Viewing entries tagged with 'quilt'
Quilt Designs as Jigsaw Puzzles
Well I went to get out my quilt today so I could begin stitching and realized I had not brought a variegated pale blue thread with me which is really what I want for the sky. I could start elsewhere but I really prefer starting with the background as you would with applique.
Creating an Illusion
I'm working hard to get my landscape applique in place. With heading down south at the end of the week, I'd really like all the applique done and pressed down - there is no way I'll get it stitched as well, but I will have my older Bernina with me for the second part of my trip so intend doing some stitching while away.
Selecting Fabric Colors for my Quilt
Last week I started designing a new quilt. I manipulated a photo to make a better composition, then printed it out and pinned it to my design wall to think about and consider changes.
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.
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!
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.