Portrait Quilts -- Turn a Photo into a Quilt

Portrait Quilts -- Turn a Photo into a Quilt

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!

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40 comments

Your grandmother is beautiful I need to learn how to do this.

Rebecca Chianese

Just beautiful…i want to do a photo of my Mom. But havent had the courage to start. Thx for sharing. Great job!!!

Sally

As soon as I saw your picture I remembered passport photos of my mother and father taken after WW2 that I photoshopped for their anniversary one year. Those pictures would make awesome quilts, but I’m not sure how to start. Is there a tutorial for doing this? Would appreciate any help. Thanks!

Lillianne

BEAUTIFUL……

Peggy Goldie

these quilts fascinate me. I took a class once but have never finished my face portrait. Maybe I should get it it out and finish quilting it to see how it turns out. I love your art.

Norrine

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