Turn your favorite photographs into fabric works of art with this class from Leni Wiener. Using a still life photograph, work alongside Leni to break the picture into sections, make a pattern, and choose just the right fabrics for each of the sections and the background. Leni shows many of her own quilts and examples of why some fabrics work while others do not. Use her freezer paper method and see how your piece comes together like a puzzle with all the pieces fitting together. See options for constructing your project with or without batting. You can finish it as a quilt or as an art piece with her special pillowcase treatment that allows for easy turning once the stitching is complete. Leni shows how to use her technique with portraits and more complicated images also so you can select photographs you love and use them to make stunning art quilts of your own. For your convenience, this class can be purchased for online viewing or purchased on DVD.
Course Curriculum
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Fabric
- A selection of small cuts of fabric or fat quarters
- Batting: low loft, traditional loft, or Warm & Natural® cotton
- Backing fabric: The amount will depend on the quilt size.
- Note: If you wish to use batting in your art quilt, cotton for the back is fine. If you prefer to have no batting, you will need cotton canvas so the art quilt is stable enough to hang properly. Cotton canvas, also called cotton duck, is available at most fabric stores.
Thread
- Clear monofilament
- Smoke monofilament
- Bobbin wound with black
- Bobbin wound with white
Pins & Needles
- 70 or 80 microtex or universal needles
Sewing Machine Foot
- Darning foot
Cutting Tools
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- Paper scissors
Other Supplies
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- Freezer paper
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- Light box or window
- Mechanical pencil
- Straight pins
- Toothpicks
- Tracing paper
Optional
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- Foam core board
- Binoculars
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Is this technique hard? When I look at Leni’s art quilts, it is intimidating.Photographs are broken down into elements so you are not working on the whole photograph at once. The methods are explained in clear terms and Leni guides you every step of the way as you make the pear project together. Her ability to convey an idea or direction is excellent. Leni spends several lessons on portraits and more complex images if you want to develop the technique even more. Dive in. Make the pears with Leni in class. You’ll be amazed at how much you learn along the way!
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Will I be able to think like an artist when it comes to fabric selection?Leni says, “Color adds drama and excitement.” Feeling confident about fabric selection is important as you engage in this process, and this class may well change the way you look at and purchase fabric! Leni talks about color, value, print scale, saturation, and complementary colors in an easy-to-understand manner. Her examples drive home the ideas she is trying to communicate. This class has such good information about color and fabric selection that it will likely positively affect your color and fabric choices in all of your future art or quilting projects.
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Does Leni always make traditional three-layer quilts using her methods?Traditional quilts (a top, batting, and backing) can be made using Leni’s technique. For a somewhat different finish, Leni shows how to sew projects without batting. Also, she gives a step-by-step demonstration of a pillowcase finish that is easy to turn right-side out. It’s really your choice as to how you would like to finish your fabric art, but Leni gives you several options to consider.
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Do I use a photograph of my own in this class?Leni has provided a photograph of two pears so you can learn the technique along with her. That way, fabric selection and construction will make more sense as you watch the class and duplicate her technique. However, she goes into much detail about selecting photographs so you will know what to look for when you are ready to use one of your own.
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What if I have questions?We recommend that you watch the class in its entirety and become familiar with the downloadable materials. At that point, if something is unclear, go to the tab that allows you to ask a question and Leni will get back with you via email. Please do not contact iquilt instructors by telephone.
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When can I start the class?We know you are excited to get started. After you have purchased the class, you can enjoy it anywhere and anytime you have the Internet. The class belongs to you, so watch it as many times as you like!
Bianca Duncan – :
Linda Dowd – :
Joan Drexler – :
Mary Omara – :
H J DRENNAN – :
Nancy Wilt – :
Lori Boyter – :
Silvia Sarinana – :
advanced students. She has something for every one.
I hope she teaches more classes, specially one on quilting your work of art.
Kari Speckman – :
She created a couple options for me to choose from for my quilt and when I selected one she completed the pattern and emailed it to me.
I am all set to create, and cant wait to work on my quilt and will post as soon as it is done.
Thank you Leni!
Kari
Teri Green – :
Alex Anderson – :
Sharon Lily Selvey-willar – :
Angela McPherson – :
C Lynch – :
Phyllis Vineberg – :