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Tools: What’s on this student’s head?

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Okay, I’m cruising through all the photos of student’s work at a recent Sue Spargo workshop in Kokomo, Indiana and I paused. What is that on this student’s head? If you are like me or know someone over 40 you know we need more light to see as we age. Please someone tell me what this is and where you purchased it. I will not rest until I have one atop my head, just like Pat.

Editor’s note Feb 26, 2011: I have enjoyed reading each of your comments. Thanks for sharing with me all the ways you can use this head light and where to get one.  –Scarlett

Comments

  1. It looks like a basic headlamp. There are tons of different styles ranging in price at most hardware stores. 🙂

  3. It’s called a head lamp. You can buy them at most outdoor stores. We use them at our summer cottage because we don’t have any electric power. Perfect for reading at night and finding our way home in the dark. Great idea for sewing , quilting and art.

  6. My husband and I each used one last night at the end of our hike when it got dark:) Love mine! So nice that it’s hands free, especially since we hike with trekking poles.

  8. My husband and kids have them for camping. I believe we bought them at the local Travel Country store. Should be able to find them at a sporting goods store.

  9. I have a magnifying head thingy that also has a light on it that can move to shine wherever you need it. I got mine at Harbor Freight really cheap.

  10. LED headlamp – most handymen, mechanics have one. Available at places like Home Depot, Lowes…different styles
    My husband’s is made by Coast, it has an adjustable light.

  11. That thing on her head, a basic Energiser head lamp. They can be found all over the place, usually at Target, in the flashligh section. The head lamp runs under $20, closer to $10, if I remeber corectly. They run on 3 triple A batteries, and go a long time between changes. my family has replaced all the traditional flashlights with these, and loves them.

  12. LL Bean, REI, Lands End all carry them. We use them camping, walking the dog at night and they are a more directed light, so I can read in bed with one and the light doesn’t bother my husband. Pay attention to the reviews, they are all a little different. Mine is lighter than my husband’s and my son’s is bomb proof. These are great stocking stuffers and my girls use their’s all the time. My oldest uses it at night when she is on the campus. We have a joke about where we all keep ours.Watch out, mine can sometimes walk away and find itself in my husband’s toolbox.

  13. Like many of my fellow mail carriers I used one when delivering or collecting mail after dark. We must use both our hands to hold, “finger” and deliver mail, so “using our heads” to light our way is the logical solution. I have to admit I never thought about using a headlamp for close work when quilting or other handwork, but since I often do craft projects or read whenever we’re on driving vacations, I will certainly keep this handy tool in mind!!!

  14. I have been using a light like this for years. It is a simple head lamp that some use for camping or other outdoor activities. I spend lots of time waiting on my kids in a dark car so I use the light to keep knitting after the sun goes down and I’m in car line waiting to pick up the kiddos! I get mine at walmart.

  15. Looks like the Everready led headlamp I bought my husband in Walmart for about $10. It allows you to point it down and has several light settings so you can move the light where you need it and use a little or a lot of light.

  16. It looks like a hikers headlamp. You can buy them in all kinds of varieties at REI or Cabella’s. Really any outdoor shop will carry them 🙂

  17. You can also find at Walmart in the flashlight section….and some models even have a magnifiy capability

  18. You can get them at WalMart, Kmart any department store will carry them. You need to go try them on so you can get one that is not to heavy.

  19. My husband bought one for me so that I could walk at night. He got ours from LL Bean. It is one of the most useful tools we have. It’s used for many, many things and we both use it. I see it’s already been correctly identified.

  20. I now have two, I got them at an Electrical supplies shop. I bought the expensive one for me and it is too bright so I gave it my husband and I use the $10.00 version. It is just right and has is a led daylight type.

Have you read?

10 Modern Zig Zag Quilts That Feel Fresh and Graphic

Zig zag quilts have been around for decades, but modern quilting has completely reinvented them.

Gone are the busy calicos and tightly packed traditional layouts (although we still love those too). Today’s modern zig zag quilts lean into negative space, bold contrast, oversized blocks, and intentional color choices. The result? Clean, graphic quilts that feel more like art than heirloom.

If you’ve been searching for modern zig zag quilt patterns, contemporary chevron quilt ideas, or bold triangle quilt layouts, this guide focuses specifically on quilts that feel current, fresh, and design-forward.

Let’s talk about what makes a zig zag quilt “modern” — and then dive into patterns that truly showcase it.

What Makes a Zig Zag Quilt Feel Modern?

Modern zig zag quilts usually include one or more of these elements:

  • High contrast color palettes
    • Large-scale blocks
    • Negative space
    • Limited fabric prints
    • Minimalist layouts
    • Strong directional flow

Instead of relying on busy fabric to create interest, modern zig zag quilts use structure and contrast to do the heavy lifting.

Now let’s look at patterns that do this beautifully.

Descending Zig Zag Quilt

This pattern shifts the zig zag direction gradually across the quilt, creating a sense of movement that feels almost architectural. It’s not just repetition — it’s progression. Using a tight color palette here really enhances the modern feel.

Best for: Confident beginners and up
Fabric tip: Try a monochrome gradient for a dramatic effect.

 Lightning Zigzags

This version leans bold and graphic, especially when made in high contrast solids. The sharp peaks give it an energetic edge. It’s ideal if you want your quilt to feel like a statement piece.

Best for: Modern home décor
Fabric tip: Black + white or navy + cream works beautifully here.

Jelly Roll Triangle Quilt

Pre-cuts meet modern design. This pattern uses jelly roll strips to streamline cutting while keeping the zig zag lines crisp. The layout feels clean and organized rather than busy.

Best for: Quick finishes
Fabric tip: Choose solids or tone-on-tone prints for a sleeker look.

 Zig Zag Without HSTs

If trimming triangles isn’t your thing, this strip-pieced version creates the chevron illusion using straight seams. The result still feels graphic and modern, especially in minimal color schemes.

Best for: Beginners who love clean lines
Fabric tip: Stick to two strong contrasting colors.

Modern Chevron Tutorial – Lickety Split

This pattern embraces simplicity. Large zig zag rows and generous spacing give the design breathing room. It’s subtle, sleek, and very contemporary.

Best for: Minimalist quilters
Fabric tip: Low-volume background with bold accent color.

Super Easy Zig Zag Quilt

While colorful, this quilt can easily lean modern if you limit the palette and increase contrast. Scale plays a huge role here — bigger blocks feel more current.

Best for: Scrap lovers going modern
Fabric tip: Group scraps by color families to avoid visual chaos.

Herringbone Chevron Baby Quilt

This softer interpretation still feels modern thanks to clean construction and thoughtful color placement. It’s subtle but intentional.

Best for: Nursery décor
Fabric tip: Muted neutrals with one standout accent color.

Zig Zag Rail Fence

Rotating rail fence blocks to create zig zag movement gives you a modern feel without heavy triangle piecing. The structure feels orderly and balanced.

Best for: Fast weekend projects
Fabric tip: Alternate light and dark strips for clear definition.

Make This: Zig Zag Chevron Quilt

This quilt allows fabric to shine while maintaining strong geometry. The negative space makes it feel lighter and less crowded than traditional versions.

Best for: Modern scrap control
Fabric tip: Use solids as anchors between prints.

Modern Fuse Applique Zig Zag Quilt

Adding applique over zig zag piecing introduces texture without overwhelming the layout. It’s a hybrid technique that feels playful but still modern.

Best for: Creative experimentation
Fabric tip: Keep background neutral to let applique stand out.

How to Keep Your Zig Zag Quilt Looking Modern

If you want your zig zag quilt to feel fresh instead of traditional, focus on:

  • Value contrast over print variety
    • Bigger blocks over tiny repeats
    • White or low-volume backgrounds
    • Limited color palettes
    • Clean quilting lines (straight-line quilting works beautifully)

Modern quilting is less about complexity and more about intentional simplicity.

Zig zags are timeless — but with the right fabric and scale, they can feel completely current.