I want quilt this and have been gathering fabric and even color washing some to get right blend for shadows.. just need a little encouragement and tips before I start sewing.. when doing a picture quilt, do you sew seams that turn under or is the material fused and raw edges exposed and layered?? Any hints and tips before I start would be great as I have never attemped anything like this..

Here is the photo that I have played with in photoshop to make it easier to see in " pieces"

You're in for quite a challenge! There are books available on how to do them. I don't have enought talent to do this kind of thing, so sorry I'm not more helfpul. Best of luck to you. :)

What a beautiful picture :D:D:D
If it is going to be a wall hanging, I would go with raw edge fusible applique.

Bettyjo,
I have been thinking about doing a similar project, but it sounds like you are further along then I.
I plan to use a variety of methods I have seen demonstrated at one time or another. Plan ahead to be able to change your methods in midstream if one doesn't work out. Try out different methods on a test piece before you apply them to your main project.
This will be a learning process so don't get discouraged. It may take some time before you are able to get it the way you want.
Look at your work from a distance to get a better perspective.
Keep us in the loop as you work...... :D

I would think that steam a seam lite would be your best friend

I don't use photoshop but I have used other programs where you can make a cartoon or a line drawing of a picture. That might help with getting the pieces. I've watched some Sharon Schamber videos where she is doing the Quilt Fairy, her face, etc. and she did turned under machine applique using monofilament. Very interesting to watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SW05o...eature=related
Look at youtube and they have all kinds of techniques and tips, I think you will find it very helpful. you can do the thread painting for the colors in her hair and filling for the eyes, etc. If I were you I would make an experimental one first and then go for the real thing. wonderful picture by the way.

What I DO know about this difficult process is that you FIRST have to make a black and white copy of the painting in the size you want.

http://www.cosman.nl/software_en.html
I found this site but I don't know anything about it. I do have a book that describes the process. If I get a chance I will find the name for you, I think you use the grid method like the picture of the dog posted earlier.