the obsessive imagist | art, design, life: quilt

MODERN QUILT PATTERN INSPIRATION

You know how Pinterest can be this black hole of inspiration, where you start searching for something on a whim—in my case modern quilt patterns—and hours later you look up from your screen with quilt piecing patterns burned on your retina and a lingering confusion where the afternoon went? Yesterday I fell head first into that black hole and came out with these pattern-perfect quilts that will, hopefully, search as my muse when I endeavor to make my first quilt this winter (I will do it, gosh darn it, even if it seems overwhelmingly complex!). Even if you are not a craft nerd like me, I have a feeling you will appreciate these beauties. Take a look with me, will you?

the pattern of the quilt above was derived from computer code!

I love the color and traditional-cum-modern pattern of this example.

Love this bolder take on a sweet crib quilt.

This simple, fresh design was based on a Society 6 print. Cool!

Again, modern yet classic, this quilt is full of bright orangey goodness.

Who doesn't love chevron? This would be a graphic example for a minimalist home.

Or go even bolder! This pattern reminds me of Charlie Brown!

I love the use of ombre in this girls quilt, proving feminine can also be modern and cool.

I am dying over the colors in this example. So pretty!

This cross pattern/plus pattern baby blanket is AWESOME. Very grown up without losing its playfulness, don't you think?

Grey, mustard and yellow are always an elegant combo. This triangle patterned piece is no exception.

Last but not least—this one is my favorite of the lot—is this chic orange, coral and B&W number. I think it would look fabulous on a bed with tiny white and black polka dot sheets, don't you?
p.s. Feeling quilty? Previous quote about my favorite quilt patterns here.

OLYMPIC IDENTITY SOCHI 2014

Have you been watching the Olympic Games? As you may remember (from here), I am obsessed with the Olympics and, consequently, have been glued to the events for the past several days. I think our neighbors think I am crazy with all the chanting U-S-A going on in our apartment, ha!

Anyway, I realized that I have yet to share my thoughts on the Olympic graphic identity for the Sochi Games. Have you seen the designs? The overall style is based on a traditional Russian patchwork pattern that has been faceted and digitized and reprinted in a bright rainbow of colors (ironic, no?). Not surprisingly, I love the color palette and the idea of the quilt patterning, but I think the execution is pretty busy. The individual patches in the quilt are made of patterns that contrast a bit too much, are a bit too loud, but that's just my humble opinion. What do you think?

With that in mind, I think it looks better in smaller doses. The commemorative stamps and hockey pucks, for example, look much cooler; especially the stamp where they have abstracted the quilting to look like the Olympic flame. Clever! Conversely, I think the reliance on Russian nesting dolls as an informal mascot (we all know the real ones are always silly cartoon characters!*) can be a little much. After all, they have snowboarders jumping over them as obstacles! That's just silly.

Overall I think the design isn't the worst we've seen lately but shows a lack of imagination. Why does every Olympic logo have to have an silly overly stylized typeface? And what's with "Hot Cool Yours" as a slogan? It seems like a bad Russian translation and makes no sense. It's like an SNL parody! Generally I think the designers—this identity was done by Interbrand—would do well with following the K.I.S.S. rule: keep it simple, stupid! The final poster, above, is therefore my favorite. The elegant transition between the peaks of the mountains and the peaks of the waves works well as an all-over patterning behind the basic type treatment.

What do you think of the designs? Are there things you love? Parts you hate? Let me know in the comments!

p.s. I can't decide how I feel about the torch . . . what do you think?

p.p.s. In case you think I am just a whiny design nerd, check out this gallery of previous Olympic posters (the early ones are so gorgeous, but Torino is holding up well!) and my post about it here.

*Fun fact: did you know that the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles—home of Hollywood—were the first to feature a mascot like that? But at least Sam the Eagle was cute!

WHILE AWAY THE HOURS

Right now, in the middle of winter and in the middle of a busy time at work and school, all I can think about is kicking back and taking it easy. Ironically, given the fact that I read for school for hours every night, my ideal lazy afternoon involves a cozy little reading nook where I can cuddle up in a big wing-backed chair with a good book. Add a cup of hot chocolate and you pretty much have heaven.

Here are my picks for all the necessary elements to while away the hours:

comfy chair, $749

pretty pillow, $24

cozy quilt, $450

fantastic novel, $10

What's your favorite lazy afternoon activity?

Q & A: QUILTS & AWESOMENESS

Despite the steamy weather here over the last week, I have been endlessly daydreaming about quilts. Sounds crazy, right? Well, if you take a look at these beauties I have gathered I think you will see where I am coming from. These aren't your grandmother's quilts! The trend now is bold, modern patterns in bright welcoming colors. Doesn't it make you want to grab and sewing machine and dig in? (Or just take a nap, haha).