fabric portrait of a horse quilt block

This shows the steps I went through to assemble an applique quilt block of a horse head for a friend.

Step 1 Print the pattern

I printed out the original photo after using photoshop to separate colors and shapes and cut it out to help choose background fabric.

This instructable shows the process I used in photoshop on a similar project: http://www.instructables.com/id/Designing-fabric-portaitsquilts-using-photoshop/

Comments

[ginger20037]

This, this could be it, the project I need/want to remember a filly we had. Thank you so much for this instructable!

[dulciquilt]

I'm so glad I could help. I could have gotten a better resemblance, but couldn't afford to buy more fabric. The closer you can match the fabric to your pattern the better. I like to use 5-9 fabrics. I don't know if you the other ible that explains how to use photoshop to get your pattern. You can use tracing paper and make your own pattern, but photoshops makes it so much easier. Good luck!

[mommajune]

This is beautiful! I love horses. You have inspired me to try this...I'm just learning how to quilt.

[dulciquilt]

So glad you liked it. it doesn't look exactly like the photo, but I was trying to work from my stash and couldn't match the colors exactly. Feel free to ask questions if you run into trouble. My other ible shows how I used photoshop to separate the shapes and colors. the hardest part is deciding how many layers and matching the fabrics. I have found 5-10 fabric is the best range. If you try to do too much detail it ends up looking messy and confusing. When looking for fabrics, think out of the box. Look at the backside as well as the front. hand dyed and batiks are great for this.squint at smaller prints to see if they would work as a solid. I used a mauve with subtle rose vines on a portrait once for the ears. The vines looked like the shadows on the ear. It also helps to have a friend help you look for fabrics. My husband has a great eye for what I need and has found some of my favorite pieces. Beware. this can be quite addicting.

[GorillazMiko]

Neat! So far you have posted two great Instructables. Keep up the great work, I really like them!

[dulciquilt]

Thanks for the kind words :⁾
i have had these on my photo site, but mainly showed them to folks in quiltchat. I have become addicted to this site and decided to go ahead and post here as well.