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Inspiration to Quilt
Last week I went for a 30 minute walk and snapped photos for inspiration (read it here if you missed it) and this week I'm going to use one of the photos I took to start working on a new quilt. There is a little ground work to do first before I can get to the sewing machine or even the cutting board but all these things will make for a better result.
Ideas for Quilt Making On the Spur of the Moment
Today, Tuesday, is always the day I publish my blog post. I've been doing this for years now.... and usually, before Tuesday I have an idea of what I want to blog about. Often I have some ground work done as well, however, this morning I come up with a blank. No prep work, no ideas. I have heaps of notes, journals and ideas that I could use so spent an hour or more, sifting through these, but nothing sparked my interest..... and anything that did, actually would have taken more than a day to prepare, create, photograph, and write about.
My Next Cut Up Quilt
If you follow along, you'll know what I've been doing over the last few weeks. If not, then I suggest you go back and read last week's blog post.
The Result of Me Cutting Up a Quilt
Last week, if you read my blog post, you knew I was about to head to the cutting table and cut up a perfectly good quilt which only needed binding to finish - well I did it - yes I cut it up into strips and it was more fun than it should have been! ..... let me also say here, that last week, in one of my groups - unrelated - there was mention of 'falling down a rabbit hole'. I think this is a great description of what happened with this project too.
A Challenge - in more than one way!
I don't know if you've heard, but we are back in lockdown again.... I was hoping we were over that but no, it continues into 2021... and to be fair, right back at the start of last year when we first went into that dreaded level 4, I predicted we'd still be having problems this time next year!
The Importance of Numbering and Overlaps in Applique
Many applique patterns don't have any numbering sequence. Simple designs simply don't need them, but for more detailed patterns, it certainly helps make construction easier so this is why I include them in my patterns.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Wherever you go – slow down – take the time to look around you. This is one of my biggest forms of inspiration, especially in art quilts. Do not look at just the scenery though.... also look for shapes, color, and contrast.... stretch your imagination. If you see something of interest, sketch it, write notes or take a photo to remind you. Almost all of us have smartphones on us these days so there should be no excuses to take a snapshot. Don't just think ‘wow that’s so cool, I could use that in a design. I will remember it’. Trust me, you won't. It will get stored somewhere in the back of your mind and you will never retrieve it. However, if you have a note or sketch, you have something to jog that memory or thought of the moment. Keeping a notepad and pencil in your purse or pocket so you have something to write your thoughts and sights with or get familiar with the camera on your phone so you can snap photos anytime. You can even record your thoughts!
Change from 2011 into 2021
As I mentioned earlier, it's been 20 years since I started online teaching so today I decided to take a look at what I was doing 10 years ago and a leap forward into what's happening this year.
Advanced Layered Applique
There are many applique techniques around and in a sense, they can all be considered "layered" as small pieces are piled on top of each other, but there are very few that include full layers of fabric such as in the technique I have developed and taught over the years.
Stained Glass Applique
Stained Glass applique is a really fun way to applique and can be really fast using store-bought bias. I've made a number of quilts using this method - one of my favorite being Scarlet Rose.