I want to make a landscape quilt for my neice's wedding present but not sure how hard it is to accomplish. Any hints?

There are so many different techniques, it would be hard to describe them. Maybe go to a library and look through some books and pick one that interests you. Some are very easy and some are more complex......

Generally speaking, it is usually an applique qult. There is usuall a sky and a grass or land. What I mean is, generally you see a horizon. Most libraries will have a book or two on how to get started, or maybe you could browse at Barnes and Noble or google on landscape quilts to see if you find instructions and/or techniques on lin

I want to make one also. Especially since there are so many architectural fabrics out now. But I am saving up to take a class first.

One class I looked at is through Quilt University (from EQ)

You might like doing that. I have heard good things from others who did classes there.

Good luck!

The class sounds like a good idea. I've made quite a few quilts, pillows, etc, but am warry about starting a landscape quilt. I have a couple of books but I learn better with "hands on". Is the Quilt University an on-line course, or do they have sessions across the country? I live in Long Island, NY.

Quilt University is online, and you download the lessons. You can get help from the teachers at any time, and post your work pics as you go. There is also feedback/help from classmates.

I want to take most of their classes. Just need the money!

Nancy Zieman of nancy's notions has compiled a very nice book and CD on landscape techniques. They also sell "landscape-type" fabrics.

I have done a couple different types of landscape quilts....it takes "just the right photo" to inspire me. On my picture site, I have one of a "Train" that I did...I cut out the "doo-dahs" as I called them, put fusible on the backs, then satinstitched around everything! I also did some shading and highlights with colored pencils. I really enjoyed the process.

http://flickr.com/photos/blewbird/

I must admit...I haven't done ANY landscape quilts since I purchased books on technique! I enjoyed the "seat-of-the-pants" technique the best!

Nice job, Blewbird. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: You have done many very cool quilts. Thanks for sharing.

Do you have a sketch or photo you're working from? I'd break that down to logical layers, test fabric colors/patterns against them. Basic color rules apply, pastels make calming still backgrounds, deep colors towards the front draw you in. I'd avoid a lot of complex angles and tight curves for a first try.

Joan Blalock's book, Quilted Landscapes, has some great tips and easy embellishment methods. Definately worth looking through before you start.

Here is a site for a free download of a "Photo to Sketch" program that could help section out a photograph. I have NOT used this program myself.

http://downloads.zdnet.com/thankyou.aspx?authId=GG0D7HFy7wa2IkzSW5xZe6gfdXygl +ebjP3HFiUX/mOBHE6ZDpznulW3pmNaV5dC&&promo=100200&docid=234376 &view=234376&load=1