|
|
|
Imperial Bay
Skill Builder
Using Large-scale Fabrics
Do you often wonder what to do with fabrics that have lovely large-scale motifs? Using them can present problems because random cutting often gives unexpected results that can be either good or bad. To showcase these fabrics properly, choose designs with large patches that allow you to feature motifs, and use quieter, less-busy fabrics to support them.
Our cutting and piecing strategy for Imperial Bay included two approaches for the large-scale black print used in the block and setting patches. Instead of fussy cutting a specific motif and using it repeatedly for each A patch, we cut the fabric without regard to the print, giving a serendipitous look to the quilt. This technique creates interest by making each block and setting square unique. Notice that the blue, cream, and gold tone-on-tone prints complement the colors in the motifs and unify the block (Fig. 1).
Also note that the small triangle C patches and corner E patches are cut randomly from this same large-scale black print. Here, some of the colors of the large-scale print fall along the seam lines and blend with the adjacent supporting colors (Fig. 2). The contrast between the patchwork is indistinct, thereby inviting the viewer to find connections–a second way to approach using large-scale prints.
|
