The term "landscape quilt" is a generic term referring to quilts that represent natural landscapes, and that are intended to be hung on a wall as art.

Landscape quilt artists bring their own particular blend of artistry and quilting techniques. Often their quilts are inspired by a scene from nature, from another artistic rendition (even from scenes from a movie), from flights of imagination, or from a combination of these. They then apply their own technical expertise to express their artistic vision.

Although each of my landscape quilts is different, I typically follow certain procedures and techniques. I begin by conceptualizing an original design (I never use a pattern.) Beginning with a piece of muslin, each element of the design is created by cutting fabric into shapes resembling natural elements and layering them to create a picture. Much of the artistic joy in landscape quilting comes from finding a piece of fabric with just the right pattern, color, or visual emotion. All of the elements of good art, such as color, perspective, and shading, come to play as the design takes shape.

Once the pieces are in place, they are then secured with free motion overcasting to encase the raw edges using Sulky® translucent thread. Colored rayon and fluorescent threads are machine embroidered free motion style to further enhance and fine tune the branches, leaves, grasses, and so on. Some fabrics are dyed, over dyed, painted, and over painted to achieve the necessary colors and effects. Many batiks are used.

After the entire quilt top is created, I then add the batting and backing layers. The next very important step is the actual quilting, done once again in a free motion style. This free motion method of working enables the designer to create an artistic product that is not encumbered by conventional sewing techniques. Because the feeder dogs are in a down position, a freedom of designing in any direction and any motion is achieved. The quilting process is as much a part of the artistic product as the initial design.

Finally the quilt is bound and then blocked to assure a beautiful hang. When all the elements come together a unique, one of a kind, artistic landscape quilt emerges.

Sue Gilgen
June 2002