Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Connect the Dot Design Samples

This past fall at the Uncommon Threads Quilt Guild's Annual Retreat I launched a new class, Connect the Dot Design, a class where design is made a simple as a connect the dot picture.
The class was a success. After finishing teaching it the first time I decided that more samples were needed than just drawings on paper.
So I pieced one. Nice black and white for contrast (un-quilted at the moment).


































As well as a sampler. (detail)

It is easy to see who else was at retreat. Our national teachers was Susan Cleveland.
http://www.piecesbewithyou.com/
She is the "Piping Hot Binding" lady
http://www.piecesbewithyou.com/patterns_pipinghotbinding_detail.htm
Her work is pretty special. I have loved seeing images of it, the chance to see it up close was even better. I love her simple, graphic approach to design. One thing she shared was a nifty use of a thicker thread like her 12 weight thread, Spagetti, from Wonderfill
http://www.piecesbewithyou.com/patterns_threadspagetti_detail.htm
what was so interesting about using this product is that she suggests using a top thread (like the 12 wt. Spagetti from Wonderfill) in a contrasting colour and matching the bobbin thread to the background fabric. Adjust the tension so that a little pop of bobbin thread 'breaks up' the line of the top thread. The look is more like a hand stitched line.
Nice.
If you know Susan's work you will also see that the choice of solids and graphic background is also a nod to her work. Thanks Susan for your inspiration.

Also - this is one of the first times I have used the beautiful fabrics (that I have had for years) from Carol Bryer Fallert. I loved the graduation of colour - and then wondered what to do with them. This was a good choice.
http://www.bryerpatch.com/cgi-bin/Store/store.cgi?cart_id=8198167.12054.s0&product=Btex_Gradations&productid=2046_11&sales=0&lastmenu=

This class is available for your guild or group. Just let me know!
And yes! it is for complete beginners as well as those with experience in design.