Have you ever wanted to turn a photograph into a quilt?
That's exactly what we've been doing in the Meander Quilt Guild this month!
I started with a photo of my beautiful Grandmother, Dorothy, taken right around the time of her wedding. Isn't she stunning?
I then turned that photograph into a design that I could use. And for Portraits I really like to use value instead of color to create the design, so I pay close attention to the lights and darks, ignoring the realistic color entirely.
I then translated that design into fabric using my raw-edge appliqué method. I am really pleased with how this one turned out, and I want to start another one with this same portrait, but maybe with more warm colors or prints! Or even make it scrappy! We'll see...
This has quickly become one of our Meander Member's favorite workshops! So many of our members have been sharing their portrait plans and designs in our private Facebook group, it's been a lot of fun to see! Maybe I'll do another post in the future of our members' Portrait Quilts!
Here is a photo of my Grandmother on her wedding day. This one might need to become a quilt one day too, though the lace detail might prove tricky. I love these photos. She passed away in 2018, and I miss her everyday.
Now, I'd love to hear from you! If you were to turn a photograph into a quilt, who would you choose to be the subject? A child or grandchild? A pet? A wedding photo? Leave a comment below and let us know!
40 comments
I like the succinct nature of your presentation and the lack of ego coming ahead of your ideas.
I have done a few picture quilts. Granddaughters at the beach, a friends dog, and my son and daughter in laws wedding.
I have plans to do one of my mother from the 50s. It is a favorite photo of mine. She was a classy lady. She passed in 2015. I think I can through it now. I plan to make one for my brother and sister as well. The ones I do are usually create are 11x 14. They have many small pieces. And end up being framed.
I also need to do one of my grandson.
Beautiful! You have my head spinning! Wow! I would love to make a portrait quilt of my parents.
I’d love to hear and learn more. ;)
As soon as I saw your grandma’s picture, I thought, this is where Shannon got her looks!
For the wedding portrait, how about appliqueing on some lace, either from her actual dress or some that is similar?
Sue Porter