Yes, it has been quiet around here as I re-coup a bit of energy and let the back heal. I managed to get the two tops pinned and ready for quilting. One is under the needle....only about 1/3 done, as my stitching time is quite short, maybe 15 minutes at a time. So, I haven't really begun anything new. I think I just pushed way to hard the last couple of months. So I am just taking a break.
I have had a few questions from new followers---welcome!---and I thought I would give some general response to them, too.
Do you use watercolor kits?
No, I have a very large stash of floral fabrics. The problem I see with the kits is the limited variety in the selection of squares they send. One fat quarter of a good floral print will give you 80 or 90 squares to work with. By a "good floral print" I mean one that is on either a light beige or tan background and the floral print is spread out and full of color. The photo on the right is an assortment of the type of prints I am referring to. The value range is from very light to quite dark. You need them all!
See the full tutorial here. Two methods of design and construction....find the one you like and try it.
Persistence is the key to this technique....and using a value viewer / ruby beholder. Practice blending fabrics. You want a smooth transition from one to the next.
That is probably the second most asked question I get.....how do I create the glow? Value!
Once you get the hang of it, you can put value to work for you in just about any quilt you make. Value gives you the sparkle by using the contrast of light and dark.
I will share a few examples in the next couple of days....just to give you some inspiration.
Happy stitching.
I have had a few questions from new followers---welcome!---and I thought I would give some general response to them, too.
Do you use watercolor kits?No, I have a very large stash of floral fabrics. The problem I see with the kits is the limited variety in the selection of squares they send. One fat quarter of a good floral print will give you 80 or 90 squares to work with. By a "good floral print" I mean one that is on either a light beige or tan background and the floral print is spread out and full of color. The photo on the right is an assortment of the type of prints I am referring to. The value range is from very light to quite dark. You need them all!
See the full tutorial here. Two methods of design and construction....find the one you like and try it.
Persistence is the key to this technique....and using a value viewer / ruby beholder. Practice blending fabrics. You want a smooth transition from one to the next.
That is probably the second most asked question I get.....how do I create the glow? Value!
Once you get the hang of it, you can put value to work for you in just about any quilt you make. Value gives you the sparkle by using the contrast of light and dark.
I will share a few examples in the next couple of days....just to give you some inspiration.
Happy stitching.
So good to see you. Really good post. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHere's to healing!!!!! Be Well, *karendianne.
Take time to heal, love seeing your post on watercolor - learning about value is helpful with all aspects of quilting.
ReplyDeleteTake care of your back & rest when you can. Thanks for the info on the watercolor quilts. Your swatches are a big help to what types of florals to look for when buying for watercolor. A doll quilt would be a great way to practice making a colorwash quilt.
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking about emailing you yesterday to check on you, I'm sorry your back is still hurting, take it easy, you know not to push it. I need to order that grid you use, I love the time it saves. When you taught me watercolors I didn't have a ruby viewer and did the black and white photo trick, it worked like a charm.
ReplyDeleteI really need to work on a watercolor quilt. I have a "kit" that comes from a great quilter/teacher that should make a nice small watercolor quilt. I have a value viewer sheet from my art classes. I just keep forgetting to use it. Maybe now, thanks to your inspiration, I will pull the kit and the viewer out and get to work on it.
ReplyDeleteYou are smart to pace yourself. I hope you can feel improvement as you slow things down.
ReplyDeleteYour watercolor quilts truly do glow. You have really mastered the technique and it shows!!