My Design Process…it all begins with a Doodle

I thought you guys might like a small glimpse into my design process. Pretty much every quilt I design has most of these elements in it.

First I start with a doodle in my sketchbook. I see from this picture that I also wrote down the fabric line I was thinking of using.

After the doodle I need to make certain decisions such as what size? What setting? Will there be other blocks? Then I start working on a preliminary drawing. If the design has symmetry in it I usually only draw one part of it. I copy the other parts later when the design is more final.

After I look at the drawing for a while I make some notes

When I mostly happy with it I draw the other parts…in this case I folded the paper in half and copied the other side.

This is one of my most important steps. I pin the final drawing to a wall I see all the time. As I go about my work I will look at it and notice if there is anything that is bugging me or that I want to see that isn’t there. Sometimes these drawings can be up for a while and sometimes it’s only up for a day or two. It’s all very intuitive at this point. At this stage I also start thinking about color placement a bit as well.

Comments

[Karen Wilson]

My first thought was: "I wish I could draw"... but thanks for sharing because I can see that your design is simple shapes, and really I should just get over myself and have a go!
Then I just need to make sure that my finish product comes out and gorgeous as yours!

[FrancesB]

Thanks for sharing; I enjoyed this glimpse of your design process (I long to be producing my own designs, but the process of designing seems to stymie me...).

[Dee]

Thanks for the insight! It's cool to see how your beautiful designs come to life.

[Big Rig John]

Thanks for the insight - do you draft it in a drawing program after this or is it all done by hand?

[Raewyn]

Thank you for sharing this with us -- I too am a little put off about trying to design something but your step-by-step-process makes it look a little more achievable. I do love all your designs, and thank you again!

[Marianne]

Thank you from me too. It is always fascinating to get an insight into how textile artists design their work.

[Elzaan]

Thanks for letting us see how you "tick". It is interesting to see how people get ideas and what they make with it.

[Liz]

This is some nice sharing on your part. Thank You! I have been playing around with shapes too. Your designs are always beautiful!

[Pati @ A Crafty Escape]

I loved learning about your design process... you are a true artist. Thanks for sharing!

[Judy Laquidara]

I doodle but mine never comes out anything like yours! :) Seriously, your applique is gorgeous.