Ellen Lindner: Art & Creativity

Even before finishing this little quilt I knew it needed a border.  But, I had already trimmed it!  What to do?  For starters, I went ahead and completely finished it, facing it as usual.

Then, I decided to make an entirely new background quilt to serve as the border.  Later, I joined them together:  a quilt upon a quilt.

I’m big on making sure the border is integrated with the interior design of the quilt.  In this case, I knew that dark browns, blacks, and greys would do the trick.  But how to best use them?  Other than color, I complimented the inital design by:
– Tearing all fabrics, giving them a frayed edge like the interior fabrics,
– Tilting the border fabrics to align with the streets,
– Quilting the border with the lines of the original quilt.

I’m happy with the overall effect.  Based on an old map, this quilt is called When the Town was Young.

What creative solutions have you used for borders?

If you’re interested in more border suggestions, be sure to read the free article on my website.

Ellen Lindner
P.S.  Here’s another quilt which challenged me with the border design.

 Inspired by an old map, I’ve been working on this little quilt for a while.  I wanted to experiment with sheer fabrics, so the background is loaded with a wide variety of them.   The list includes cheesecloth, lots of decorator fabrics, and even an embroidered sheer fabric from Mood Fabrics (of Project Runway fame.)   I’ve also used paper and loosely woven craft ribbon.

Click any image for a larger view

The little rectangular patches very roughly mimic the locations of buildings on the map.  Rows of stitching indicate fields.

The lower left focal portion of the quilt has the building fabrics as the top layer.  In the “outskirts” of town, many of the shapes are trapped under one or more layers of sheers.  Black outline stitching helps them show up.  (Detail below)

As I was making this quilt, (only 18 x 12,) I realized it needed a border.  I tackled that in a rather unique way.  See my next post.

What I’ve learned:
– Layers of sheers add interest.  Especially when used to mute colors.
– Adding layer upon layer of these fabrics takes a while.  For me, the effect is probably not worth it.  I’m glad I tried it, but I don’t think I’ll use this technique again.

What techniques have you tried but then decided not to use?

Ellen Lindner

Several months ago, I participated in a “White on White” challenge.  One of the designs I considered using was based on an old map.  Here it is:  a poster made from an old map of Culpeper, VA.  (I grew up near here, so it has special interest for me.)

The combination of the glossy poster finish and the dark damage spots make it hard to photograph.  Click the image if you want a better view.

One of the most interesting things about the map is that it was drawn in 1863, when Grant’s army occupied the town.  As a matter of fact, military tents are included on the map.  Perhaps you can just make them out on the detail image below.

Although I chose a different idea for my White on White challenge, I eventually decided to work with this map, as well.  Being true to the original challenge, I elected to make the quilt 18″ wide x 12″ tall. 

My first task was to select a portion of the map with the needed proportions, so I could use it as a reference.  The section below is the one I chose, enlarging and tilting it to help with the composition.

I’ve been working on this little quilt for a while now, and I’m happy with the way it has progressed.  Photos soon.

Ellen Lindner
P.S.  See my White on White piece, Winter Maple.

I’ve been spending lots of time in waiting rooms and doctors offices lately, and I decided I needed a hand project to pass the time.  So, I dug through my UFOs (unfinished objects) in search of something to hold my interest.

I decided on this small collage.

I made it several years ago, with scraps left over from an Emily Richardson workshop.  I thought it was a good candidate for some hand stitching, so I went to work.  (Click on the image to see a larger view.)

I have no plans for this piece.  I’m just enjoying playing with it.  Maybe it will be suitable for framing.

An added bonus of having handwork in the waiting room is that it’s a great conversation starter.  Wonderful for my high social need!

Ellen Lindner

On a recent visit to Little Rock, I stopped in at The Stitchin’ Post.  I enjoyed perusing the quilt supplies, which occupied about 3/4 of the store.  But what really blew my mind was the remaining portion of the store, which featured heirloom sewing.  Oh my gosh!  All the little baby samples were so delicate and beautiful.

Click any image for a larger view

And, there were tons of smocked garments, as well as smocking supplies.

And extraordinary lace and such.

The store was a visual feast and I loved it!  If you’re in Little Rock, I think you’d enjoy it.

Ellen Lindner

The final installment of work from the Dirty Dozen Fiber Artists.

Click any image for a larger view

Made by Peg Horsfield

Made by Ruth Anne Parker

 

Ellen Lindner

Click any image for a larger view

Made by Jill Brown

More great quilts from the Dirty Dozen Fiber Artists.  Click any image for a larger view.

Made by Dij Pacarro

Made by Elizabeth King

My local fiber art group, Dirty Dozen Fiber Artists, currently has an exhibit in Melbourne, FL.  As usual, the exhibit features many wonderful pieces.

Click any image for a larger view

Made by Andrea Luliak

Made by Barbara Bilbo

Made by Bev O'ConnellMade by Dij Pacarro

Hope you get to see it in person:

October 1st through October 31st,
Boutique 4 Quilters
2945 W. New Haven Ave., West Melbourne, FL 
Store hours are M-F 9:30-5, Sat. 9:30-4. Phone 321-768-2060

Ellen Lindner

In a recent Design Your Own Nature Quilt class, Carma Spencer created a wonderful quilt.  Here’s a photo of the finished piece, Think Big.

Click image for a larger view.

Carma started with her own photo, decided on the best composition, created a simple sketch, and began to cut and place  fabric. Working loosely, she interpreted mulch with not only brown fabrics, but also purple, black and red ones.  Multiple flower and leaf fabrics continued the feel.

In order to maintain the proportions of her sketch Carma constantly reminded herself to enlarge the flowers.  This concept was so important to her that she named her quilt accordingly.  Great job, Carma!

Ellen Lindner
P.S.  I teach Design Your Own Nature Quilt online.  You can learn more about it and/or sign up for advance notice here.