There was lots of energy, colorful fabric and fun when I met up with the quilters of the Southern Crescent for a “Floral Improv” class.
First, students learned how to make free-form “daisies” and “poppies.” No rulers or patterns, please!
Evie chose bright colors with a darker background.
Ellen chose complementary colors
After creating their flowers, students learned about composition as they arranged all their elements and added stems and leaves. Some liked high contrast foliage.
MJ’s stems added a lot of contrast so she decided to omit the leaves
Others wanted very low contrast.
Brenda opted for vibrant flowers and played down the vegetation.
Students carefully considered each option and made their own decisions at every turn.
Sherri’s sherbert colors and dark contrasts really popped.
Steph chose subdued colors and they worked beautifully.
Candy selected both high and low contrast flowers.
After fusing everything in place it was time to add contrast stitching (usually black) to the poppies. Can you see how it adds definition?
Kathy’s garden even had a horizon.
Although most of the students made a horizontal quilt (which is easier,) Laura challenged herself with a vertical orientation. It gives more of a bouquet effect.
Laura’s vertical composition.
Several students added snap dragons to their pieces. (See also Kathy above.)
Sarah made excellent progress.
A couple of students deviated from the norm, which I whole-heartedly endorse!
Wanda brought lots of interesting foliage options with her. And some of her flowers even have fur centers!
Heather wanted to increase the contrast between her white daisies and her background fabric. So she brought a lot of precut black tulle circles with her. They worked very well and also added interest.
Layers of black tulle add interest to Heather’s piece.
These quilts are all shown at the end of a one day class. Didn’t they accomplish a lot?
I’d love to come teach this class for your guild!
Ellen Lindner
P.S. We learned that paper backed fusible web slows things down. I’ll be recommending paperless fusible in the future.
The paper wasn’t technically difficult, but it would be wise to remove it BEFORE you spend time on placement of the flowers! We had such fun in the class. Thanks, Ellen.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Candy. Me too! Everyone did such great work.
We loved the class. Thanks for showing our work on your blog!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Sarah! And thanks for letting me show off your work! Thanks, too, for meeting me at the airport.
Fabulous class! I completed my machine quilting the next day and it is ready to hang on the wall. Thank you so much Ellen.
Evie
Way to go, Evie! I’d love to see a photo of your finished quilt! You have a great guild. I was impressed by the camaraderie and willingness to help.