll be standing in front of the CRYSTAL MAZE quilt shown here, and I will have the fabrics kits and patterns with me. We'll also be at the NEWMARKET AUTUMN SHOW at the beginning of next month (6th - 8th November) CLICK HERE to find the details for this show
	Lots and lots and lots of ideas here, with how-tos and patterns, and stuff to keep you busy all Autumn
	From the sublime to the ridiculous (t'was ever thus!) From last month's large tote bag to a tiny purse. HB developed these little zip purses as a "waste-not" for the quilted corner pieces she cut off her KISMET pouches. They make excellent containers for earphones or charger leads.
	(HH writes) - I'm not really a fan of "natural" dyes, but you really can't beat Rusting for the most delightful results - be warned that if you start doing this you will find yourself picking up oddments of scruffy metal in car parks! Link to buy a booklet with all you need to know...
	I can't say I am learning to love brown (HB writes) but I am using it a little more in some of my recent quilts. This is PALMERSTON PIG, part of my PIGS IN BLANKETS pattern, on an Autumnal background. Watch this space - next year's animal theme is a series of bears, so I really will have to expand that stash of brown fabrics!
	This is Hot Buttered Rum (I was listening to the song when making this one) it was supposed to be something else, but the tipped-over tray made for a bit more chaos that I had desired. This one I have sold, but there are lots of lovely textiles for sale - you might want to treat yourself to something already made...
	FIBREFUSION Exhibition Fibrefusion have their final exhibition of a very busy year, well worth a visit of course. The Pond Gallery at Snape is accompanied by other galleries, a decent cafe, and some fascinating shops. Make a day out? 25 in 25 Snape, Pond Gallery IP17 1SP 17th-29th October 10-4:30 Fibre Fusion on Facebook
	ArtConTex Exhibition A short exhibition, with talks from some of the artists - The Minories is also well worth a visit, and has a varied and inspiring programme throughout the year ArtConTex at Minories Colchester, exhibition and talks Thursday 2 - Sunday 5 October 2025 10am - 4pm 74 High Street, Colchester, CO1 1UE Free entry ArtConTex on Instagram ArtConTex on Facebook
We are happy to publicise your exhibition or quilting event anywhere in the country, please let us know at least a month before it is due to start and provide details of venue, dates, times, a brief description, and image and a website link if you have a relevant one.

	This came in from Cindy Grisdela on her newsletter, which we both enjoy - her palettes can sometimes be a tad surprising, and her website is fun - she has a new book out on curves in January 2026

	Our usual palette does not often run to browns, but this page of inspirations was blissfully easy to fill. We do like exploring the Pinterest Universe...
Our mailing address is:- 4, The Raveningham Centre, Beccles Road, Raveningham, Norfolk, NR14 6NU. United Kingdom

Not Our Usual Palette, But...