Author Archive | Ellen Lindner

Another “Intersection” Abstract

After success creating Segue into Summer, I decided to use it as a loose template for some additional quilts made with hand dyed fabrics.

I’m calling this my “Intersection” series. I plan to use tilted straight lines as the “skeleton” for each one.

First, I pulled out the large scaled hand dyes I wanted to use, plus pretty much everything hand dyed that matched them. What a collection!

An "Intersection" Abstract. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Clearly, some editing was called for, so I pared it down somewhat.

An "Intersection" Abstract. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

And, since I’ve been “learning to like vinegar” (colors, that is,) I added in a few “ugly” colors. I knew they’d add quite a bit of pop, but would need to be used carefully. Can you see them?

An "Intersection" Abstract. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

These are the two fabrics I expected to be the stars of this piece. I dyed and painted them to go together. I  knew I’d need to add additional colors, as well as lights and darks.

An "Intersection" Abstract. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

I started in my usual fashion: creating a muslin base for my composition. I drew on the perimeter lines, as well as the proposed skeletal lines for the design. I’ve make them darker here, so you can see.

An "Intersection" Abstract. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

As you can see, I got my two star fabrics in there right away, using them in the largest sections where they would fit.

Right away, I had to redesign the size of the top right piece, to accommodate the fabric size. The line shows the size I intended that shape to be, but the fabric wasn’t large enough, so that design line got moved higher. That would be change #1 of about 100!

I was off and running. I’ll show you LOTS of trial and error in the next post.

Ellen Lindner

 

 

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Apples a la Asheville

How ’bout them apples?

Apples a la Asheville. Student results from Ellen Lindner's Double Reverse Applique class. AdventureQuilter.com/blog

These are just a few apple projects from my recent “Double Reverse Applique” class in Asheville, NC. The women were adventurous and flexible. It definitely showed as they created a variety of wonderful pieces.

Here’s Nancy with her apple, also shown above.

Apples a la Asheville. Student results from Ellen Lindner's Double Reverse Applique class. AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Marian put her red in the background.

Apples a la Asheville. Student results from Ellen Lindner's Double Reverse Applique class. AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Liz used more subdued colors.Apples a la Asheville. Student results from Ellen Lindner's Double Reverse Applique class. AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Kay didn’t even get the full supply list before coming to class, so she grabbed a bunch of green fabrics and went for it!

Apples a la Asheville. Student results from Ellen Lindner's Double Reverse Applique class. AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Janet stuck with classic colors.Apples a la Asheville. Student results from Ellen Lindner's Double Reverse Applique class. AdventureQuilter.com/blog

As did Diane. But look how different they are!
Apples a la Asheville. Student results from Ellen Lindner's Double Reverse Applique class. AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Once she got home, Chris redid the bottom portion of her piece, making it lighter. You can see her class version in the first photo.

Apples a la Asheville. Student results from Ellen Lindner's Double Reverse Applique class. AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Aren’t these wonderful? Don’t you love the variety? This class is always popular and well received. And I think these photos show why.

Great job, ladies!

Ellen Lindner
P.S. Learn more about bringing this class to your guild or check out the eBook that teaches this technique.

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“Segue Into Summer” Complete

If you’ve been following my blog you know I’ve been learning about printing fabric with thickened dye. And, of course, I was anxious to use them! Plus, I also wanted to try larger scaled abstract pieces, as well as the idea of using a little bit of “ugly” color. All those goals came together in this quilt and I love the result!

Here it is: Segue Into Summer

Seque Into Summer, an art quilt by Ellen Lindner. AdventureQuilter.com

Segue Into Summer

At 44″h x 41″w, it’s larger than most of my quilts.
Here are a couple of detail shots.

Seque into Summer - detail, an art quilt by Ellen Lindner. AdventureQuilter.com

Segue Into Summer - detail, an art quilt by Ellen Lindner. AdventureQuilter.com

Although I started this quilt in April, progress was delayed by several other projects. I’m really glad to have it finished!

Find more information here, including how you can audition this piece in your home.

Ellen Lindner
P.S. I printed/dyed about half of these fabrics. The others were done by Pat Pauly.

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Learning to Like Vinegar

I don’t like the flavor of vinegar but I know that it adds a needed tartness to a variety of dishes.

However I’m starting to like the idea of “vinegar” colors. That is, those colors that are jarring in combination with others, but which also add an interesting bit of “sour.”

My interest began several years ago when I read a quote from art quilter Sally Sellers. She said “It only takes a little ugly to make the other colors sing.” Wow! The idea of using something you considered ugly was very shocking to me. But, somehow it sounded legit.

So I worked up my courage and challenged myself to use a hideous color in my next quilt. The hideous color? Lime green. At the time I HATED it!!!

This is the result, Solar Tide.

Solar Tide, an art quilt by Ellen Lindner. AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Solar Tide

Surprisingly, I really like the results. And even back in the day of still hating lime green I could see the quilt was better because of its inclusion. Shocking!

More recently, I sought out a little ugly for this quilt, Palm Fronds.

Palm Fronds, an art quilt by Ellen Lindner. AdventureQuilter.com

Palm Fronds

In this case yellow-orange serves the purpose. What do you think? It adds some pop, right?

Then I took a class with Pat Pauly and saw through her examples that she fully embraces this concept.

Dying with Pat Pauly. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog
Since then I’ve been trying to use it more. I find it somewhat challenging, but very exhilarating. This piece is almost finished, Segue into Summer.

And this yet un-named piece is currently in-progress.


I would GREATLY appreciate your feedback on this concept. Although I’m enjoying adding this vinegar, I know that many people may not care for it. What’s your preference? I truly want to know (and I won’t be offended!)

But, for the record, you still won’t get me to eat a pickle! A girl’s gotta have standards, after all.

Ellen Lindner

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More Fiber Art in Dunedin

In addition to the fabulous work of Lorraine Turner, the Dunedin Fine Arts Center, (in Dunedin, FL) has an abundance of textile art on display. One of the exhibits is the “New Quilts from an Old Favorite: Bowtie.” Although they all include (or reference) the bowtie block, they’re very creative.

Another space features the work of Jane Sassaman. She’s known for her use of bright colors, stylized floral imagery, and satin stitching.

This is her quilt Illinois Album.

And this is a detail shot.

Another gallery showcased the work of Sheila Frampton Cooper. She creates abstract designs, using bright colors and solid fabrics.

This is her Venus in the Garden.

And a detail shot.

We enjoyed these quilts but my group was really blown away when we saw the work upstairs. That exhibit featured the work of the Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild. These creative artists presented a very diverse array of textile art.

This is called Through the Veil and it was made by Aida Sheets and Sarah Butz. Materials include a variety of papers:  handmade tree bark paper, vellum, and brown wrapping paper. They were rather loosely held together so  the whole thing floated slightly away from the wall.

As you can see in this detail shot, the papers were printed and perforated, adding more subtle interest.  We loved this piece!

This piece was also made by Sarah Butz, called Floating Through the Universe.

Tattered Garment Jacket, by Sandra Black was another group favorite.

I think you can see that the serged seams are exposed, and other little texture items have been added.

Sherry Dorst Created these wonderful woven pieces, Gift 1, 2, & 4. They were some of my favorites. How can you not like all that color draping from the ceiling?

But, the piece I wanted to take home was this one. It’s called Moebious Volley, by Carolyn Kosser. Don’t you think it would look good against my “paprika” colored dining room walls?

I think you’d really enjoy a visit to the Dunedin Fine Arts Center to see all these wonderful textile pieces! If you’re near Tampa before August 18th, you’ll have your chance.

Ellen Lindner

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Lorraine Turner and Her Calico Horses

The Dunedin Fine Arts Center, in Dunedin, FL is currently bursting with several EXTRAORDINARY collections of fiber art! For starters, take a look at the work of Lorraine Turner.

This is her piece Unbridled Sea Horses.

Lorraine Turner and Her Calico Horses. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Now, take a look at the ABUNDANCE of texture she’s added with doilies, sheer fabrics, and such. Amazing, right?

Lorraine Turner and Her Calico Horses. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

She calls this quilt Three Bankers.

Lorraine Turner and Her Calico Horses. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Again, what detail!

Lorraine Turner and Her Calico Horses. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

As you can tell, Lorraine is passionate about wild animals and she often dreams about them. Wind Whisperers focuses on wild wolves.

Lorraine Turner and Her Calico Horses. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Lorraine Turner and Her Calico Horses. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

And here’s Calico Messengers.

Lorraine Turner and Her Calico Horses. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Lorraine’s work is a good example of why artists love to work with fabric. She clearly “paints with fabric,” and the additional texture puts it over the top.

Her work, along with quite a few other exhibits can be seen through August 18th, 2019. If you’re on the west coast of Florida this summer, a trip to the Dunedin Center for Fine Arts is well worth your while.

Ellen Lindner

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Post Commission Celebration

Wow, I’ve just finished THREE commissions for a major medical facility in Rochester, MN. I can’t tell you how good it feels to finally ship them off!

All 3 quilts were to be very similar to this one, Garden Frolic.

Floral Improv class sample. Taught by Ellen Lindner, AdventurQuilter.com

Garden Frolic, Ellen Lindner

The first two were meant to hang together, 9″ apart. These are the finished pieces, Garden Two-Step I and II. (Shown with the appropriate space between them.)

Garden Two-Step #1 and #2. Art quilts by Ellen Lindner. AdventureQuilter.com

Garden Two-Step #1 and #2

I was happy with them. It wasn’t that artistically exciting doing something so similar to an earlier quilt, but I didn’t really mind it.

Then came number 3. Again, very similar to the original, but larger. I altered the background color and composition slightly, but the client didn’t go for it. So, I had to change it to be more like the inspiration quilt. Although I was happy with the resulting quilt, I was mostly happy to finish it!!!

This is Garden Boogie,  although the photo is a little dark. The colors are actually very similar to those shown above.

Garden Boogie, a commissioned art quilt by Ellen Lindner. AdventureQuilter.com/blog

I was happy to receive this commission. BUT, I didn’t enjoy making so many similar quilts and I don’t plan to do it again!

Ellen Lindner
P.S. I’ve done other commissions with more artistic latitude and I enjoyed those very much. See a couple in the links below.

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“Floral Improv” in Hollywood, FL

Most of my classes are geared toward somewhat traditional quilters who want to try art quilting, but aren’t quite sure where to start. Floral Improv is a perfect example of this. In it students learn how to make two types of stylized flowers without any patterns. Then, they learn about composition, and construct everything with raw edges and sketch-style stitching. Definitely new territory for most participants.

But, the group in Hollywood, FL handled it like troopers. First came the flowers.

Floral Improv in Hollywood FL. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Floral Improv in Hollywood FL. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Floral Improv in Hollywood FL. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Then, composing the flowers into a pleasing arrangement. No leaves and stems to start with.

Floral Improv in Hollywood FL. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Sorry, but I didn’t record who made this. If anyone knows, please tell me.

Finally, the stems and leaves are added.

Floral Improv in Hollywood FL. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Denise’s strong contrasts create a lot of drama.

 

Floral Improv in Hollywood FL. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Nora tried a few additional things on her own, which I heartily endorse.

 

Floral Improv in Hollywood FL. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Ellen successfully used some small strips (as stems) that she had leftover from a previous project.

 

Floral Improv in Hollywood FL. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Robbin chose very subtle stems and leaves, allowing the flowers to POP.

 

Floral Improv in Hollywood FL. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Betty had hers almost ready for stitching. (And, yes, we had a younger sewer visit our class.)

 

Floral Improv in Hollywood FL. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Annette added a lot of whimsy with polka dots and plaids. They really show up well against her dark background.

I did a shortened class for this group, so they didn’t get to do a lot of stitching. Can you believe they achieved all of this in only 4 1/2 hours? It was a very successful day!

Ellen Lindner
P.S. I’d love to come teach this class for your group.

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The Artwork of Tanja Boudal

In conjunction with the “Forced to Flee” exhibit, there’s also a presentation of artwork by Tanja Boudal and it’s VERY interesting.

The majority of the pieces on display are like those shown here. As I understand it, she finds media pictures showing women in the midst of struggles and prints them on to fabric. She then alters one of the women using white fabric and black stitching. It’s a very striking effect.

The artwork of Tanja Boukal. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

One wall featured these pieces mounted perpendicular to the wall. This gives an interesting perspective and also makes a visually intriguing presentation.

The artwork of Tanja Boukal. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

This is the back side of the piece shown above.

The artwork of Tanja Boukal. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Most fascinating, however, are the pieces made with a technique Boukal calls shadow knitting.

This one is of an Indian activist named Phoolan Devi. VERY subtle, right?

The artwork of Tanja Boukal. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

Now, check out this detail shot of the eyes. Invisible, I’d say.

The artwork of Tanja Boukal. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

But, look what happens when you view the piece from the side.

The artwork of Tanja Boukal. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

And here’s another, featuring Sarah-Ginaite.

The artwork of Tanja Boukal. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

I have no idea how she does this! I need to go back and see these pieces again.

You can see them, too, through August 24th in Melbourne, FL. They’re at the Ruth Funk Center for Textile Arts, which is always free. Enjoy!

Ellen Lindner

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A Tale of Two Extremes

Sometimes I dye specialty fabrics: those that are almost a full design and that will be big players in a future design. After a class with Pat Pauly, I’m now designing such fabrics to have larger patterns. (These are harder for me to use, but do wonderful things in a composition, once I get it figured out.)

This is one of my favorite specialty fabrics, started in class with Pat and completed at home.

I’m not sure whether those shapes are spears, spades, or leaves, but I love them. AND the colors!

And this is my all-time favorite (so far.) I’m in love with it!

A Tale of Two Extremes

The open circles, above, were made with a 2 piece newspaper stencil. Surprisingly, the newspaper left an imprint in the center of the circles. Can you make it out? I liked it and decided to emulate it for the background. I was SO happy with the result. Some black lines finished it off, (although I need to give them more forethought next time.)

I have some other fabrics that are sorta specialty. That is, their designs are smaller in scale, meaning they can be cut up more easily. But, I’ll still need to be very thoughtful about how I use them

A Tale of Two Extremes

A Tale of Two Extremes

Don’t you love this one, above? It was initially monochromatic, but I added the hand-painted fuchsia to give it a pop. Definitely a good decision!

Then, there are those fabrics that fall on the other end of the spectrum: the ones that will be hard to use. Perhaps they have a strong contrast or unusual colors. Like these.

A Tale of Two Extremes

What would you do with that jarring fuchsia and bright yellow piece bottom right? I’m pretty sure I’ll
A) cut it in such a way so as to isolate a color or pattern, and
B) use very small amounts of it as an accent.

At some point I know that these oddball fabrics will be just the thing I’m looking for.

I’m having fun staring at these fabrics, plotting how I might use them, and finishing up some other stuff so I can get to it!

Ellen Lindner

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