Supply List
Miniature Landscapes
Susan Brittingham, Instructor
This class introduces some of the major principles of designing realistic landscapes using atmospheric perspective. Emphasis will be on the effective use of color to create the illusion of depth. You can expect to complete at least one small landscape using fusible appliqué by machine, but don't be surprised if you make more than one! You can see some student samples in the main Gallery.
We focus on small, simple landscapes. Designs for several mountain landscapes will be provided, so you do not need to know how to draw. This class does not address in detail how to design an original landscape from a photograph or how to make large quilts. Your finished project will be suitable for framing in an 8" x 10" or 9" x 12" frame, or you may add borders and bind as a small quilt.
To complete your project, you will need a sewing machine; the many layers of these small fused pictures would be very difficult to stitch by hand. It is quite helpful if your machine has an adjustable zigzag stitch and the ability to lower or cover the feed dogs.
You will learn how to
- select fabrics for effective use in landscapes
- observe atmospheric perspective in the world around you
- use your observations to create realistic landscapes from one of the class patterns
- construct fusible machine appliqué
- fuse accurately
You will also learn a variety of ways to finish the edges of your appliqué pieces by machine; how to quilt your landscape as well as some added stitched embellishments and some finishing tips.
SUPPLIES
- A piece of sky fabric approximately 10" x 13"
- Optional: a piece of muslin, 10" x 13" PLUS, if you are new to free-motion sewing, another piece of muslin, about 12" x 12" when doubled, for practice stitching
- A large variety of fabrics which are suggestive of a natural landscape; sky, water, hills and fields, sunsets. Try to include a good range of values (light to dark) in your selection. Your fabric pieces need not be larger than 10" and may include smaller scraps. It will be helpful for you to read the lesson on fabric selection before purchasing any new fabrics for landscapes.
- Optional: Tulle or other sheer fabrics for shading and special effects
- A piece of thin cotton or mostly cotton batting
- Batting recommendations include: "Warm & Natural" and Fairfield's "Cotton Classic", Hobb's Heirloom Cotton or other thin cotton battings. Although it is polyester, Hobb's "Thermore" would also be suitable because it is a thin, stable batting.
- Paper scissors and fabric scissors
- Pencil and /or felt tip pen
- A few sheets of tracing paper, approximately 9" x 12"
- WonderUnder, Heat 'n' Bond light or other fusible web product
- An iron and ironing surface
- Decorative threads for machine stitching
- Pins and basic sewing supplies
- Sewing machine in good working order with darning or quilting foot. Zigzag stitching is required.
- Optional: a mat for 9" x 12" or 11" x 14" frame
OUTLINE
Lesson One
- Helpful terms when working with landscapes
- Study of atmospheric perspective
- Exercises to select fabrics to create a convincing landscape
Lesson Two
- Select the small landscape design you plan to use
- Select fabrics for each element in your landscape
- Audition fabrics in each position
- Prepare all of your pieces for fusible appliqué
Lesson Three
- Make your final fabric selections
- Fuse your pieces to the base fabric
- Begin stitching to secure each pieces to the base fabric
- Begin to add contour stitching to your landscape
Lesson Four
- Add trees to the foreground, if desired
- Layer your landscape with batting and backing
- Quilt your landscape
- Add borders or frame the landscape
- Examine some additional techniques for miniature fabric landscapes
You may check the Class Supply Glossary in the Library for generic descriptions of products that may be sold under various names in different countries.
If you have trouble finding your supplies locally in the US, many of our items are available online at Batiks Etcetera & Sew What Fabrics. International students can check our Class Supply Sources.