Designing a Farm Quilt
I grew up on a dairy farm which I’ve photographed quite a bit over the years. My favorite view is as you’re driving in and you come over a hill. The farm spreads out before you, with the barns in the distance, and rows of crops on both sides of the road. And the entire view is framed by a large maple tree.
Click an image for a larger view
I studied several photographs and came up with a rough sketch.
As you can see, I’ve changed the scale in order to enhance what I consider to be the important parts. I also took some artistic license with the sweep of the road and the placement of some of the barns and silos. My plan was to make it very stylized with just a few pieces of fabric.
I wanted to make this quilt in very bright colors of blue, green, and yellow. I thought a yellow sky might be interesting, so I pulled out some fabrics to audition the idea.
Hmm. I added hints of blue buildings and a blue tree to get a better idea.
Well, the blue silo showed up well, which I wanted. But, the blue “tree” seemed like it would show up even more, which I didn’t want. The thing about a wacky idea, such as a yellow sky, is that you never know it’s value until you try it. You have to audition it visually, and this experimentation is worth your time!
I decided a blue sky would probably be better. What do you think?
Ellen Lindner
I love the yellow sky. Maybe if the blue tree were a lighter blue. Less value difference would make it more subtle. Leaves could be med. blue. What do you think? My website is in its infancy- a work in progress.
maybe a little purple in with the yellow for sky? blue is so ….so sky
Jane and Becki, I love the way you both think. Like you, I thought the yellow was worth auditioning, since it was so unexpected. Eventually, I went with blue, which you’ll see in coming posts. However, I’m already planning a second farm quilt, so the yellow sky might show up yet.
THANKS for commenting!
Instead of the dark blue for the tree, why not try a lighter blue/gray fabric so that you can keep the yellow sky? Just a thought.
I love your sketch! Will be eager to see all the fabrics you’ve selected, but I must admit I was glad you went with blue sky.
Love the sketch! It really has flow. Eye goes right to the silo. The quilt will be stunning with the blue sky I just viewed in a newer post. Like Martha, above, I am happy to see you decided on the blue sky instead of yellow. The fabric choices are perfect! Thanks for sharing how you audition fabrics. It is a very interesting process, perhaps the most fascinating part once a subject has been selected.
Hi Maeve,
I’m glad you’re enjoying seeing the process. One of the great things about working with fabric is the ability to pin up a piece and try it out.