Reflections

I belong to the Waverley Art Quilters and every month we study a different artist or technique. Last month our topic was Reflections.

I could do an entire series on reflections. I am fascinated by them and there are so many ways to put a reflection on a quilt. If I had more time I would do little samples of all the ways I could think of the make a reflection.

Shades of fabric
Paint
Pencils
Tulle
Organza
Raw edge
Applique
Piecing

I think that I will put this idea on my to-do list. Maybe after my latest quilt is finished!

Anyway, as usual I was pressed for time and had to make a decision quickly and sew it up in time for our meeting. I went through my photos and found one of a pelican. It is amazing how many times I have taken a photo in the past and focused on the bird or landscape and cut off the reflection!!

My photography is definitely improving but I was coming from a very low standard!

Reflections © 2013 Linda Steele

I used the fusible raw edge method and it was actually more time consuming than it might look. I printed out the photo on the computer and drew up the main shapes and then blew up the drawing to A3 size and printed it out. I am lucky enough to have an A3 printer at home.

I thought I had a good range of batik fabrics at home but I found that I was lacking the very lights and a lot of my batiks are plain and I think that a small pattern gives a bit more texture and interest.

It looks as if I have to do a bit more shopping!

The hardest part was trying to get the proper value change to make the reflection look realistic.

Reflection detail

I could have taken a lot more time and trouble with this quilt. In fact it was taking so long to choose the fabrics and cut out the pieces I ended up simplifying my original drawing.

I used a metallic thread to quilt the water and reflection but it doesn't seem to show up in the photo.
At least I managed to get it done in time for our meeting.

Bye for now,
Linda