Thursday Thirteen – 13 Tips for Quilting Inspiration & Design
October 16, 2008 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Home & Living
THURSDAY THIRTEEN
Often it’s difficult to find inspiration for quilting designs. You feel you’ve made the same thing over and over, so want some new ideas. But where do you come up with something unique and different?
Here are some tips on finding inspiration and new ideas. Some may work for you.
- Look at the different shades of green in the trees and shrubs, flowers and grass around you. I first realized the many variations when taking an art course and the instructor pointed this out.
- Find a photo of a place you’ve visited and see what ideas you glean from it.
- Take several pieces of fabric from your stash. Toss them on the table or carpet and see if they suggest ideas or combinations. Try again if the first time doesn’t work.
- Look at shadows on snow in reality or a shadow. Very little is pure white.
- Take pieces of outgrown children’s clothes and make a memory quilt.
- Combine neckties of your dad’s, uncle’s or other family member.
- Attend a quilt show or display for inspiraton…not to copy but to get ideas.
- If you’re to make a quilt gift for someone, ask their favorite colors.
- Select a theme such as “Day at the Beach,” “Picnic in childhood,” “Camping in the mountains,” “First Day of School,” and sketch a design based on it.
- Arrange a collection of shells, stones, jewelry, mementoes, etc. and see what impressions they give you.
- Take pictures of categories – old barns, stone walls, rail fences, clouds, flowers and find inspiration in them.
- Look at textures – tree bark, sand, river rocks, house siding, and others.
- Try portraits of people, either done realistically or impressionistic.
Do you find any ideas here to inspire you?
How do you find inspiration for your quilting work?
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
How about, Buy vintage photographs and make up a story about the people…
Your tips for Quilting inspiration and design are wonderful! I find inspiration in my quilting with the fabrics themselves, the designs and colors in different combinations fuel my passion! I especially love the older vintage fabrics and feed sacks with nostalgic patterns and colors.
Some of my best designs magically happen when I am cleaning out my craft stash.