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.)
Click any image for a larger view
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.
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.
And most of the green pieces. Hmm, as suspected they sort of merge together. I’ll have to work on that.
But first, I went ahead with something I was confident about: fuchsia tips. First, audition time.
And here they all are in place.
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
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.
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.)