From photo to quilt art

In Spring 2012 having successfully completed a few small quilts I wanted to take my work to the next level. To guide me in that process I bought the book 'Point, Click, Quilt!' By Susan Brubaker. This excellent book guides you through how to turn photos into quilts from both a technical and creative perspective. 

I picked out a suitable photo from my collection and got to work. The result was 'Foxgloves'.

I increased the scale of my work with this piece it's dimensions are 16 x 23 inches roughly. Unlike my previous attempts the layering did not result in stiffness, as I only used small overlaps between different colours. Another development in this work was my use of stitching to add detail to the work. However probably the biggest change was the fact that I started using the raw edge appliqué technique. This continues to be my preference for most of my work. I think that the appliqué technique you use is personal to you. I like the raw edge technique because it is a quick and easy method to create a relatively clean outline. Although you don't get such a clean line as you would get with other techniques where the material edge is turned under. However I like that slightly rough around the edge look, it can add character to your work.