Starting a New “Grassy” Quilt

When I drew the sketch for Palm Fronds, I drew several others in a similar format and size. This is the sketch for Tall Grasses, (working title.)

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Starting a new "Grassy" Quilt.  Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

I envisioned green for the grasses and fuchsia for the tips. I had several fabrics from my first dyeing session and I dyed several more long, skinny green pieces to round out the selection. First, I drew my design onto muslin, and then I began to audition fabrics.

Starting a new "Grassy" Quilt. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

I liked these fabrics but I could see that I would have to be careful with them. The colors and values are very similar, so I knew I’d have to arrange them in such a way as to play up contrasts.

Here are the first few pieces in place.

Starting a new "Grassy" Quilt. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

And most of the green pieces. Hmm, as suspected they sort of merge together. I’ll have to work on that.

Starting a new "Grassy" Quilt. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

But first, I went ahead with something I was confident about: fuchsia tips. First, audition time.

Starting a new "Grassy" Quilt. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

And here they all are in place.

Starting a new "Grassy" Quilt. Ellen Lindner, AdventureQuilter.com/blog

I’m happy with the colors and the composition, but I think I’ll need to either switch out some green fabrics or add fabric strips for contrast. But, I’ll probably do the background first.

Ellen Lindner

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2 Responses to Starting a New “Grassy” Quilt

  1. Candace Hackett Shively (Candy) January 10, 2019 at 8:22 am #

    This is one of my favorite color combinations> I am enjoying watching your process, since I compose on the design wall, too. The difference is that I do not have a sketch first but rather compose with scissors. I am tryin to decide if I would like using a muslin sketch or would find it too restrictive. Thanks for getting me thinking.

    • Ellen Lindner January 12, 2019 at 11:32 am #

      Thanks, Candy.

      I’d really like to compose with scissors, and have tried it, but I’ve found it to be challenging. (We can get each other thinking.)

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