Joyce R. Becker - Quick Little Landscape Quilts: 24 Easy Techniques to Create a Masterpiece

Text copyright 2011 by Joyce R. Becker

Artwork copyright 2011 by C&T Publishing, Inc.

Publisher: Amy Marson

Creative Director: Gailen Runge

Acquisitions Editor: Susanne Woods

Editor: Jake Finch

Technical Editor: Teresa Stroin

Copyeditor/Proofreader: Wordfirm Inc.

Cover/Book Designer: Kristen Yenche

Production Coordinator: Jenny Leicester

Production Editor: Julia Cianci

Illustrator: Jenny Leicester

Photography by Christina Carty-Francis and Diane Pedersen of C&T Publishing, Inc., unless otherwise noted

Published by C&T Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 1456, Lafayette, CA 94549

All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be used in any form or reproduced by any meansgraphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or information storage and retrieval systemswithout written permission from the publisher. The copyrights on individual artworks are retained by the artists as noted in Quick Little Landscape Quilts. These designs may be used to make items only for personal use or donation to nonprofit groups for sale. Each piece of finished merchandise for sale must carry a conspicuous label with the following information: Designs copyright 2011 by Joyce R. Becker from the book Quick Little Landscape Quilts from C&T Publishing, Inc.

Attention Teachers: C&T Publishing, Inc., encourages you to use this book as a text for teaching. Contact us at 800-284-1114 or www.ctpub.com for lesson plans and information about the C&T Creative Troupe.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Becker, Joyce R.

Quick little landscape quilts : 24 easy techniques to create a masterpiece / Joyce R. Becker.

p. cm.

ISBN 978-1-60705-010-0 (softcover)

1. Machine appliqu. 2. Machine quilting. 3. Miniature quilts. 4. Fabric pictures. 5. Landscapes in art. I. Title.

TT779.B398 2010

746.445--dc22

2010015796

Printed in China

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Dedication

To the love of my life, Donald, who keeps me laughing in spite of lifes hiccups.

Acknowledgments

To C&T for continued support, especially Amy Marson and Gailen Runge; my editors, Jake Finch, Teresa Stroin, and Julia Cianci; Jenny Leicester, my production coordinator; Kristen Yenche, my designer; and the photo studio. Thanks to Todd Hensley, CEO of C&T Publishing, for continuing to publish quality books. Special thanks to the contributing artists for allowing me to publish their works of art in this book. To my dear friends and family, thank you for your undying support.

Guiding Light, by Joyce R. Becker

Outside mat measurement: 10 8

Inside mat measurement: 7 5

Heres a mini that was incredibly easy to make. It almost made itself, it was so darn simple! There are only four fabrics in this mini-landscape. To create perspective, I placed an overlay of white tulle in the distance, and I enhanced the value of the grass in the foreground with a green Tsukineko ink. For added realism, I sponged the waves with white textile paint and deepened the hue of the water with a blue wax pastel.

As I travel around the world, I find quilters are anxious to learn my landscape quilt techniques but are often looking for a quick fix, or a faster, easier way to create landscapes. Many quilters seem to be project-oriented and want to finish a project in one sitting. With that in mind, Ive developed a new series of matted and framed mini-landscapes suitable for all levels of quilting and sewing enthusiasts. I know many quilters around the globe do not have the opportunity to take workshops, and consequently, they learn their techniques strictly from books. This book is structured specifically so anyone can design and create a mini-landscape.

Most of the miniature landscapes included in this book were designed and fused or glued onto fast2fuse, a stiff interfacing, then stitched into place free-motion with invisible thread. After the designs are stitched and embellished (if desired), they are placed inside a photo mat and framed like a photo (minus the glass). Mini-landscapes are wonderful pieces of art and quick and easy gifts for friends and family. In fact, I designed many of the mini-landscapes included in this book as Christmas gifts for family and friends. Unfortunately, I had to hand out IOUs when I decided to write this book!

Once you try crafting a mini-landscape, Im sure youll be hooked and go on to make several designs. I can see these techniques blossoming into mini-landscape parties, where friends and family join in and create their own works of art. Wouldnt it be great fun to see what your children or grandchildren could come up with as well? Kids can create their own mini-landscapes with just a bit of guidance. Consider themed mini-landscapes, such as seasonal projects or those for holidays, celebrations of family vacations, or poignant memories. The possibilities are endless. Lets get going

One of the reasons mini-landscapes are so much fun to create is that you probably have most of the materials on hand already. Your basic sewing supplies, augmented by fancy threads, stash finds, and heavyweight interfacing, will lead you to a beautiful mini-landscape project.

Your completed mini-landscape will be matted and framed; you wont need batting and backing. Build your design on a piece of fast2fuse, cut to your mats outer perimeter.

Fast2fuse interfacings

My interfacing of choice is fast2fuse. Its easy to stitch on, stable, and fusible. Your designs background fabrics are fused to the fast2fuse with an iron and a Teflon pressing sheet. If fast2fuse isnt available, other interfacing can be substituted, including Timtex or Pellon Peltex single-sided fusible interfacings. I like fast2fuse because its thinner than the others. You can buy fast2fuse by the yard or in craft packages.