Lacking the functions and materials of a physical quilt means I get to make up new ways to add depth and meaning to the quilts – rather then sitting out in the sun, gaining meaning through usage, I can build in those meanings from the beginnings.

This little gif shows how the layers come together to make the quilt, starting at the full appearance:

First takeaway is the picture overlay – the “age-pattern” of the quilt. It is blurred and reclusive and indistinct, but makes a big difference when it’s not there.

Then the color correction – sometimes with the addition of fabric textures, the original color palatte shifts – this changes it one more time, sometimes dramatically. Contrast can be added in – I always try for a quilt that looks stunning in black and white, too – it means the values in the quilt are effective.

I always add a fabric texture to the quilt – warp and weft – I manufacture the texture myself, starting with a base of woodgrain and manipulating it.

And finally, the base quilt is what I get out of illustrator. In theory, I love the clean look. In practice, all those crisp blocks of colors itch at me to add texture, drama, punch up the colors – I love being able to combine the two.

Here’s how I add the picture/age/specific memory to the piece:

I convert the chosen picture to black and white, highlighting certain areas by manipulating the colors.

I blur the picture outrageously, to be left with indistinct areas of light and shadow.

I melt the picture over the quilt, stopping when it’s still having an impact, without being of more importance then the patchwork pattern itself.

Hopefully that gives you some insight into some of the things I mention on the blog – thanks again for checking these out!