Quilting Arts

DIRECTIONS

Make the pattern

1. Choose your pet photo (see
   “Start with a Great Photo” for
   tips). Crop the photo, centering
   the head, then enlarge it to “fi t
   to page” and print in color.
   (fi gure 1)


2. Using a black fi ne tip marker,
   trace the pet’s outline, the changes
   in color and value, and the
   shadows and highlights. Really
   look at the photo as you draw
   and think about making enclosed
   shapes as these translate to pattern
   pieces cut in fabric.


3. Take the tracing to a local
   print shop and enlarge it to
   approximately 18" x 22" (or
   to the size you want to work)
   and print it in black and white.
   Add more details if required
   especially around the eyes. This
   is your pattern. (fi gure 2)

NOTE: You can create a “line only”
pattern if you prefer by tracing the
marked lines on a separate piece of
paper.

fi gure 1

fi gure 4

fi gure 3

g

Create the collage

1. Position the interfacing over
   the image and lightly tape it
   down onto the paper. As you
   work, everything will be glued
   to the interfacing that acts as a
   stabilizer.


2. Start with the eyes, and then
   move to other areas. For the eyes,
   you will be cutting and layering
   circles in a variety of fabrics. I
   advise 2 colors in the iris, a black
   pupil, a dark outline around
   the eye, and a white or light
   highlight. Choose your fabric and
   cut it to a workable size. Place
   it over the shape to be cut and,
   using a pencil or chalk marking
   tool, trace the shape onto the
   fabric. I do this by marking a
   small line, then lifting the fabric
   slightly to see the line below and
   then marking the line on top. Cut
   out this shape and put it in place.
   Repeat with the remaining pieces
   in the eye. (fi gure 3)


3. When you are happy with the
   layers of the eye, glue them
   together (just a small amount is
   required, as you will later stitch
   over the pieces).

fi gure 3figure 3

fi

gg

MATERIALS

• Color photo of pet


• Fine tip permanent marker, black


• Lightweight interfacing


• Fabric for collage, background, and
  backing


• Pencil or chalk marking tool


• Fabric glue with fi ne applicator

Raw-edge fabric in collage
feels more like paper collage: it is
intuitive, uses no pre-set pattern
pieces, and requires few tools. I tell
my students that we are not going
for photo-realism, just trying to
catch the spirit of the pet. And I’ll
warn you now: it is addictive!
It all starts with a great photo.

fi gure 2